Summaries

A documentary following the controversial captivity of killer whales, and its dangers for both humans and whales.

Notorious killer whale Tilikum is responsible for the deaths of three individuals, including a top killer whale trainer. Blackfish shows the sometimes devastating consequences of keeping such intelligent and sentient creatures in captivity.—Anonymous

BLACKFISH tells the story of Tilikum, a notoriously aggressive orca that killed three people while in captivity. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite uses shocking footage and emotional interviews to present a convincing case against keeping these wild animals for human entertainment.—Anonymous

"Blackfish," is a documentary film about the multiple incidents, including the three deaths, that prompted the ongoing court case between Sea World, and OSHA, the "Occupational Safety and Health Admissions". These 3 deaths, which included 2 Orca trainers, were caused by Sea World's infamous bull Orca "Tilikum." Through a series of interviews with former Orca trainers that worked with, or around Tilikum, and other problematic captive Orca, the film tries to find an explanation for what happened.—JFlor

This documentary explores how long-held misconceptions and harmful living conditions may be causing orca whales to lash out violently toward their trainers. Several cases of death and mutilation are researched, leading to some uncomfortable questions about how we choose to keep and display these large and very intelligent animals.—FeatheredSun

Details

Keywords
  • animal attack
  • amusement park
  • sea world
  • marine park
  • orca
Genres
  • Thriller
  • Horror
  • Drama
  • Documentary
Release date Jul 25, 2013
Motion Picture Rating (MPA) PG-13
Countries of origin United States
Language English Spanish
Filming locations Sea World, San Diego, California, USA
Production companies CNN Films Manny O Productions

Box office

Budget $1500000
Gross US & Canada $2073582
Opening weekend US & Canada $75962
Gross worldwide $2303417

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 23m
Color Color
Sound mix Dolby Digital
Aspect ratio 1.78 : 1

Synopsis

Shocking, never before seen footage and riveting interviews with trainers and experts manifest the orcas extraordinary nature, the species cruel treatment in captivity over the last four decades, and the growing disillusionment of workers who were misled and endangered by the highly profitable sea-park industry. 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.

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