An intriguing voice makes a troubling observation at the beginning of “The Cove,” a remark that perfectly frames the unsettling tone of all that is to come: A dolphin’s smile is one of the most misleading gestures of nature. It tricks us into believing they are happy even while their species is threatened with slaughter.
The voice turns out to be the reasoned yet passionate view of Ric O’Barry, the former trainer of TV’s Flipper. “The Cove” brilliantly employs O’Barry and a high-tech spying expedition in one of the best documentaries of the year. Look for it at the Academy Awards, for “The Cove” has rightfully stirred admiration and outrage.
The film is a must-see for families with teens who are interested in the environment, food- supply issues and international politics. “The Cove” moves artfully and easily among those three subjects, as well as others, linked by footage of dolphins both frolicking and threatened.
The main story of “The Cove” is a 100-yard section of seashore in a small town on Japan’s coast. Taiji is the place where traditional fisherman drive thousands of dolphins each year, to be picked over by international dolphin trainers for live purchase. The “leftovers” are pushed around the corner and then slaughtered for dolphin meat. The Japanese, wary for good reason, do all in their power to keep cameras away from what they know is a horrifying sight.
As persuasive as “The Cove” can be, however, the film leaves plenty of room for family discussions about fairness in filmmaking and environmental activism.
The film makes the Japanese seem inhuman, and never offers an alternative argument or a larger context for dolphin fishing. I’m not a vegetarian, but can anyone who eats flesh — from tuna to cattle — single out dolphin killing for special scorn? I don’t have an answer for that; it would be interesting to hear if your children think they do.
Rated: PG-13, for disturbing scenes of dolphin slaughter. Shield your youngest animal lovers from this film.
Best suited for: Families with kids 13 or older, interested in the environment, the sea, politics or animals.
Michael Booth: mbooth@denverpost.com or 303-954-1686
