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This 2017 documentary examines both sides of the conflict around dolphin hunting in Taiji, Japan, an issue brought to international prominence by the 2009 documentary The Cove. Looking at the legacy of that film, this documentary tells the stories of the local fisherman and the Western activists who have clashed over the issue.
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RogerEbert.com by Nick Allen
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.
The Hollywood Reporter by Frank Scheck
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.
Village Voice
Together, these voices paint a complex picture of the clash between globalism and a fast-disappearing localism.
Village Voice by Devika Girish
Together, these voices paint a complex picture of the clash between globalism and a fast-disappearing localism.
Film Journal International by Nick Schager
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.
Movie Nation by Roger Moore
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.
Los Angeles Times by Robert Abele
A Whale of a Tale is an unfortunately directionless, low-gear rebuttal that hardly ever stirs up emotions as effectively as “The Cove” did.
The New York Times by Jeannette Catsoulis
A Whale of a Tale is a rambling blend of complaint, tourism and straw-men arguments. What it’s not is persuasive.
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