Blackfish (2013) User Reviews

Nice orca; let's torture it. Murder mystery with SeaWorld as villain and you as willing accomplice.

[TheSquiss · 9/10 · 22 August 2013]

In February 2010, reports of the accidental death of a killer whale trainer, Dawn Brancheau, at SeaWorld, Orlando featured in newspapers and TV bulletins across the globe. How could such a tragedy occur? What on earth was Brancheau thinking? How could she make such a silly mistake? Then the story changed and it appeared this very experienced trainer was attacked by the orca, Tilikum. Shockwaves rippled. What? A gentle giant killed a human that cared for it? Suddenly killer whales lived up to their fearsome moniker and became the villains of the moment.

Then the story changed again and the truth began to emerge…

Blackfish is a startling documentary from Gabriela Cowperthwaite that investigates the reality behind the sparkling waters and bright lights of the SeaWorld parks, not that they are alone in their mistreatment of these startling, intelligent, beautiful creatures. She trawls through the archives to reveal that Brancheau's death was neither a freak accident nor an isolated attack from a vicious animal, but just one of many examples since humans decided it was acceptable to kidnap young orcas for the pleasure and pockets of humans. Kidnap? Is such a strong word appropriate? Watch Blackfish, listen to the mother make "sounds we've never heard an orca make before" in a harrowing display of grief and then decide.

Watching Blackfish and still choosing to visit SeaWorld or another such aquatic zoo is surely on the same level as taking your kids to McDonalds even though you know you're poisoning them. If I were reviewing the subject of Blackfish, like 2009's powerfully distressing The Cove, it would surely warrant a perfect score. Upon the evidence here, even if you've chosen not to see the truth of our actions in the past, there's no contest. It's wrong, it's unacceptable, it's a despicable thing we do when we steal these creatures from their oceans and trap them in tiny prisons. But the review is not for the subject matter but for the manner in which it is presented to us.

Blackfish isn't perfect. It doesn't have quite the same profound, lasting impact as The Cove. Perhaps that is, in part, down to the lack of shocking imagery. The footage of orcas bleeding copiously into their pools, having been attacked by other killer whales, is sickening but because it is on a smaller scale than the mass slaughter of dolphins that dyed the cove scarlet there is a risk the impact will be reduced. It shouldn't be, it mustn't be, but… We shouldn't need to see it to believe it, but we've become a far more visually inspired breed in recent years.

More than that, Blackfish doesn't give a lot of time to the other side of the story. I'm intrigued to know quite how SeaWorld could possibly defend its actions but, as they declined to be interviewed, this is a very one-sided documentary. I can't help thinking this imperative cause would be even more compelling if we could hear the excuses.

Another unexplained mystery is how Cowperthwaite obtained the footage she has of SeaWorld. Presumably they didn't give it to her willingly. But these are minor quibbles with a documentary that is as sickening as it is compelling. Interviews with apologetic, horrified former SeaWorld trainers and tear-streaked 'kidnappers' impart the information we need to educate, inform, convince or perhaps even convert us.

First, Cowperthwaite teaches us about the orcas: Their brains are superior to ours in certain aspects; their emotional attachment far exceeds ours, with offspring remaining with their mother long into adulthood; each family group (or pod) has it's own culture and 'language' for communication.

She then counters that with the lies perpetuated by the SeaWorld staff that we choose to believe: Orcas live longer, up to 35 years, in captivity due to the care available – actually, in the wild, it's up to 50 for males and can be closer to a hundred for the females.

Male dorsal fin collapse is normal – absolutely, it's 100% in captivity. However, in their natural environment it occurs approximately 1% of the time.

Killer whales enjoy performing the tricks in tiny pools for us – um…

As more and more evidence of orca psychosis brought on by cruelty and captivity unfolds, Blackfish becomes increasingly difficult to watch. The sight of peeling paint in a tiny, floating warehouse into which the orcas are herded every night is saddening. Hearing that they are punished for not performing perfectly is horrifying. Watching them bleed, observing them rock in grief or cry out to their stolen offspring is heartbreaking.

The message throughout Blackfish is that faceless managers steal killer whales (along with dolphins and countless other creatures) from their natural habitats, subject them to abuse and solitary confinement in woefully cramped enclosures so that we can pay to watch them perform unnatural tricks for our cameras, and so the owners can watch their bank accounts swell. The message is, it isn't about entertainment or protection of a species, it's about money.

But what stamps the reality more indelibly than anything that comes before it, is the comment from one of the former trainers in the final scene. As they sail through the ocean, watching a pod of killer whales free and at peace in their natural environment, he comments, "We saw orcas swimming in straight lines with straight dorsal fins... it was an honour."

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Man is the Beast

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 6 August 2013]

Greetings again from the darkness. Dogs, cats, fish, birds, hamsters, ferrets, snakes, and even pigs. We love our pets. We also love our zoos, city aquariums and SeaWorld parks. For many years, we have chosen to believe that the research and educational advances that come from these outlets outweigh any of the negatives involved with keeping wild animals in captivity. Filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite shows us (by focusing on SeaWorld) that it's way past time for us to open our eyes to the cruelty involved with the capture and training of wild animals for entertainment purpose.

The points made here are not speculation. We witness numerous interviews with "former" SeaWorld trainers. It's clear these people thought they had a bond with their co-performers. Most never even mention the term "killer whale" ... the common moniker for the majestic creatures better known as Orcas. The interviews have great impact, and when combined with startling TV news clips and footage from audience members, it becomes obvious that the huge profits and entertainment offered to families, are quite frankly generated by an immoral and inexcusable business model.

Most of the story is tied together by the 2010 death of super-trainer Dawn Brancheau by Tilikum, the largest Orca in the SeaWorld group. What we soon learn is that Tilikum was captured in Iceland waters at the age of three, and has since had many incidents resulting in injuries and even three deaths. It's also stated that Tilikum is the head of the family tree for the majority of SeaWorld's performing Orcas.

Of course, no one can or should blame these incredibly intelligent and emotional and family-oriented creatures. Everything about their existence goes against their natural habitat and way of life. The real issue is ... just because we CAN capture and train these animals, does that mean we SHOULD? If the focus is profits, then the answer is apparently yes. If instead, the focus is respecting nature and valuing other species, then the answer is much different.

The Cove and Project Nim are two other documentaries that come to mind when thinking about filmmakers attempting to expose the danger in training wild animals. Watching this story had me hanging my head like the fisherman from the 1970's as he helped capture a young whale, as the family members swam nearby crying and screeching. Let's hope director Cowperthwaite's screams are heard. See this movie before deciding to visit another SeaWorld (who couldn't be bothered to comment on camera). There are better ways to teach your kids about nature and there are certainly less cruel forms of entertainment.

Gut-wrenching.

[Sergeant_Tibbs · 8/10 · 18 September 2013]

This year is already shaping up to be a great one for documentaries and Blackfish is quickly earning the reputation of being the most essential. And it absolutely deserves it. Although its an emotionally charged argument, there's a rational logic behind it. Every time there's found footage of killer whale incidents it's utterly gut-wrenching and you can't help but dread the moments that inevitably shook the world when they could've been prevented. Fortunately, the filmmakers find a different way to present the footage each time and it keeps it from feeling repetitive and builds to feeling more heart breaking at every turn. In its use of talking head interviews with former trainers, it ends up genuinely dramatic without feeling melodramatic as many documentaries can. It oozes with passion for the creatures which helps enforce its argument against their treatment, not just for better protection for trainers, but for corporations like SeaWorld to not turn a blind eye at the clear injustice they've cased. What's the moral cost of the business and entertainment? I certainly won't ever be able to be entertained by animal acts without thinking about Blackfish. Thisis an extremely powerful documentary that's brilliantly structured, tragic and cinematic. More than worth your time.

8/10

A must-see!

[Erika_IMDb · 10/10 · 30 July 2013]

This is a thought-provoking documentary on Tilikum, an Orca that has been at Sea World since 1983 and who is responsible for the death of 3 people (2 of his trainers, and 1 man who snuck into his tank). This is a film about the horrors that these animals go through being kept in captivity for our pleasure and the latest film to showcase how horrible Sea World can be for the very animals it claims to protect, oh the irony.

If you thought watching 'The Cove' was difficult, I suggest you take tissues if you plan on seeing this. 2 days later and I still can't stop thinking about this movie or get rid of some of the images and sounds shown.

I highly recommend this doc. Go see it with an open mind, I guarantee that you will never see captivity the same way again.

"If you were in a bathtub for 25 years, don't you think you'd get a little psychotic?!"

Film Moves With Fluidity of Wild Orca

[yazerin · 10/10 · 2 February 2013]

The documentary "Blackfish" just premiered at Sundance to much deserved rave reviews. It's a compelling story of a 12,000 pound orca who has been in captivity since 1983 when he was captured at the age of two. New footage and interviews with trainers who worked at SeaWorld (and left disillusioned) add dynamic interest to the overall question of whether or not these wild intelligent sentient animals should be kept in captivity. This is a story that will have you questioning what you thought you knew. See "Blackfish" if you're interested in orcas; see it if you're interested in the truth; see it for no other reason than to find out why SeaWorld doesn't want you to see it. This film moves with the fluidity of a wild orca in the ocean. Don't miss out on seeing "Blackfish" because it's going to change the way you think.

On how humans should (and should not) encounter orca whales

[imdb-694-11888 · 9/10 · 28 July 2013]

First, that's a great documentary: it beautifully combines Herzog's "Grizzly Man" thrilling, escalating tension of how things go wrong when humans misinterpret their relation with nature with Achbar & Abbott's "The Corporation" sharp examination of modern-day companies.

Second, it is aesthetically captivating and pleasant to follow. Cowperthwaite's reconstructs the narrative leading to the final, and fatal, encounter of Tilikum and Dawn Brancheau, alternating footage, both in the wild and in aquariums, with interviews and contextual data.

Finally, it is a work that, without ever abandoning neutrality, serves a mostly noble cause: that against the confinement of animals that are intelligent, social, and set to crisscross oceans, not to be kept in tanks.

My hope is that, by being such a fine piece of art, it also helps change the industry of marine-life entertainment theme parks.

So "Blackfish" is a big splash in more than one way! Go watch it.

Shocked & upset

[stacey-gorman · 9/10 · 29 April 2013]

I saw this documentary at the Sundance film festival London. I travelled down from Manchester as i could not wait for the Uk cinema release. After Seeing The Cove in 2009 after swimming with Captive Dolphins myself in 2006 to get over a family bereavement x 2. I never knew what dolphins did in captivity - just that it was one of the things i wanted to do before i die. After seeing them entertain people again & again, eat dead fish & float in a small tank all day i needed to see the pain Orcas go through. I'm glad Blackfish has been made. YOU need to see this film if you love mammals & any other intelligent animal in captivity...My eyes were opened at The Cove....if this doesn't then you are very selfish....Money is defo the Rule of all Evil. I will be taking all my friends & family to see this. After 5 days I am still thinking about it & can't believe these parks are still open :(

"We have not learned a damn thing..."

[moonspinner55 · 6/10 · 12 July 2017]

Orcas, captured in the wild off Puget Sound and Iceland, are sold into captivity to be displayed at theme parks; one such killer whale, named Tilikum, is bought by SeaWorld from the closing Sealand of the Pacific in British Columbia, mainly for breeding purposes--following a horrific incident wherein Tilikum killed a trainer during a performance. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite's scathing indictment of SeaWorld and its unconscionable practices shows clearly the inhumane treatment Orcas endure just to be displayed for show, and the footage of aggressive behavior by killer whales towards unprotected, sometimes uneducated eager young trainers is horrifying. The film is enlightening not only as a cautionary tale, but also as a document of how greed blinds corporations from doing the right thing. Heartbreaking and hard to watch, though edited at times with manipulative fervor--to get an extra rise out of the viewer. Nevertheless, essential viewing. **1/2 from ****

Blackfish is Biased

[weesharobb · 4/10 · 2 December 2015]

Blackfish is a documentary with the sole purpose being to put SeaWorld out of business. In this documentary the filmmakers show many examples of evidence proving SeaWorld's marine life being held captive causes the animals to suffer mentally. The film focuses mainly on Tilikum, one of SeaWorld's most well known orcas. Over the course of his life, Tilikum killed three people, two of whom were killed even before he was brought to SeaWorld and the third being one of SeaWorld's very own trainers, Dawn Brancheau. Many former trainers were brought in and interviewed for the film to give their perspective on their experiences with the way SeaWorld treats their marine life. They also brought in many so called "professionals" to view the footage and give their opinions. The documentary film, Blackfish tries to prove to the viewers that SeaWorld is well overdue of boycotting, and they do a good job showing us that. This film is very biased and the viewer should be aware of that when watching and critiquing it. The whole purpose is to show SeaWorld in a bad light, so of course they would not show the good SeaWorld does for their marine life and the community. In the film they never reveal SeaWorld's side of the stories at all. They show us what a lot of people have to say about the incidents, but they never give us a witness' account. SeaWorld is like a silent killer on trial where he is consistently being put under pressure and not allowed to speak for his cause. We are never told what the actual case report is, we are just told the interviewees' take on the footage they are shown, not even being shown a statement from SeaWorld. This makes this film appear to be very biased because it seems they are afraid to show us any of the actual events in case we may decide on our own who is right. Most, if not all of the former trainers in the film haven't been employed at SeaWorld in over 10 years. This makes them unaware of current conditions at the park as they may have changed in the past decade. These individuals have little to no experience with the orca in question, or the orcas in the park at all for that matter. One of the former trainers, Samantha Berg, mentioned training with Tilikum, but after further research it is found out that she never trained with him and only very briefly worked in the killer whale section of the park. The footage that is meant to be assumed as being Ms. Berg was actually footage shot over 10 years previous to her leaving SeaWorld. Just by viewing the interviews it becomes obvious that the former employees have some sort of resentment towards the park. Animal rights activists masquerading as scientists seems to be yet another way to pull at each viewer and convince us to respect this film. Howard Garret, Lori Marino, and Ken Balcomb are just a few of the activists that were portrayed as being professionals or even scientists specializing in marine life. Each of these people have no experience with orca behavior in captivity. A few of the other "professionals" in the film were also part of a lawsuit against SeaWorld stating that they were going against the 13th amendment, and even calling what SeaWorld is doing an act of slavery. The film also uses statements from David Duffus, who is not a marine life specialist, but instead a professor of geography. An OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) judge even stated "he has no expertise in the training of captive killer whales," referring to David." This film seems to try to hide a lot of truth behind these masks they've created. Overall the documentary Blackfish proves to be very biased in their reasoning. Even just scratching the surface you can see that they use a lot of false testimonies and experiences. They do a very good job making the viewer feel attached and the heartache for the animals through the footage and the stories, but those very stories are twisted to fit their own perception of the reality of the way SeaWorld treats their marine life.

More a polemic than documentary at times, but it is effective as such

[bob the moo · 8 June 2014]

I had heard about this film long before I got to seeing it; there are a couple of very liberal media outlets that I use and this film was very much promoted on them – so I had heard good things but was conscious that it was maybe from an easy audience sector. Anyway, I knew enough about it to be pretty sure that we wouldn't be hearing much from Seaworld in the film itself and indeed at the end it is confirmed that they refused to be interviewed for this film. Many have pointed out that this makes the film rather one-sided, but personally I do not think that having an official Seaworld presence in the film would have made much of a difference to that and to be honest it is probably for the best that they didn't get involved.

I say this because, although it is not too unfair or aggressive, the film really is a polemic rather a passive documentary; the case is made in a systematic and effective fashion, building the case and it does it in a way that is really hard to not be affected by. The film is at its best when it is as much of a documentary as it can be – so informing the viewer of the nature of orca whales in the wild, their community and their connections, because this then informs us about the actions taken to separate families from one another – and like the massive butch guy who can barely talk about doing it, it is hard not to be really moved by the idea and the reality. Other such contrasts are well done, such as the statements on lifespan etc, however the film doesn't always do it as well.

Relating to the older actions (and the illegal ones in particular), the film is a bit unfair to present these next to a silent Seaworld – I know they are not involved but it would have been nice to hear the film confirm if they had ever admitted wrong doing etc. Just mentioning it and moving on makes it look like it was gotten away with, never addressed looking back etc. The interviews with the ex-trainers are all pretty engaging and emotive but there is a lot of personal statement and issues-driven passion in there; this is fine but it means the film has to do a bit to make sure it remains a documentary – I think it could have done more in that regard.

These are flaws in the film as a documentary but even with these it is hard to really take the subject and conclusions to issue. It builds its case well, presenting the base of cruelty and the impact to trainers and animals of the Seaworld shows. It does push too far to one side and it doesn't really give you food for thought so much as conclusions, but it is an impacting film and it is hard for me to really take issue with what it is saying even if I had reservations over how it says it.

Harrowing, outstanding documentary

[Leofwine_draca · 9/10 · 29 November 2013]

BLACKFISH is a documentary that explores the circumstances surrounding the death of a SeaWorld employee at the hands of a killer whale called Tilikum. It's a masterwork, a harrowing and absolutely outstanding piece of filmmaking that takes the opportunity of exploring many connected areas and raises important questions about the ethics surrounding performing animals.

The documentary is a well-paced and engaging combination of talking heads and historical footage of the killer whales performing. As somebody with an interest in wildlife and conservation, I found this to be enthralling stuff that not only educated me about a species but also horrified me in the extreme. It truly is one of those documentaries that everybody should watch to find out more about the cruelties and complexities of our modern world.

So excited to stumble on this promo

[cooki2581 · 10/10 · 4 June 2013]

I am so happy the cruelty behind captive whales is being exposed. I was so excited to see this promo on IMDb. Seeing the 20 seconds of the whales being taken from the ocean and then where they kept them after made me want to cry. I doubt I'll be able to watch the movie without crying. What Sea World and other theme parks like them are doing is wrong and cruel and I'm so glad more people are going to see this. Every parent who takes their kid to Sea World should be required to watch this first. I went to Sea World twice for school functions in high school and I didn't think anything of it. When I look back on it, I am mad that I was put in the position to have to go. I hope this film also changes schools views on field trips (or band trips or drill team trips) to Sea World. I have been fighting and protesting Sea World (and the circus)for years now. The more people who know about what really happens the better for these poor animals. THANK YOU to the person who made this documentary.

Shamu sham

[Lejink · 8/10 · 12 October 2013]

Like many I guess, I've seen and considered myself entertained by the sea creatures at Sea World. I was aware of the death of one of the trainers at one of these shows from some years ago but put it down to being an occupational hazard, a tragic but accidental death. This well-made, provocative documentary takes that sad story as its starting point and digs deeper, painting up a tawdry tale of greed, deception and apparent wilful abandonment of care by the named entertainment company, which significantly declined to comment on any of the major accusations lodged here.

From the horrible death of the female trainer in 2010, caught on video, but mercifully cut before she is actually killed, the production traces back the story of the only too well named killer whale and its history of previous attacks on other trainers, caused, allegedly by years of mistreatment of the animal. Sea World's part in a similar European tragedy involving the death of a Spanish trainer only adds to the charge sheet.

A host of former trainers now recanting their previously parroted company-speak of how well the animals are treated is a particularly effective device, but there's much good detective work besides. Most of all, the film isn't afraid to point the finger at the multimillion dollar corporation Sea World and while I hesitate to come to a judgement without the accused exercising the right of reply, it's hard not to conclude that this was an accident, if that's the correct word, waiting to happen.

The film is happy to confine its aim to Sea World alone, but I'm sure I'm not alone in reconsidering my position on the capture and training of animals for our entertainment not only in water parks, but also of course in circuses and zoos.

A sad, sobering, look into an unacceptable mode of entertainment which has surely had its day.

Heartbreaking yet necessary

[daxpea · 10/10 · 9 August 2013]

Having spent the majority of my Summer holidays as a small child bouncing from theme parks to zoos all over America and the UK, I never really thought about animals in captivity being cruel until I was older.

I already had a solid opinion on this subject before I watched Blackfish so my world view didn't really shift, it was merely justified. I can guarantee though that if you have a positive opinion on wildlife in captivity (specifically large mammals like Orca's) or never really thought about it, this documentary will open your eyes.

Blackfish really hits hard early on showing exactly what Seaworld, and other large corporations with animals, have done in the past to gain their animals.

Blackfish is full of heartbreak and I think a large part of the efficiency of this documentary is the expert editing and decisions taken by production of where to place the clips and when. The interviews were fantastic and having a slightly contradictory interviewee made the documentary even better.

I highly recommend this to everyone although be aware that this is definitely a 15 and it includes some shocking video clips of trainers getting hurt, animals bleeding and high tension.

Shocking, Captivating and Unapologetic

[guitarspoons · 7/10 · 17 October 2013]

I hadn't heard much about Blackfish before I managed to catch a screening of it. I will certainly never forget watching it though.

Blackfish is an utterly terrifying look at the practices of the Seaworld corporation through the eyes of it's former employees. It is at times deeply moving, shocking and altogether unpleasant. I certainly did not know a lot of issues that were raised in the film.

It's not a perfect documentary in terms of equal representation for either side. In fact the film does little to represent the good that is spread by Seaworld and it's associated resorts, however if even one tenth of the facts proposed in this film are true, it stands on it's own two feet as a bare exposure of the malpractice of Seaworld.

Do not watch if you're easily upset or generally if you ever want to visit Seaworld again. It's a bit of a life changer in respect to the later.

Gut Wrenching

[jarthur0111 · 10/10 · 27 October 2013]

This documentary is one of the best docs I've ever seen. Tilikum, the Orca who is the film's focus, is not the only tragic victim in this movie. We feel the loss of Dawn Brancheau & the other trainers killed in this movie acutely.

There are scenes of wild orcas that are rapturous & conversely there are scenes with them that are filled with tension & dread. The filmmakers aren't out to shock you with graphic imagery (if any exist). The spoken & written descriptions are horrifying enough. (It is not for children!) I wish I could un-hear the plaintive cries of a mother orca after being separated from her child. That scene had to be in the film, but it is almost --it is-- too much.

To call this film one-sided is like calling a film about the horrors of meth addiction, child abuse or the dangers of cigarette smoking biased. How could it be any other way?

It is an absolutely unforgettable film.

Update 2015: This film is even more powerful if you see it after you had read John Hargrove's book "Beneath The Surface" which explores the film's subject in greater detail. I can't think of a film + book that complement each other so perfectly except maybe "Eight Men Out" & "Into The Wild" (maybe Cheryl Strayed's "Wild" which I haven't read that was adapted into an excellent film).

The film Blackfish tells the story of multiple killer whales in captivity, its main focus being Tillikum a massive killer whale captive at SeaWorld.

[kenna425 · 7/10 · 14 November 2014]

The film Blackfish tells the story of multiple killer whales in captivity, its main focus being Tillikum a massive killer whale captive at SeaWorld. The effects of captivity are highlighted, one Orca researcher himself even says "There is no record of an orca doing any harm to a human in the wild". This is a film that will rip your heart out and send you on an emotional roller coaster. Not only does it beg for the protection of the killer whales but it shows how detrimental that places such a SeaWorld are to the physical and mental health of any animal. It causes you to ask the questions, "What is morally right?" and "Are they taking animal captivity too far?" With a mixer of interviews, recorded footage of animals in captivity, and stories from people who have lost a love one due to an attack the importance of cutting down on captivity is expressed very well. If you love watching inspirational, moving films then you will adore Blackfish. It drives an unexplainable emotion in the watchers heart. You will not be able to stay the same and just let captivity continue. Blackfish will cause you to get off of your couch and be determined to make a difference. If you love places such as SeaWorld and local zoos this film may drive negative emotion. Experiences and memories that you had at those place may be ruined and stolen from you. You will either walk away after viewing the film and be angry with SeaWorld or feel like the film was too bias for you.

Sadly, this film is has a lot of bias because it only shows one side of the spectrum, how awful the whales are being treated. It shows no positive things that could come along with places such as SeaWorld. The footage highlights things such as cuts and wounds on the animal. As a watcher you do not get to experience the full effects, negative and positive, of a whale being captivity. Then again, there could also not be a positive side to a whale being captured besides the animal being ill or hurt. Even if a whale has been captured, if it is able to heal well enough to be sent back into the ocean that is where he/she should go. There is nothing better for an animal than its natural habitat. The only good excuse to keep an animal in confinement is because if the animal was sent back into the ocean it could not survive there. It is awful to allow an animal to become dependent on humans and their easy sources for life when they were designed to be independent or be a part of a family that cares for them.

Blackfish is a chilling documentary that can't be always full explained but it is nothing short of amazing.

[alexcomputerkid · 10/10 · 10 November 2013]

Founded in 1964 by Milton C. Shedd, Ken Norris and David DeMott, Sea World was the newest theme park attraction in the 60's. It was a theme park attraction that was different for the 60's and even now due to it's marine life theme. From it's popular roller coaster Kraken in Orlando, Florida to the Madagascar Live! Operation:Vacation show in San Diego, California, this points to why Sea World is so successful. That said, Blackfish by CNN is made for the whole world to show us what is underneath the surface of this company and some of their wrongdoings.

Blackfish makes it's main points through Tilikum the 12,000 pound killer whale who has had 21 offspring and has helped make Sea World successful but has also been responsible for three deaths. Tilikum is a whale that has put his mark on Sea World and now will always define it. Through the use of nets and hooks, Tilkum was wrongfully captured off the cost of Iceland in 1983. I don't think there is anyway a whale or any other type of marine animal for that matter should be taken away from a place where they grew up or where their family is and taken to a Sea World park. It is like taking a human being out of their house and putting them in far away place without any hope of ever getting back.

To learn information about Tilikum, we see interviews with the former trainers of this whale. These are great and informative interviews that show the power, love and intelligence of this whale. They also point to more of Sea World's wrongdoings.

The biggest point Blackfish makes is about the deaths caused by Tililkum that we do see through some scary scenes. One involved a 1991 incident with the trainer Keltie Byrne, another is a strange 1999 incident that involved Daniel Dukes and also an incident in 2010 involving the now well- known trainer, Dawn Brancheau. Afterwards, you cannot look at this large mammal the same but also there are many holes in place in these stories. Where was security in the Daniel Dukes incident where he got in the Tilikum's tank? Dawn Brancheau's story has obviously been covered up many times by Sea World. There is a lot interesting information out there that we really still need to learn.

Also included in this film, are some fun commercials from Sea World. We see a family from Detroit from the 90's doing a promotion, a first time baby whale shown in 1994 and it's fun to look back at this. We also learn about whales' brain which was unexpected. It's the little things like this shows off some Sea World nostalgia and you can see that director Gabriela Cowperthwaite has done her homework.

Blackfish is one-sided but it is a film we need. It is great for what it tells us and it's effect on us. Frankly, nothing in this will want to make you go back to Sea World again. Blackfish is a chilling documentary that can't be always full explained but it is nothing short of amazing. Even though it is a documentary, Blackfish is still no doubt one of the top films of 2013.

Disturbing but a must see

[lradavich · 10/10 · 3 November 2013]

I have never been a fan of zoos. Watching caged animals pace back and forth neurotically has always bothered me. I must confess we took our kids to Seaworld when they were young. One time was immediately after one orca had killed another in the tank so there was basically no show, the orcas just swam around in the tank because the trainers couldn't get in the water with them. Watching this movie is deeply disturbing. It is cruel to see what these highly intelligent animals are forced to endure. The scene where the mother and baby are separated is heart-wrenching. First, watch this movie. Then, don't ever go to a zoo or sea aquarium again and this will cease to exist.

Great movie MUST SEE FOR ALL

[lachelleibarra · 10/10 · 25 October 2013]

This is an excellent film for families, and everyone to watch. If you love Orcas/killer whales, PLEASE watch this movie. This movie has truly changed my life, I have made everyone in my family watch it, and plan to continue to share it with anyone who will listen. It is heart wrenching, breathtaking, horrifying, yet honest. It tells the truth behind how they were caught from the ocean, they were not rescued and taken to sea world, they were captured. They were ripped from their families and some were killed during the process. It also shares a lot of details about their lifespan, former trainers experiences, and more. This movie will make you cry, but also helps you appreciate the beauty and intelligence of killer whales. Please watch this film & share with everyone you know.

A must see heavy-hitting indictment of the reality of Sea World

[checkers38 · 10/10 · 27 October 2013]

"Blackfish" is one of the greatest films to come along in a decade. The details and research of the never before seen reporting of what goes into making a massive intelligent whale perform tricks in a pool will forever change you. The film calls into question the very moral and ethical considerations of stripping away every normal and natural behavior to Orcas for our entertainment, and the devastating consequences of doing so for both people and the animals. Every person who is considering visiting Sea World or any Marine Park must see this film first. The shiny and fun show your kids might enjoy has a very dark and disturbing reality behind it. This movie marks the beginning of the end of keeping Orcas captive. It would be insanity to continue the confinement of Orcas for human entertainment now that the dirty secrets of Sea World have been made public. The animals do not matter to Sea World, only the profits. This movie causes great emotional pain as it exposes the worst traits of man. Blackfish is a must see film.

An eye opener.

[ragmon88 · 10/10 · 13 September 2013]

Great documentary its really informative and engaging, I did not feel that at any point that it being repetitive like some documentaries can be.

I always thought about animals in captivity and how it was bad for them but after I watched Blackfish it really opened my eye to a whole new level of cruelty that all animals in captivity suffer.

It is a shame that the trainers had to learn the hard way the meaning behind the Killer Whales name. I was really surprised how even the trainers were kept in the dark for so long about Tilliky.

It is a nice and sobering documentary that encompasses all forms of animal captivity.

Many nearby locales and shots give this movie credibility

[jack98230 · 9/10 · 19 August 2013]

Perhaps a little preachy, but essentially right-on expose' of one of the nastier roadside zoo type companies around.

Sea World was shown the door in Washington because of the numbers of whales they killed trying to capture a few for their parks.

As against elephants or ostriches or other exotics, killer whales are fairly easy to see in their natural environment. All you have to do is come to where they like to hang out and go out on a whale watch boat.

Sea World, if it were responsibly run, might have a case for what it's doing now as long as it doesn't trap any more wild animals. But the spin, the bullshit and outright false information, shows that their chief interest is in the almighty buck, not taking care of wildlife or even their own staff.

Sea World seems to be continuing a vestige of old-fashioned zoo attitudes that once gave us bears in chains dancing at county fairs, especially when they confine these animals to such small enclosures. It may be true that animals born in captivity know nothing of life in the wild, but they're still physically equipped for that life, and can and should be returned to the wild.

This is not because we can do that, but because we should, just as we should be about cleaning up our act so there's enough fish for these creatures to eat. In the wild.

In the beginning and toward the end of the film there are local Washington state shots, even one that shows one well-known bull, "Ruffles," and others of his pod in their natural environment, one I can almost look at directly (but for the trees) from where I sit writing this.

So if Se World wants to do this right, assuming it can be done "right," it wouldn't cost any more money (their basic value) to tell the truth and offer good solid scientific information, instead of making it all into one more consumerist game.

Orcas Have Feelings Too

[ghost_dog86 · 7/10 · 8 August 2013]

"To this day there have been no recorded accounts of an orca whale attacking a human outside of captivity." Working as a clear indictment of SeaWorld and their treatment of orca whales (more commonly known as killer whales) this is the major quote which resonates throughout the new documentary "Blackfish", from filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite. "Blackfish" is not a movie solely about naive humans forgetting that killer whales are still wild animals, but an exposé regarding why they shouldn't be kept in captivity in the first place. In saying that, when going into a documentary like this, there is going to be a lot of…well, a lot of what you would expect. Meaning, with its visuals mostly concentrating on the abuse of performance whales in captivity, there is going to be things in "Blackfish" that we've all seen before. It is the fascinating central storyline of Tilikum the whale and a few of the more heart wrenching scenes of abuse, which elevates this from an average doc, to a fairly compelling film.

Side Note: While I make mention that some of the footage shown is stuff that we've seen before, most of it is still not for the faint of heart, and may be too upsetting for younger audiences. So viewer, beware. Synopsis: Following the history of killer whale attacks in captivity (mostly at SeaWorld) "Blackfish" turns its focus on the 12,000 pound killer whale Tilikum, whose involvement in three deadly attacks on humans, cements him as the most infamous orca whale still performing today. Sadly this immensely interesting story only makes up about 50% of the movie. The rest of it is filled with actual footage which covers the spectrum of visuals concerning inhumane whale treatment, as well as a myriad of attacks on SeaWorld trainers. And like I said before, much of that video footage is stuff one could easily find on YouTube or some Save the Whales-type website. Final Thought: Gathering a majority of its interviews from former SeaWorld trainers, of course "Blackfish" has an agenda. Of course it is bias. Of course it is manipulative. But nowadays most documentaries are. So, judging solely on how well this film was put together and how compelling the content was, even though "Blackfish" undoubtedly will not be up for any Oscars, it is worth checking out; if only for the Tilikum story alone.

Whale of a tale

[Gpaddock · 3/10 · 31 December 2013]

I just finished the movie and have to say I am very disappointed with the bias shown by the film makers throughout. I am very sympathetic to these poor creatures who live the great majority of their lives in captivity. The truth shall set you free, not half truths or just total misrepresentation and manipulation of facts.

The fact we see most of the film through the eyes of a handful of animal trainers without learning anything about their backgrounds and separation from sea world is in itself disturbing. The so called experts brought forth to enlighten us on the facts of the species added nothing but statistical manipulations. Bottom line this film is just so much chum in the water.