Blackfish
Magnolia Pictures | Release Date: July 19, 2013
8.2
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 145 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
131
Mixed:
8
Negative:
6
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
9
jfk049Jan 4, 2014
An effective piece of filmmaking. I now want to do something to help these beautiful giants. There's so much disturbing evidence displayed here to show the cruelty inflicted on these creatures, as well as a real understanding of theAn effective piece of filmmaking. I now want to do something to help these beautiful giants. There's so much disturbing evidence displayed here to show the cruelty inflicted on these creatures, as well as a real understanding of the orca's emotional intellect and sense of family, that you can't walk away from this and not be affected. Which is what all good documentaries are supposed to do. Well done.… Expand
4 of 4 users found this helpful40
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8
mrniceMay 11, 2014
Whether the cam footage is exciting enough to be in a movie is beside the point, or goes against it. Blackfish builds a strong case of something that hasn't been to my attention at all, exactly because it's drowned out by showbiz. As aWhether the cam footage is exciting enough to be in a movie is beside the point, or goes against it. Blackfish builds a strong case of something that hasn't been to my attention at all, exactly because it's drowned out by showbiz. As a portrait of a huge wild animal, it works well too. The focus on the trainers' portrayal of the whales makes for an intimate and passionate retelling of events. Recommended.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
cmykDec 23, 2013
To be honest, this documentary proved to be much more political than what the brief summaries provided on the streaming website let on (I watched this on Netflix), so a word of caution to those who thought it was simply another natureTo be honest, this documentary proved to be much more political than what the brief summaries provided on the streaming website let on (I watched this on Netflix), so a word of caution to those who thought it was simply another nature documentary. It's pretty narrow in terms of opinions provided on the subject, providing very little counterargument, but is informative and no less eyeopening to what goes on in the blackfish-based theme parks. You don't need to be a die hard animal rights activist to sympathize with the cases presented in the film. I work at a wildlife rehabilitation center, and it's sad to say the killer whales aren't just an isolated case; we can apply the same troubles to just about any other facility that handles wild animals and other exotic species that were never meant to be put behind plexiglass and bars. While the argument it tries to make has its merits, it comes off a tad idealistic with unrealistic solutions to a greed-riddled world.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
KellienteNov 3, 2013
Explores the specifics surrounding the OSHA/Seaworld trial thoroughly and brings to light issues I didn't even know existed. Interesting and enraging story that really changed my viewpoint on parks like Seaworld.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
aGUYtoREMEMBERJan 2, 2014
People need to understand that these animals have a natural instict and they are very powerful as well. They are the rival of the great white for god sake.
Evidence 10/10
People/witnesses 9/10 Proof 10/10 back-story 9/10 footagePeople need to understand that these animals have a natural instict and they are very powerful as well. They are the rival of the great white for god sake.
Evidence 10/10
People/witnesses 9/10
Proof 10/10
back-story 9/10
footage 10/10
overall 9.5/10
Sea World I built off of lies and stupidity for even thinking they could actually try to tame something that is suppose to be roaming the oceans.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
swetepiJul 20, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. excellent documentary exposing the harsh brutality of SeaWorld who ruthlessly abuses Orcas and hides what they are doing to the public. Reveals how SeaWorld negligently exposes naive trainers to fatally dangerous situations in which several young trainers have lost their lives.… Expand
7 of 8 users found this helpful71
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8
foxgroveJul 28, 2013
Another case of people interfering with and destroying nature in the name of greed. People never cease to disgust me. With our apparent intelligence what other reason would there be to imprison such beautiful, intelligent and wild creaturesAnother case of people interfering with and destroying nature in the name of greed. People never cease to disgust me. With our apparent intelligence what other reason would there be to imprison such beautiful, intelligent and wild creatures unwittingly submitting them to both physical and mental abuse. The end result, of course, ends in disaster for the humans. This doc is compelling and at times grippingly told and whilst heartfelt there is a certain naivete to the good intentions of the staff of these amusement parks who are as culpable for the whales suffering and the ensuing tragedies as indeed are the captors and, ultimately, the audiences of these questionable attractions.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
BrianMcCriticDec 31, 2013
This is a devastating look at how these Killer Whales are treated. This was a difficult watch with many tears shed for these majestic creatures. I know this has affected Sea World's business and rightfully so. A-
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
LeZeeMay 26, 2014
One of the fine documentary with a fine message. Snubbed from the Oscars and I felt really bad for that. It should have been in there compared to the other nominees, including the winner. This was like another 'The Cove' which spotlights theOne of the fine documentary with a fine message. Snubbed from the Oscars and I felt really bad for that. It should have been in there compared to the other nominees, including the winner. This was like another 'The Cove' which spotlights the human torture to the non human species. This documentary is not for entertainment, but which brings the public awareness of the serious issue that still taking place around the world in different venues.

The movie was committed to expose on the imprisoned Orca, a killer whale called Tilikum and the company called 'Sea World' it owns. It all began from his capture in 1983 on the coast of Iceland, then brought back to the United States to train. In his 30 years of captivity Tilikum was involved in the deaths of his trainers, but the statement to the press and media was denoted as it was the human error. And also the movie had many heartbreaking incidents in many parts.

When I first heard about this movie I thought it was going to uncover the crime committed by the large Blackfish. As usual like most of the occasion my guess was wrong and I was totally surprised towards the story that tried to reveal some unexpected and unbearable truths. Everything reversed and finger points towards human just like the tag says: Never capture what you can't control. Looked like this just below 90 minutes movie was lacking in valuable inputs. Only because of the 'Sea World' that holds Tilikum refused to participate in making of the movie which portrayed them in dark shade. But the intention of the movie was explained in very honestly. There it goes my salute to the director whose attempt was so courageous.

In my childhood, I had a fish bowl with a couple of goldfish in it and I regret having it after seeing this documentary movie. Truly an eye opener, whoever watch this would feel similar fashion, especially if you are an animal lover. Hoping this movie will change the perspective of the relationship between man and animals. Expecting more and more movies like this until people realise what's going on between dominated and enslaved species on the planet earth. If you are reading my review then you must add it to your watch list because I don't want you to miss this.

9.5/10… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
InterpaulOct 23, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Excellent documentary that will make you so angry you might go out and steal a whale Free Willy style. It is shocking the extent to which Sea-world have gone to lie and cover things up, some may say it is unbalanced as no official representative from Sea-world responds to criticism but the filmmakers have approached them again and again with no response. Hopefully this film will deal a blow to their profits which is the only way to truly get back at them.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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0
bwall-eDec 13, 2013
This film was a huge disappointment. It lacked a clear focus and was not at all what it claimed to be. This seems more like a sideways attempt to sling mud at SeaWorld in a circumferential manner, though it seems this claim may have someThis film was a huge disappointment. It lacked a clear focus and was not at all what it claimed to be. This seems more like a sideways attempt to sling mud at SeaWorld in a circumferential manner, though it seems this claim may have some merit (there seems to have been some deliberate or negligent mismanagement). This film is nothing like the great Planet Earth series.

I would not recommend you watch this film.… Expand
0 of 8 users found this helpful08
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9
Slovenly_MuseApr 14, 2019
Illuminates with stunning clarity the policies of SeaWorld and other organizations that keep Orca captive, which treat not only the whales with breathtaking cruelty, but the trainers as well.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
TyranianDec 8, 2019
Quite moving film about whales in waterparks that makes a very good case for their release.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
beingryanjudeSep 2, 2014
An insightful look into the disturbing treatment of whales and sea-life at SeaWorld over the past thirty years. We are captivating and easily feel the cruelty inflicted on innocent animals.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
CorvinJun 19, 2015
Whether through brilliant editing and brilliant subject selection or through genuine portrayal, the trainers come off as wholly sympathetic. And it is clear that many of them are distressed over the treatment of the animals in their care andWhether through brilliant editing and brilliant subject selection or through genuine portrayal, the trainers come off as wholly sympathetic. And it is clear that many of them are distressed over the treatment of the animals in their care and over their own participation in the exploitation of killer whales.

Seaworld Parks & Entertainment, meanwhile, comes off as devious, ruthless, and wholly unsympathetic. For me the salient points in determining that those running the park are indeed all of the above are the lies they told the public through their trainers.

First lie: Orcas don't live as long in the wild as they do in captivity. This is a blatant falsehood, the lifespan of orcas in captivity is much shorter than that of orcas in the wild. Only through cunning manipulation of statistics can Seaworld even attempt to assert otherwise. Orcas in the wild have a lifespan similar to humans. In captivity, it's a rare orca that lives to see age 30.

Even worse is the lie that calves are not separated from their mothers (as told to the public in Seaworld's spin ads after Blackfish released). Calves are indeed separated from their mothers, and when Seaworld denies this, they are using verbal trickery and hoping viewers don't realize that in the wild orcas stay with their mothers all their lives. So when Seaworld says it doesn't separate calves, what it means is, it permits calves to stay with their mothers for a certain number of years before separation. This does not mimic wild behavior. In fact, Seaworld does not even wait until the calves are in their teens to inflict separation, even though orcas don't reach full maturity until then.

When a trainer expressed her concern over a calf being separated from its mother, she was mocked ruthlessly by a Seaworld exec. The trainers have genuine love and concern for the animals in their care, but the corporate decision makers are infinitely ruthless.

Furthermore, orcas are not in family groups while in captivity. Orcas from different parts of the globe (with correspondingly different languages and customs) are forced together in ways that would never take place in the wild. And because of the close quarters, all orcas are forced into unnatural acts of aggression, since a dominant member cannot chase away a rival because there is no open ocean for the rival to flee to.

Finally, it is evident from the documentary that, while the trainers were dedicated and to some extent well-trained, they were not always made aware of the dangerous nature of their employment. Attacks were explained away as trainer error or non-aggressive behavior, and the danger presented by Tilikum in particular was not fully revealed to his trainers, though it was clearly known to the higher ups.

I grew up in Orlando, and I have many happy Seaworld memories, but I'm convinced by Blackfish: Orcas don't belong in captivity.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
ambenderDec 28, 2013
Blackfish certainly lays down a compelling argument against keeping Orcas in captivity, and I was pleased with the filmmaker's decision to give some former trainers with opposing opinions a bit of screen time.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
Dymphna2102Jan 19, 2014
What I liked:
-Has an emotional appeal to it that I heard but didn't really expect
-Made me want to make a change about the whales' situation What I disliked: -There's one plot points the makers seemed to miss: Tilikum was cruellyWhat I liked:
-Has an emotional appeal to it that I heard but didn't really expect
-Made me want to make a change about the whales' situation

What I disliked:
-There's one plot points the makers seemed to miss: Tilikum was cruelly mistreated when young. If they really are so much like humans, could this not make a difference in his behavior?
-Just slams Sea World, makes it harder to relate

Conclusion:
-Will still go to Sea World, out of all the parks, it seems to be the best institution so far
-Support change nonetheless. I liked the one trainer's idea to give Tilikum an open range with other, older whales. They could still interact humans (like if they cannot find food).… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
inaneswineNov 14, 2017
It's true that Blackfish comes across as quite one-sided. But ultimately, it presents stone-cold facts about the way these animals are treated. For all the alleged good that SeaWorld has done for animals, this documentary exposes lies,It's true that Blackfish comes across as quite one-sided. But ultimately, it presents stone-cold facts about the way these animals are treated. For all the alleged good that SeaWorld has done for animals, this documentary exposes lies, incompetence and downright evil that takes place at the expense of a magnificent creature. A real wake-up call.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
uncatenaAug 3, 2014
A very well made, well-written documentary that only comes short in that it comes across as a political piece rather than a balanced report. The filmmakers pushed to dig out the full story of Tilikum and clearly tried to get all sides of theA very well made, well-written documentary that only comes short in that it comes across as a political piece rather than a balanced report. The filmmakers pushed to dig out the full story of Tilikum and clearly tried to get all sides of the story on the table, so that effort has to be praised. There is also incredible footage of the orcas in their natural habitat providing stark contrast to enclosure life. But what is lacking is a clear reckoning of the value Sea World brings to conservation and to animal wellbeing outside the tank. Agreed we should free the orcas (or put them in open water enclosures), and certainly let's tighten OSHA regulations. But without a more balanced view of the contributions these parks bring to animal welfare it comes across as a shrill piece of Hollywood activism, leaving the viewer to wonder if everyone had a say. That's unfortunate, because this is a very good film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
dsierrasOct 27, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The documentary, Blackfish directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite was a great film that
brought the audience closer to the situation that’s going on with the Killer whales at Sea world.
Blackfish was about the cause and effects that come with capturing killer whales and using
them for recreational purposes. The film brought a lot of emotion and information that gave
the audience an immediate connection. What the cameras captured and the editing was very
important to make a great argument and point on things. The plot as a whole was great. The
individual interviews and experiences that the former trainers tied things up really good as well
as the setting or the documentary. Lastly, the sound and the music played to emphasize what was
going to happen next gave a sneak peek of what was going to happen next.
Logos, Pathos, and ethos where all used to convey how it’s wrong to capture and confine
killer whales. Logos, throughout Blackfish, the trainers give facts about the whales. For example,
in 1983 Tilikum was captured in North Atlanta and at only age two he was already 11.5ft long.
They said that for being two, he was huge already. It was also said that all the whales were
stored together in a module that was only 20ft across and 30ft deep. This is a very small place for
all the whales to be together which caused the whales to get aggravated which cause them to get
hurt and have racks all over there body. It was like a human being in a bathtub.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
MrMovieBuffFeb 13, 2017
'Blackfish' is a chilling and disturbing, if not, revealing, documentary about how these Killer Whales were forced into being the main attraction at Sea World. Anybody who is not aware of these incidents where many trainers were killed by'Blackfish' is a chilling and disturbing, if not, revealing, documentary about how these Killer Whales were forced into being the main attraction at Sea World. Anybody who is not aware of these incidents where many trainers were killed by these mistreated Whales should see this before taking a trip to a place like Sea World. It's a documentary that makes you think, and one that you will never forget.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
imconorirlApr 30, 2020
This film made me really sad for multiple reasons. It's really good though and I think that most people should watch it at least once.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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