Though the thriller aspects work to create an unexpected level of suspense, what is shown in the film delivers the cause’s most powerful blow.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Aug 28, 2023

Disturbing beyond its graphic nature namely because of the widespread complicity in the town and unwavering cruelty.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jun 11, 2020

In this thriller-doc, the entertainment value of a heist flick combines with the merits of a cause.

| Jan 24, 2020

Watching THE COVE makes you wonder exactly who is the intelligent species -- man or the dolphins. My vote is on the dolphins and on people like Ric O'Barry and Louie Psihoyos.

| Nov 6, 2019

The Cove is an important film with an important message.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 10, 2019

What happens is ugly. But that's not the shocking part. The shocking part is that the filmmakers pulled it off:

| Oct 18, 2018

But for all its Sturm und Drang, the film has some of the same problems it criticizes; its villains are estranged from the natural world, and the film estranges us as well.

| Aug 22, 2017

Too much drama, not enough documentary.

| Original Score: 62/100 | Jul 11, 2012

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 18, 2011

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 17, 2011

The Cove does what every great documentary with a cause should: It educates, entertains, and inspires audiences to take action.

| Original Score: A- | May 6, 2011

One of the most suspenseful documentaries ever made, "The Cove" marries ecological espionage to a frightening domino effect of imperialism, political corruption and a socio-environmental disregard.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Sep 25, 2010

A-team adventure needs a fifth column

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 13, 2010

Then there's the redemptive human drama. O'Barry, acting like a modern-day Ahab after a spiritual awakening, the self-realized incriminations etched into his face, is the driving force of this film.

| Original Score: 9/10 | Feb 24, 2010

I don't think I can go to marine parks anymore.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 19, 2010

No Hollywood film, fiction or non-, can ever prepare you for the reality of what goes on in that cove. Please don't show this film to young children. Devastating and excellent.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 29, 2009

Adding to the film's strength is its central figure, who is akin to a modern-day vigilante superhero... All O'Barry is missing is a mask and costume.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Dec 29, 2009

One of the year's best documentary films, a stirring call to action against the slaughter of dolphins in Japan.

| Original Score: A | Dec 16, 2009

Sounded like something I didn't want to see: a preachy nature documentary. But the actual film is much more daring and memorable.

| Dec 11, 2009

A confirmation of human dignity in the face of the unspeakable. Text "dolphin" to 44144. Now.

| Original Score: A- | Dec 5, 2009