X
  • 2016
  • TV-14
  • First Run Features
  • 1 h 31 m
  • 2016
  • TV-14
  • First Run Features
  • 1 h 31 m

Summary Unlocking the Cage follows animal rights lawyer Steven Wise in his unprecedented challenge to break down the legal wall that separates animals from humans. Arguing that cognitively complex animals such as chimpanzees, whales, dolphins and elephants have the capacity for limited personhood rights, Steve and his legal team are making hist...

Directed By: D.A. Pennebaker

  • 2016
  • TV-14
  • First Run Features
  • 1 h 31 m
  • 2016
  • TV-14
  • First Run Features
  • 1 h 31 m

Unlocking the Cage

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 15 Critic Reviews
63
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary Unlocking the Cage follows animal rights lawyer Steven Wise in his unprecedented challenge to break down the legal wall that separates animals from humans. Arguing that cognitively complex animals such as chimpanzees, whales, dolphins and elephants have the capacity for limited personhood rights, Steve and his legal team are making hist...

Directed By: D.A. Pennebaker

Where to Watch

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 15 Critic Reviews
63
60% Positive
9 Reviews
40% Mixed
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

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

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 15 Critic Reviews
63
60% Positive
9 Reviews
40% Mixed
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
83
May 27, 2016
The filmmakers are clearly on Wise’s side, but they are also eminently fair.
By Peter Rainer FULL REVIEW
80
May 25, 2016
It’s a classic underdog story, effective for its engaging chronicle of outsiders trying to change the system.
By Anthony Kaufman FULL REVIEW
75
May 26, 2016
The film will surely have its own role to play in the arena that perhaps counts most: the court of public opinion.
By Godfrey Cheshire FULL REVIEW
70
Apr 9, 2016
Unlocking the Cage makes its case for reevaluation of non-human animals' legal status in crisp, convincing fashion.
By Duane Byrge FULL REVIEW
58
May 25, 2016
In short, this is yet another doc that would make a first-rate book or lengthy article, gaining almost nothing from its chosen medium apart from (maybe) greater exposure. There’s no legitimate taxonomic reason for this material to be designated a film.
By Mike D'Angelo FULL REVIEW
50
May 25, 2016
Wise is plenty eloquent on the complex legal issue, but remains vague about how the status he seeks will practically impact animals (could animal weddings be far behind?) or why he’s the “person” best qualified to represent them in court.
By Peter Debruge FULL REVIEW
50
May 20, 2016
The problem here isn't necessarily the tension between emotion and rationality, but that the doc does little to explore these dimensions as they arise.
By Clayton Dillard FULL REVIEW

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Details

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Production Company HBO Documentary Films, Pennebaker Hegedus Films
Release Date May 25, 2016
Duration 1 h 31 m
Rating TV-14
Genres
Website https://www.facebook.com/UnlockingTheCageFilm
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Awards

Traverse City Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Hamptons International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
News & Documentary Emmy Awards
• 1 Nomination

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