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  • 2018
  • Elephant House
  • 1 h 37 m
  • 2018
  • Elephant House
  • 1 h 37 m

Summary Can a proud 400-year-old whaling tradition survive a tsunami of modern animal-rights activism and colliding forces of globalism vs. localism? A Whale of a Tale reveals the complex story behind the ongoing debate. Through the point-of-view of a wide range of characters including fishermen, international activists and American journalist ...

Directed By: Megumi Sasaki

  • 2018
  • Elephant House
  • 1 h 37 m
  • 2018
  • Elephant House
  • 1 h 37 m

A Whale of a Tale

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 7 Critic Reviews
50
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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My Score
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Summary Can a proud 400-year-old whaling tradition survive a tsunami of modern animal-rights activism and colliding forces of globalism vs. localism? A Whale of a Tale reveals the complex story behind the ongoing debate. Through the point-of-view of a wide range of characters including fishermen, international activists and American journalist ...

Directed By: Megumi Sasaki

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 7 Critic Reviews
50
71% Positive
5 Reviews
14% Mixed
1 Review
14% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 7 Critic Reviews
50
71% Positive
5 Reviews
14% Mixed
1 Review
14% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
75
Aug 17, 2018
The biggest success for A Whale of a Tale is in how it corrects the biggest flaw of “The Cove,” which came from an inclination we all have: to cast real life people as one-dimensional heroes and villains; good and evil.
By Nick Allen FULL REVIEW
70
Aug 16, 2018
A Whale of a Tale delivers a thoughtful riposte to The Cove even while providing plenty of opportunity for those opposed to the practice of killing or capturing whales and dolphins to make their case.
By Frank Scheck FULL REVIEW
70
Aug 16, 2018
Together, these voices paint a complex picture of the clash between globalism and a fast-disappearing localism.
FULL REVIEW
67
Aug 16, 2018
A Whale of a Tale only skims the surface of the many matters it raises, be it cultural imperialism, tradition, animal rights and socioeconomic necessities. Still, its objective approach, and subtle plea for middle-ground compromise, makes it a worthwhile addendum to Psihoyos’ celebrated predecessor.
By Nick Schager FULL REVIEW
63
Oct 19, 2018
The result is a film that lacks fury and outrage, that straddles a morally murky fence. It’s not that Whale of a Tale lacks a point of view, it’s that it lacks conviction about any point of view.
By Roger Moore FULL REVIEW
40
Aug 23, 2018
A Whale of a Tale is an unfortunately directionless, low-gear rebuttal that hardly ever stirs up emotions as effectively as “The Cove” did.
By Robert Abele FULL REVIEW
30
Aug 16, 2018
A Whale of a Tale is a rambling blend of complaint, tourism and straw-men arguments. What it’s not is persuasive.
By Jeannette Catsoulis FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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Details

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Production Company Fine Line Media
Release Date Aug 17, 2018
Duration 1 h 37 m
Genres
Tagline A Global Conflict in a Small Fishing Town
Website http://awhaleofatalefilm.com/
View All Details

Awards

Rhode Island International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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