hannah-71256 Especially as current events unfold, the exposition of multi-million dollar companies is becoming more and more popular. Blackfish is a commentary on the abuse and corruption involved with corporations involving animals and performance. The torture of these animals is sure to captivate your heart and shake you to your core. The story of Tilikum is especially horrifying, as the film tells you the story of his life, being corralled by boats and ripped from his family, suffering abuse by other whales, and being kept captive in small pools his entire life. When you see the shows where he performs, the shouting and happy smiles in the audience's faces is almost haunting. It's the chilling reality of what these sort of companies do just for money and to make people entertained. 5 years after, and this is still accurate and an important depiction of what really goes on behind the scenes of seemingly harmless performance. The interviews with past trainers, and the editing between them is very effective in that they are often cut with videos or graphics detailing the horrific conditions and treatment they put up with. Blackfish is a raw, chilling masterpiece.

moonspinner55 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 ****

Julian R. White Never have I seen a documentary on nature and animals that has made me cry. This was the first one. It is horrifying to see how badly we as man have treated our relations who live on this planet with us. To know that young Orca whales are herded like cattle into traps and torn away from their crying, begging mothers. It is also infuriating that Sea World would use such petty arguments in the following court cases to make themselves not seem at fault. This documentary sheds some much needed light on the illegal, unethical, and sickening practices of whale catchers, and Sea World themselves. I do not feel that such enormous, agile creatures should have to live in any type of enclosure. They were born of mother Ocean, and that is where they should be free to live their lives. These Orcas will suffer physical and psychological abuse from each other, and from the management of their establishments when placed together with non-family members in such small enclosures.

matthewaudley Blackfish is an eye opening documentary film that goes beyond what tourists see and experience at Sea World. The film dives into the few Orca whales that are held in captivity as a tourist attraction and a source of revenue. Unfortunately, while being held in captivity, three lives were lost. This film exhibits a truth based on historical background and facts that attribute to the loss of three lives, three lives too many. Observing three deaths in thirty years, Blackfish digs deep to find out the origins of Tilikum, the featured whale. There are several interviews included who expose those who capture whales and use their blubber and sperm for profit. Among several benefits that these whales may provide, none compare in significance of the emotional distress affecting these whales separated from their family and even those who seek harsh career outlets these creatures provide. Many interviewees agree, the cries of these mammals last for countless years while the stress breathes forever.John Crowe, who assisted in capturing the whales quickly quit his job. He described the whales in captivity as, "Humans in a bathtub." To show supporting evidence, numerous gruesome footage scenes, help assist in validating the truth. For example, a screen where a trainer, who is without a spotter, can quickly become a means for the whales to expel their stress. In this specific case, two whales grab Sealand trainer, Keltie Byrne, by the foot and with forceful efforts to submerge her under water leaving her body injured through many bone fractures. It sparks concern to the audience as to why they wouldn't kill the whale to assist in saving Tamari, the trainer's life. The truth is they are multi-million dollar whales. According to this documentary, fifty- four percent of Orca whales at Seaworld have Tilikum's genes, an impressive price tag from Tilikum's sperm. Inside interviews proves Seaworld's claimed mission led trainers to constantly believe the whales well being was put first considering its content with its surroundings. This lead the audience to feel the great idea of selfishness present when the monetary value of the whale was perceived above the trainers at the park who ultimately existed for their care.These whales had a few cases of showing their ability to turn on their trainers. Blackfish aims to show its distaste for SeaWorld who knowingly maintained captivity of these playful whales who can potentially turn into killing beasts. Through exclusive footage Tilikum's history fully excuses his behavior because of his stress caused by his separation from his family. The movie does a good job of attributing the wrongdoing to SeaWorld and the corporate system who is involved in the handling and captivity of the beautiful creatures. This movie questions the gray area that the trainers are forced to be in even though they know the whales are not at peace. Blackfish first and foremost develops an admiration for the beauty and love that the whales do possess and how the few in captivity will never be the same. It is a great movie for those who love mammals and want to know more about the largest existence in our world, the ocean. Lastly, it motivates you to want to assist in making a change, and hope that these creatures will get the love they deserve through existing only in their natural environment.