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

The human inhumanity

[cinematic_aficionado · 30 July 2013]

Let's go to the theme park to see the Orcas. Playful, interacting with their trainers who swim with them carefree it is a guaranteed spectacle and fun time.

Do we ever consider, that these intelligent creatures spent a lifetime enclosed in a large bathtub so that we can be entertained? Imagine going to see a show of children ballerinas knowing that those children spent their entire lives locked up in a room when not performing. Would anyone stand for this? Surely not, I would hope.

This riveting and didactic documentary explores the owner's attitudes when occasionally those animals flip out and act in an aggressive way. It is always the trainers fault, or the bad manners of the animals. In fact, it appears that those who run those theme parks have gone out of their way to hide the truth which is those who work with killer whales are in great risk.

The death of a long-time and renowned trainer brought the issue to the surface where enquiries had to be made.

We might be better informed about the risks involved but the rather lax legislature regarding animal rights allows these companies to still operate and oppress animals in an inhuman way.

Well made and runs high on emotion, it will make the viewer contemplate on the scale of human tyrannism.

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.

Thought-provoking and tragic documentary

[Red-Barracuda · 9/10 · 27 July 2013]

As I watched this extremely thought-provoking documentary I was reminded of the recent film Project Nim. In the latter we were shown the tragic consequences of people deciding to bring a chimpanzee up as a human. The basic message of this incredible documentary was that if you bring a wild and dangerous animal into an artificial world populated by people, be prepared for some repercussions. Blackfish, likewise, has a very similar message. Except in this example the outcome is far worse. Not only do we see animals mistreated but some of the very people who love them most end up dead. There aren't many winners in this one.

The story is underpinned by the death of a trainer. In 2010 Dawn Brancheau was killed in SeaWorld in Orlando by a killer whale called Tilikum. This in and of itself is a pretty horrible event but it's what was discovered with a little research that takes the horror up to a new level. It turned out that the same whale had in fact killed another trainer back in 1991 in very similar circumstances and had shown aggressive behaviour to trainers on other occasions. There were a few other near misses with orcas dragging trainers underwater in this water park but, worse still, there was a further killing in a park in Spain that obtained its whales from SeaWorld; whales that were the offspring of Tilikum. As if this was not appalling enough, to rub salt in the wounds, SeaWorld attempted to put the blame on the trainers, as if they were in some way responsible for their deaths. Eye witnesses were never asked for evidence in the '91 death despite their account of the tragedy conflicting with the SeaWorld version of events (incredibly, 'drowning'), while the eye witnesses in the 2010 case countered the official line from SeaWorld leading to a court case. What comes out of all of this loud and clear is that when it comes to SeaWorld, money is prioritised over the welfare of the animals and the safety of the trainers. It makes you angry and makes you wonder how these parks have not been shut down. Needless to say, SeaWorld refused to be interviewed for this documentary.

These killings are terrible events but no one is blaming the orcas. These animals, who are used to roaming the oceans in large family groups which they never leave, are stuck in small pools performing tricks. It would be unusual if creatures with such highly developed brains with emotional capabilities did not develop forms of psychosis in this environment. In one very upsetting part of the film one of the female whales has her calf removed from her permanently on the basis that it was interfering with the performances for the paying public. The mother whale remained in a corner of the pool for a very long time crying out with a sound no one had ever heard before. The animal was clearly in extreme grief. Is it acceptable that people are allowed to do this to such an emotionally developed creature? We take them from the seas away from their families; surely there should be a moral responsibility? But there isn't. There is even one unpleasant moment from 1970 captured on film where a calf is captured and removed from its family. The other orcas did not flee, they hung around and cried. It was pretty awful and even one of the hunters was traumatised by this event.

This is a film that really should be seen. Particularly if you are thinking of taking a trip to see the performing killer whales and those dedicated folks who work with them.

This is not how it should be

[kianowauters · 7/10 · 7 December 2020]

Blackfish tells the story of Tilikum, a performing killer whale that killed several people while in captivity. Along the way, director-producer Gabriela Cowperthwaite compiles shocking footage and emotional interviews to explore the creature's extraordinary nature, the species' cruel treatment in captivity, the lives and losses of the trainers and the pressures brought to bear by the multi-billion dollar sea-park industry. The film, it should be said, does not blame Tilikum for his actions. It posits instead that, like a disenfranchised youth driven to a life of crime, Tilikum is a product of his upbringing.

This emotionally wrenching, tautly structured story challenges us to consider our relationship to nature and reveals how little we humans have learned from these highly intelligent and enormously sentient fellow mammals.

For anyone that doesn't know a lot about what goes on in animal 'paradises', this is a good documentary to learn a thing or two. We always get to see the perfect side of these parks but never the things that go on behind the scenes. This documentary shines a light on the troubling situation in Seaworld and the effects it has on its animals.

It's a good, well thought out documentary, congratulations to everyone involved in the making. They did good research and really highlighted the intention and the meaning of the film. However I do think we need to focus on keeping animals away from cages instead of just documenting them. There are a lot of animals dying and facing extinction because of humans, underwater life being one of them.

Personally, I feel that we as humans have the responsibility to be the better species. If we wouldn't be caging animals, this documentary wouldn't even have to be made. Yeah, it's fun to go look at animals while they're behind glass walls but it's not where they belong. Everyone belongs in their natural habitat, we as humans wouldn't appreciate it either if we were put in a cage. We go to an animal park with our family, we look at the animals, we enjoy ourselves but we don't think enough about how the animal must feel. So I ask you, after reading the two last sentences of this review, think about how you would feel. Being locked up in a cage for your whole life, with nowhere to go. What would you do?

To conclude, Blackfish is a good documentary, definitely worth watching but let's focus on keeping animals in their natural habitat where they belong.

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 ****

Im disgusted with sea world after watching this

[gerry_barnaby · 9/10 · 11 September 2013]

I've just sat through this documentary i've never in my life felt more anger & outrage toward sea world in my life & What they covered up over money is disgusting & outrageous by lying to the press & media blaming the trainer Dawn death over an error on her part. when clearly it was the management of Seaworld not seeing the real treat & problem to there trainers by a physiologically scared killer whale which your see why if you watch this, which they caused because of not understand the nature of a killer whale better.

Warning this documentary is emotionally upsetting, disturbing & may anger you.so you've been warned.

A must see movie for the public

[eddie_baggins · 7/10 · 12 December 2013]

You'll be scraping plans for the family holiday to Sea World after seeing Blackfish, Gabriela Cowperthwaite's eye opening and frankly quite scary documentary focussing on the captivity of Orca whales and in particular Tilikum a male killer whale that has a proved track record of violence towards humans.

Blackfish is no doubt a very objectionable documentary where all talking heads involved are against the incarceration of these great beasts but then again the arguments and evidence presented by Cowperthwaite are hard to deny. Cowperthwaite does a fantastic job of offering reasons behind whales acting out and it's clear to see that these animals have more going on emotionally and mentally than many humans would give them credit for. This is particularly evident in the films centrepiece Tilikum.

Tilikum as explained in the film was captured at a young age and suffered abuse at the hands of other whales in his various enclosures. This abuse and mistreatment has lead the whale to become angry and unpredictable resulting in the death of 3 human beings. The cover up and misleading of information regarding these deaths is quite astounding and ex-trainers of Sea World talk openly about how stunned they were that the truth behind the deaths is hidden in the public. These startling facts and first-hand accounts by trainers are all major reasons why Blackfish is a must see.

Blackfish may not be the most daring or inventive documentary to reach our shores this year and it's one sided documentation of its argument can be seen of somewhat of a downfall but it's never less than compelling viewing and deserves to be seen by as many people as possible as an example of humans being humans – that is being to stupid to admit they are wrong.

3 and a half dorsal fins out of 5

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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.

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.

Are whales dangerous or sweet animals?

[charamontalto · 7/10 · 22 May 2020]

In this documentary they tell about the relationship between the whales and the trainers of seaworld. They tell about the whole process of why whales suddenly behave like this and how the head of the seaworld always defence the behaviour of the whales.

When we get the assignment of our teacher i sighed a little, cause i'm not very involved in whales. I didn't know what to expect of this documentary. I thought they was going to be told when whales originating and how it was, so all the history of the whales. The questions i asked myself was: ' What is a blackfish?', 'What will it be about?', 'Why is the documentary taking so long?'.

The documentary is about the whales, how they behave while they are stuck in a small pool. The documentary is filmed in Seaworld in America and in Loro parque in Tenerife. They talk about all the secrets that the visitors do not see, so what happens behind the scenes. They showed how a whale takes a seaworld trainer underwater and how the whale treats the trainer. As they demonstrate this, they also provide additional explanations and what may be causing the whale's behavior.A lot of the trainers have a good relationship with one of the whales, but just at some point their behavior changes if you are just nonchalant and the whales take you with them.In this documentary, they also honestly show what happens during a trial and how those responsible handle the case after a trainer's dead.The visitors think that whales are sweet and they are, but whales just need a lot of room to move around. There was a lot of emotional interviews with the staff of the seaworld and also testimonials.

The most beautiful of this documentary was how it was filmed. All the pure images and videos makes the documentary better. You can't say it's fake of what they tell because they have footage of everything. Every show was filmed which makes everything much more beautiful and understandable. They also have footage of how trainers were taken by the whales. It's very sad to see but more understable then someone's tell it. You can better imagine it now how it happens.Every sound of the whales if they were happy or mad, you can hear it very well. At least the interviews, they are very helpful. The people worked there and they saw everything up close and with their own eyes. You get a better image of how it works in seaworld and how they handled everything. It's something that visitors never see, but now because of this documentary you have.

This documentary learned me that we never should normalize it so watching animals in a zoo park or something. It's like a prison for them and we think they enjoyed it and like it, but it's not.This animals don't have freedom and they are trapped in a small pool. I really recommend this documentary. It opens your eyes about something that you didn't know was going on.

Numerous problems discredit this film

[witchaphrodite · 1/10 · 7 May 2015]

Blackfish presents many arguments against captivity but no solutions. And it doesn't help that some people involved like Lori Marino, are known extremists.

One of the biggest issues with Blackfish is that there are no interviews with family members of the three people whose deaths involved Tilikum. Perhaps they are bound by settlement agreements. I don't know why they are not interviewed. In the case of Dawn Brancheau, it seems that her family is against Blackfish.

It seems like the interview with the fiancée and mother of the man killed at Loro Parque in the Canary Islands is meant to shift the viewer's attention off the lack of interviews with family members of other victims.

There are also no interviews with other people involved in killer whale attacks that were not fatal. At least one, Ken Peters, does still work for SeaWorld. But are the others who are not still employed bound by agreements or is something else going on? There is no given answer to that question.

The film makes sure the viewer knows that SeaWorld refused to comment. But what about the former employees who survived attacks or family members of the people who were killed by Tilikum. Why is there no mention of their refusal?

I also didn't like that the viewer is not told when the former trainers interviewed started working at SeaWorld and when they left SeaWorld. Many had not worked there for 12+ years before the death of Dawn. It seems implied that some left because of her death, but many left had left long before. I also have a problem with the director not disclosing that Jett was demoted and that Gomersall and Ventre were both fired. Many of these trainers never worked with Tilikum and some barely worked with the whales at all.

Many of these former trainers described incidents that they did not witness but claim knowledge of to analyze. I found the critique of Dawn's final performance to contain a lot of victim blaming. They say that food was running out, but that is false. There are always more buckets of fish handy.

There are numerous times when Tilikum and other whales are referring to as psychopathic but that doesn't track with the relationships those whales have with other whales. Tilikum has always done well with his children, Orkid gets along with most whales in San Diego, and Kasatka is a good mom and matriarch.

The attack on Ken Peters is presented without context. The film acts like it is not known why it happened, but it is known. Once Peters dove into the water be heard Kalia, a then 2 year old calf of Kasatka's, give out a cry. But Kalia was in a different pool. So it happened because Kasatka wanted to go check on her daughter. It is worth noting that Peters still works with Kasatka, but none of the parks do water works anymore with the killer whales.

Kelly F. Clark's testimony during the OSHA hearings is also edited to make her seem evil. But they omit where she acknowledges that the whales at Loro Parque are owned by SeaWorld, and make it seem like she lied. Their also omit her saying that she is not the best person to ask about business related questions because her experience is related to animal care and training.

Another issue I had was the omission of Taima, a female whale, Tilikum had numerous calves with, but died during birth in the months following Dawn's death. They also don't mention that he apparently got along with Takara, before she was moved to San Antonio. Given how the concept of whales feeling loss is mentioned in regard to mother and calf separation, it feels odd to not mention that Tilikum would also be lethargic due to loss of companions. At present he spends at least some of his day with Trua, a grandson. You can see videos of them performing together and in the underwater viewing area if you look on YouTube. But he is separated from other children and grandchildren that reside in Orlando. He used to spend time with Malia, a daughter, but they are believed to have not been grouped together in recent years, possibly to prevent inbreeding.