Blackfish

Never capture what you can't control.
Keeping orca whales in captivity causes serious consequences.  Orcas have caused the deaths and serious injuries of many people.  Sea World's Tilikum has been involved in the deaths of three people.  Tilikum was captured in 1983 and sold to Sealand of the Pacific in British Columbia.  After the death of a trainer in 1991, he was sold to Sea World.  Other killer whales at theme parks have contributed to the deaths of their trainers, or caused serious injuries.


I had been hearing a lot about this film, and when I discovered that it was available on Netflix's instant streaming, I decided to give it a chance.  It is a powerful and emotional documentary, that relies heavily on archival footage and interviews with former Sea World trainers and Orca Researchers.  It was hard to watch, with some intense stories and footage.  At the end, I felt sick to my stomach and still feel that way about the film days later.  During my childhood, my parents took us to Sea World... but I genuinely do not remember the experience.

It's surprising that this documentary was not nominated for an Oscar this year.  Despite that, it continues to be in the spotlight, gaining popularity and outrage as more people watch it.  Sea World has refuted the documentaries claims, which continues to keep the film in the spotlight.

No matter which side you agree with, it is a powerful documentary that will stick with you long after you finish watching.

Blackfish (2013) 83 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic elements including disturbing and violent images
Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite