Revenge of the whales

Blackfish is a good old-fashioned documentary, using plenty of archival video (much is available, as this documentary is about the abuses - to the orca and to the staff - at Seaworld, where just about every moment is captured on someone's camera) and lots of interviews (except of Seaworld people, who repeatedly refused - stupid strategy I think) with former trainers/entertainers. Nothing new or noteworthy about the techniques, but this film, which proudly wears its heart on its sleeve, is a very effective advocacy - who will ever go to one of these water shows again after we see how the whales are captured, held captive, often mistreated and abused - an how at-risk the trainers are and how they're forced to spew - or spout - the company line. There is some absolutely horrifying footage (and voice recording) of whales attacking trainers at various points, and some sorrowful accounts about trainers whom the whales killed. And yet we certainly don't "blame" the whales - they, like the trainers, are the victims of a system. it's incredibly moving to see a huge tough guy who was part of one of the orca roundups in Puget Sound recounting his experience and tearing up, choking up, as he realizes what he's done to these beautiful creatures. To see them in the show, they look playful and happy - but what most never see or never saw until this film is that the orca are dangerous and unpredictable and the conditions of their captivity may exacerbate their danger and make them potentially violent and malicious - or, at best, unaware of their own strength when "playing" with their trainers. Totally captivating movie that may very likely change your views about whales and the whole water-show entertainment business.