The Cove (12A)
Outstanding environmental doc that is as gripping as any thriller
Director: Louie Psihoyos
With: Richard O'Barry, Hayden Panetierre, Louie Psihoyos
USA, 2009, 1 hour 31 minutes
Fri 26 February 4.15pm, Sun 28 4.00pm The Courtyard Hereford
This shocking, eye-opening exposé of the phenomenally lucrative dolphin entertainment industry and the secret slaughter of dolphins plays out like an underwater thriller. Led by tireless activist Richard O'Barry, formerly the trainer of TV icon, Flipper. Using hidden mikes and cameras in fake rocks, the filmmakers work like double agents planning a sting. They bypass the high security to reveal how a small seaside village in Japan is a microcosm of horrifying ecological crimes happening all across the world. This blends hard facts, cold scientific reason plus the tension and thrills of a Bond movie to terrific effect.
"Restrained and harrowing." Sunday Times
"a film that will leave you better informed, tearful and really angry." Time Out
Winner of Oscar for Best Documentary Feature 2010
Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at Sundance Film Festival 2009
