The 2009 movie "The Cove" won an Oscar as best feature documentary. "Behind 'The Cove'" was released in 2015. Given 6 years to put this film together, I had high expectations for a worthy rebuttal. This film wasn't it. The scattershot approach touches on everything from Japanese children swimming with dolphins in the cove to the U.S. use of nuclear bombs in World War II. Instead of rebutting the scenes of dolphin slaughter in the 2009 film, this film argues that other countries eat different animal meat so what's the problem? Many explanations for the practice of harvesting the 'smiling fish' are touched on then dropped. Maybe someday a more targeted film will address this issue but don't expect this film to do it.
11 Reviews
Undisciplined, unsuccessful attempt to explain an Oscar-winning doc.
don-franks28 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Blatant Propaganda
mina-76-9153372 September 2018
I've never before seen a film so unapologetic in its propaganda. It's like the whole thing was paid for by the Taiji government or something. The interviewer paints animal rights activists like horrible scary people set out to destroy a lovely little community, and then fills the rest of the time throwing soft ball questions to government officials, who give their government-approved hot takes, like "The only reason foreigners dislike dolphin slaughter is because white people are racist and too stupid to understand our deep and honored traditions (that started in 1969)!" and "Whale/dolphin meat is delicious and healthy, and should be eaten more in school lunches!"
The film was also shot in a very amateur way, and there were times where an interview was going on, and the subject's face was totally out of focus! This was truly one of the worst "documentaries" I've ever seen. A documentary is supposed to uncover a truth that is hidden, like "The Cove" did. This documentary actively worked to make people forget the truths uncovered and to stick their heads back into the sand.
The film was also shot in a very amateur way, and there were times where an interview was going on, and the subject's face was totally out of focus! This was truly one of the worst "documentaries" I've ever seen. A documentary is supposed to uncover a truth that is hidden, like "The Cove" did. This documentary actively worked to make people forget the truths uncovered and to stick their heads back into the sand.
....umm... What?
asianryu3 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
What did I just watch?? I was born and raised in Japan. I've never had whale meat. I've never seen 'The Cove'. But, of course, I saw all the media buzz that followed the release of that documentary. I'm not on a crusade to save the world - nor am I completely ignorant to the many terrible things that modern day man imposes on the world. There is an obvious case for advocating against whaling in its current form - to include the glaring issues and affects on the environment and ecosystem, the methods employed, and even the moral debate on the responsibilities of humankind. This documentary - being the first of its kind; a rebuttal to The Cove - had an opportunity to address these topics.
What we get is a scattered string of almost random interviews and stories that ultimately add up to nothing. The importance of tradition and the misrepresentation of the people of Taiji are barely touched upon - and again, offer almost nothing that would prompt the viewer to discover an alternative perspective.
The documentary begins with the promise of showing a different side to the subject matter that may explain or, at the least, shed some light on the controversies. It proceeds to stumble into a jumbled logic that, while obviously trying to portray an objective telling, is borderline unintelligible and lacking any weight. Several inaccurate facts are stated and shared - which further lends to discredit its director and producers as armatures.
In the end, the message is incomplete. The film ends without fully realizing any real counterargument to the film it is challenging. Again, I've never seen 'The Cove'. I cannot argue it's inaccuracies. However, it's message was clearly and very obviously effective. It prompted the creation of this film and spurred people to travel across the world in protest. I fear the only thing this film will prompt is groans of disappointment and the want for two hours of your life back.
What we get is a scattered string of almost random interviews and stories that ultimately add up to nothing. The importance of tradition and the misrepresentation of the people of Taiji are barely touched upon - and again, offer almost nothing that would prompt the viewer to discover an alternative perspective.
The documentary begins with the promise of showing a different side to the subject matter that may explain or, at the least, shed some light on the controversies. It proceeds to stumble into a jumbled logic that, while obviously trying to portray an objective telling, is borderline unintelligible and lacking any weight. Several inaccurate facts are stated and shared - which further lends to discredit its director and producers as armatures.
In the end, the message is incomplete. The film ends without fully realizing any real counterargument to the film it is challenging. Again, I've never seen 'The Cove'. I cannot argue it's inaccuracies. However, it's message was clearly and very obviously effective. It prompted the creation of this film and spurred people to travel across the world in protest. I fear the only thing this film will prompt is groans of disappointment and the want for two hours of your life back.
Behind the Dolphin Mafia
abi-d-4916314 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
"Behind the cove" was made by the dolphin mafia in Taiji.
This lie film is just proaganda to justify the crimes against dolphins and whales as japanese tradition.
The lie film "Behind the cove" destroy the factual film of Ric O'Barry even though "The Cove" was filmed with hidden cameras and brought to light the cruel criminals. With the movie "The Cove" the Japanese crimes against dolphins are confirmed.
In reality, it is about slaughtering the dolphins and whales to keep their stocks low. Initiated by the Government of Japan, named "Pest Control".
It is very shameful that the unscientific movie "Behind the cove" is allowed to be shown publicly because it suports the criminals .
Joji Morishita is in the lying film, he says in a other interview: "dolphins are the cockroaches of the sea !!!! In a other interview he sayd again: "Minke whales are the cockroache of the sea" !!!
Russell Goodall is a judas live in Japan, hes not scientist and unteached about cetaceans, had make these lie film for greed of money.
The only thing that's true in this movie to hide the crimes at cetaceans is to fool the puplic.
The lie film "Behind the cove" destroy the factual film of Ric O'Barry even though "The Cove" was filmed with hidden cameras and brought to light the cruel criminals. With the movie "The Cove" the Japanese crimes against dolphins are confirmed.
In reality, it is about slaughtering the dolphins and whales to keep their stocks low. Initiated by the Government of Japan, named "Pest Control".
It is very shameful that the unscientific movie "Behind the cove" is allowed to be shown publicly because it suports the criminals .
Joji Morishita is in the lying film, he says in a other interview: "dolphins are the cockroaches of the sea !!!! In a other interview he sayd again: "Minke whales are the cockroache of the sea" !!!
Russell Goodall is a judas live in Japan, hes not scientist and unteached about cetaceans, had make these lie film for greed of money.
The only thing that's true in this movie to hide the crimes at cetaceans is to fool the puplic.
What's wrong with you, Japan?
darrickliu22 May 2018
I am so disgusted by this whitewashing film. Japanese seems to blame every single wrongdoing of themselves on other countries. From the WWII to this whole dolphin thing. I think this is less about preserving wild lives than preserving the Japanese culture aka imperialist mentality.
And how can you call other people racist when you shouting 'get the hell out of my country' to them?
And how can you call other people racist when you shouting 'get the hell out of my country' to them?
Seriously low quality
martineriksson-5766422 September 2017
I found this "documentary" on Netflix. I thought that meant it could be somewhat of quality but it's mostly like a really biased school project.
It's so obvious that this "film maker" has a negative view on the opposition against whaling. It's complete BS that they try to cover both sides and the truth of the situation.
Most of the film is Japanese people explaining how terrific they are... That really has a lot to do about the whaling and the dolphin hunt.
I guess Netflix only added it to their range so they can show that they are objective about the matter.
It's so obvious that this "film maker" has a negative view on the opposition against whaling. It's complete BS that they try to cover both sides and the truth of the situation.
Most of the film is Japanese people explaining how terrific they are... That really has a lot to do about the whaling and the dolphin hunt.
I guess Netflix only added it to their range so they can show that they are objective about the matter.
Think Why is this movie discredit from Anti-Whaling Activists?!
taka-3419611 September 2017
No matter where, Every comments I've seen with bad review tells you not see and/or waste of time. I see, Anti-Whaling people have been busy doing their business.
The truth is you'll get perspective view of "the cove" and whaling about Japan from this movie for sure. Interviews from both sides are very interesting and even American tourist comments are valuable. It's a must see movie.
FYI 1. Dolphin is same family tree of Whales. 2. Unti-whaling activist Sea Shepard have been attacking both Taiji dolphin whaling and Japanese research whaling at Antarctic Ocean.
The truth is you'll get perspective view of "the cove" and whaling about Japan from this movie for sure. Interviews from both sides are very interesting and even American tourist comments are valuable. It's a must see movie.
FYI 1. Dolphin is same family tree of Whales. 2. Unti-whaling activist Sea Shepard have been attacking both Taiji dolphin whaling and Japanese research whaling at Antarctic Ocean.
A Long-Awaited and Fair Say on Food and Fishery
YukoK31 January 2016
When "The Cove" won an Oscar, I naturally thought that Hollywood is asking for a response from Japan. If an American filmmaker had a say against a movie about America, he/she would most likely make a film to express it.
Unfortunately, that wasn't how the Japanese movie industry works. Of course, Japanese television was quick to respond. Among the many examples was an NHK "Close-up Gendai" episode, broadcast nationwide in Japan on July 6th, 2010, in which the program spent 30 minutes to explain in detail how specific scenes in "The Cove" were manipulated.
In particular, "The Cove" mentions that Hideki Moronuki, Deputy of Fisheries, was fired. The program pointed out that he never was and still works for the Ministry. He again says so himself in the long interview in "Behind 'The Cove'".
But it is also him, among others, who admits that the Japanese government never protested against "The Cove". Meanwhile, the Japanese TV shows never really got to be translated or uploaded to be shown internationally. And now at last a movie, in English language, is made from a Japanese point of view, ironically by people who are very new to filmmaking.
A confusing part may be that, while "The Cove" focuses on dolphins and captivity, "Behind 'The Cove'" focuses more on whaling and food, and the link between the two isn't thoroughly explained. The international audience need to be reminded the facts that dolphin fishery indeed is not well known even in Japan, but that "The Cove" has somehow led more people around the world to speak against whaling.
So "The Cove" insists that dolphin captivity itself should be banned. "Behind 'The Cove'" questions that, and upon digging into the issue it provides a thorough explanation on the average Japanese way of thinking about the Cetacea (which means ocean mammals including whales and dolphins). It also suggests that being vegan is one thing, but then it asks, of all the animals and regions in the world, why do viewers focus on the Taiji dolphins up to the point that it gained an Academy Award?
I've always trusted the English-speaking media to be open-minded about different opinions. For example, Bono of U2 openly describes, in the band's biography, how he phoned Norway in the middle of their concert to protest against whaling. He mentions that the Minister of Fisheries himself took the call to justify themselves, and invited Bono to come to enjoy a whale steak together. U2 and the publishers let the statement be.
This movie is called "Behind 'The Cove'", but you can just look at it as "another side of 'The Cove'". I can only wish for a refined version of this work. It's quite a friendly film that concludes with a simple question, "Who can judge which animal should be eaten or not?"
Unfortunately, that wasn't how the Japanese movie industry works. Of course, Japanese television was quick to respond. Among the many examples was an NHK "Close-up Gendai" episode, broadcast nationwide in Japan on July 6th, 2010, in which the program spent 30 minutes to explain in detail how specific scenes in "The Cove" were manipulated.
In particular, "The Cove" mentions that Hideki Moronuki, Deputy of Fisheries, was fired. The program pointed out that he never was and still works for the Ministry. He again says so himself in the long interview in "Behind 'The Cove'".
But it is also him, among others, who admits that the Japanese government never protested against "The Cove". Meanwhile, the Japanese TV shows never really got to be translated or uploaded to be shown internationally. And now at last a movie, in English language, is made from a Japanese point of view, ironically by people who are very new to filmmaking.
A confusing part may be that, while "The Cove" focuses on dolphins and captivity, "Behind 'The Cove'" focuses more on whaling and food, and the link between the two isn't thoroughly explained. The international audience need to be reminded the facts that dolphin fishery indeed is not well known even in Japan, but that "The Cove" has somehow led more people around the world to speak against whaling.
So "The Cove" insists that dolphin captivity itself should be banned. "Behind 'The Cove'" questions that, and upon digging into the issue it provides a thorough explanation on the average Japanese way of thinking about the Cetacea (which means ocean mammals including whales and dolphins). It also suggests that being vegan is one thing, but then it asks, of all the animals and regions in the world, why do viewers focus on the Taiji dolphins up to the point that it gained an Academy Award?
I've always trusted the English-speaking media to be open-minded about different opinions. For example, Bono of U2 openly describes, in the band's biography, how he phoned Norway in the middle of their concert to protest against whaling. He mentions that the Minister of Fisheries himself took the call to justify themselves, and invited Bono to come to enjoy a whale steak together. U2 and the publishers let the statement be.
This movie is called "Behind 'The Cove'", but you can just look at it as "another side of 'The Cove'". I can only wish for a refined version of this work. It's quite a friendly film that concludes with a simple question, "Who can judge which animal should be eaten or not?"
No one has died from Mercury in Taiji but 50,000 deaths by colon cancer in US, 5000 in Australia
sparklingwater-3770127 December 2017
First of all, I believe killing animal for food itself is sin. I wish I could be a vegan! But because I am just an average greedy human being, I eat meat.
For me, there is no difference between dolphin and cows. Dolphin, they got beautiful smiles, I heard they are intelligent, they are beautiful and mystical. Hey, cows got very kind eyes too. And look at the cute sheep babies! Man, when I first knew Lamb is a baby sheep meat, I was shocked...but look i still enjoy lamb sausages. For me they are same. There is absolutely no difference between dolphin and cows, and other meats.
So "The Cove" to me was little bit hypocritical & one sided, very white. it's not Americans' business, let Japanese eat dolphin. Why in the hell Americans are traveling all the way to Japan and attacking local fishery? I know dolphin are beautiful so SS can raise money lol. Unfortunately, it's about MONEY and Racism.
Ric warned about Mercury, well...apparently there is no one has died from it in Taiji....and look at US and Australia the 2 biggest meat lover nations in the world, every year 50,000 Americans died of Bowel cancer, 5000 in Australia. Bowel cancer is known to be caused by meat, especially processed meat. For the sake of children in US and Australia, we MUST stop eating meat! We should all go for vegan lol. No, I don't think we can.
Japanese are the most healthiest people on this earth, maybe Anti-whaling activists should worry about their own countries, not Japan.
Director Yagi did great job. She made a point. It's a matter of racism, religion, hypocritical idea of justice...and money. "The Cove" portraits the small Japanese town Taiji as a Bloody Dolphin Killer town, which was not fair for the Japanese. Once again, Director Yagi did wonderful job to speak up Japanese side of story. We must watch both movies and judge who can judge what Japanese should eat and should not eat.
For me, there is no difference between dolphin and cows. Dolphin, they got beautiful smiles, I heard they are intelligent, they are beautiful and mystical. Hey, cows got very kind eyes too. And look at the cute sheep babies! Man, when I first knew Lamb is a baby sheep meat, I was shocked...but look i still enjoy lamb sausages. For me they are same. There is absolutely no difference between dolphin and cows, and other meats.
So "The Cove" to me was little bit hypocritical & one sided, very white. it's not Americans' business, let Japanese eat dolphin. Why in the hell Americans are traveling all the way to Japan and attacking local fishery? I know dolphin are beautiful so SS can raise money lol. Unfortunately, it's about MONEY and Racism.
Ric warned about Mercury, well...apparently there is no one has died from it in Taiji....and look at US and Australia the 2 biggest meat lover nations in the world, every year 50,000 Americans died of Bowel cancer, 5000 in Australia. Bowel cancer is known to be caused by meat, especially processed meat. For the sake of children in US and Australia, we MUST stop eating meat! We should all go for vegan lol. No, I don't think we can.
Japanese are the most healthiest people on this earth, maybe Anti-whaling activists should worry about their own countries, not Japan.
Director Yagi did great job. She made a point. It's a matter of racism, religion, hypocritical idea of justice...and money. "The Cove" portraits the small Japanese town Taiji as a Bloody Dolphin Killer town, which was not fair for the Japanese. Once again, Director Yagi did wonderful job to speak up Japanese side of story. We must watch both movies and judge who can judge what Japanese should eat and should not eat.
What is a good documentary?
onze-kris19 May 2018
I think when rating documentaries one should do so based on the viewpoints that are shared and in which way they are presented.
While Werner Hertzog documentaries have a strong personal feel and viewpoint he delivers that in way by asking questions that matters to him. Often these are universal questions.
To me it feels like he wants the viewer to decide what is right and what is wrong.
He might steer the viewer by what is asked and what is not. But ultimately that is the reason why many of his documentaries are good.
He asks questions.
The cove does ask one question. To get behind the movement to stop the killing of these animals. As such it fails at being a documentary. It is propoganda.
In the beginning of this movie a Japanese person tells about an encounter with a muslim woman. What is said there I believe is true for the Japanese.
I have never visited another place where people were so respectfull and friendly.
Anyway about this documentary. It is pretty badly shot. The story could have been better presented in an hour instead of 105 minutes. However i do think this documentary asks the right universal question.
How can we respect each other even if we don't agree on things. What do we need for that?
The cove does ask one question. To get behind the movement to stop the killing of these animals. As such it fails at being a documentary. It is propoganda.
In the beginning of this movie a Japanese person tells about an encounter with a muslim woman. What is said there I believe is true for the Japanese.
I have never visited another place where people were so respectfull and friendly.
Anyway about this documentary. It is pretty badly shot. The story could have been better presented in an hour instead of 105 minutes. However i do think this documentary asks the right universal question.
How can we respect each other even if we don't agree on things. What do we need for that?
Thank you so much for opening my eyes!
minotanminomino12 March 2019
I just watched your show "behind the cove" and it really is so good! It's given me a completely new perspective on the whaling issue. Thank you for such an unbiased look at such a sensitive issue!
Your film gives me a lot to think about. We hear one story and it's so easy to be ,"pulled into" the hype of that story. It's refreshing to be able to hear the other side! I come from a long line of hunters and my family fish (I'm terribly allergic to fish and cannot eat it anymore ) my point is that as long as we all are sustainable in our practices than we choose to live peaceably alongside each other in harmony....and your film showed me that Japan is very concerned with conservation just as we all should be. I hope they can continue their fight to preserve their way of life. Thank you so much for opening my eyes! I look forward to seeing more of your work! Best of luck to you! Your film showed me that Japan is very concerned with conservation just as we all should be. I hope they can continue their fight to preserve their way of life. Thank you so much for opening my eyes! I look forward to seeing more of your work!
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