"The assumption that animals are without rights and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance is a positively outrageous example of crudity and barbarity. Universal compassion is the only guarantee of morality." ~Schopenhauer
The Cove (2009) is an eco-thriller documentary that sets out to expose the cruelty to dolphins in Japan.
Well, the Japs, they like their fish. And they are not particularly kind to animals. I mean if you actually listen hard enough, you might hear a lot of dead whales complaining. However, strange as the Japs are in their ways, they kill a lot of dolphins when the dolphin meat isn't even the preferred food there. Most of the dolphins are captured to be exported to the various marine entertainment parks around the world. The Cove sets about as a band of 'Environmental Crusaders' are trying to expose the slaughter of the remaining dolphins in the small fishing village of Taiji, Japan.
The most stunning aspect of the documentary is the compassion and collaboration of these people in trying to uncover the cruelty to dolphins in the face of many dangers. Whether it is Ric O'Barry, one of foremost dolphin activists or Charles Hambleton, a sailor and diver, their zealous activism is inspirational to say the least. They end up exposing not only the cruelty meted out to the dolphins, but through their compassion also end up making us realise the sensitive and intelligent nature of dolphins and how captivity itself is cruel to them.
Its the same story everytime isnt it? Ignorant and cruel humans leading to collapse of eco-systems, endangering their own health and survival, and the inefficacy of government and institutions in taking any kind of moral decisions, governed as they are themselves by the diktats of money. Prone to cynicism as I am, it is an example like this, where the passion of individuals makes about a difference, that is a reason for hope and inspiration.
Theres a scene towards the end of the documentary when an underwater camera, planted by this team suddenly starts seeing red, even as you hear (and understand, somehow) the pain in the squeal of a dolphin which is being slaughtered with the most cruelty. Compassion, ironically needs a glimpse of cruelty sometimes to be kindled. And it is this scene really, which makes you relate to the intense ardour of these activists.
The Cove will shock, disturb and inspire you. Must watch
P.S. I'm back.
