Director Louie Psihoyos went to Taiji, Japan, under the pretense of filming the debasement of coral reefs. However, Psihoyos joined with Ric O'Barry, a former dolphin trainer, to create The Cove, an alarming and inspiring documentary about the annual dolphin killings that take place in the small coastal town.

After learning first-hand about dolphins' negative responses to captivity, O'Barry, of Flipper fame, is determined to bring down the very industry he helped create.

Each year the fisherman of Taiji catch dolphins, sell the best ones to marine parks and swim-with-dolphin programs, and take the rest to a small cove to be slaughtered. The way the dolphins are killed is heart-wrenching to watch. Unfortunately, what they do is legal; the IWC (International Whaling Commission) doesn't protect small cetaceans such as dolphins.

This film is O'Barry's call for people to get involved with ending the September-through-March killing season. Winner of the 2009 Academy Award for best documentary, this film is highly recommended, but be prepared for very upsetting visuals. Visit local video stores to check it out.

Marielle Dent is a sophomore at Academy for Technology and the Classics. You can contact her at onyx-13@hotmail.com.