The Cove.

When was the last time you really saw a hard hitting film/documentary? I still cannot find an appropriate emotion to describe what I just saw in 92 minutes of unbelievable footage on Dolphin/whale/Cetacean slaughter and trade in Japan, in this astounding documentary called,  ‘The Cove’. 

The Cove is not just another ‘animal rights’ documentary with compelling footage of gore and cruelty . And it goes beyond just gaining awards (its picked up quite a few, including an Academy and audience choice in Sundance). The Cove is a thriller of sorts. Just that this thriller, gives you no cheap thrills- just a big lump in the throat, by the time you finish watching it. And this lump, strangely remains.

Aren’t Japanese and Chinese followers of Buddhism (most followed religion) ? And aren’t Buddhists the most peace-loving and non-violent people? I know I say this at the risk of sounding absolutely illogical and incongruous, for we are humans first. And I forget, we humans are the most abusive and ungracious lot of all species. We are the most evolved, ergo the most powerful, ergo think we are greater than nature. We have the right to kill, slaughter, wreck , destroy.

What kind of people buy stuffed dolphins (guilty), pay big amounts to watch them entertain us  (guilty) and then, pick up packaged meat of the same dolphins from super markets?

And what kind of government tries to cover up and promote a trade like this? I was confounded when I learnt, the Mayor of the town of Taiji (a whaling town in Japan, where a large source of income for most comes from commercial hunting of Dolphins)  had proposed to introduce dolphin meat in all public school lunches. I don;t know what horrified me more- the high levels of toxic mercury Dolphins have in them that will be fed as a compulsory school lunch item or by the mere fact that these kids will be fed Dolphins.

The scene at the end where very high end hidden cameras show a beautiful blue ocean go crimson red while the hunters continue to hit, push and kill these so, so intelligent and loving creatures, nonchalantly will remain in my head for a very long time.

Sure, there are a million other issues, and saving Dolphins might not be your top most thing to do for your environment – but knowledge enlightens. This film will make you more sensitive, cautious and loving towards everything around you. And, Love is ALL we really need.

A must watch. For details on the director and cast go here.