“Blackfish” is a 2013 documentary film directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite. It follows the life of the orca and killer whales of SeaWorld, especially an extra-large whale with a bent dorsal called Tilikum.

The 90-minute film features footage, witnesses, former trainers and former workers from SeaWorld and other marine mammal parks as they retell the stories of the many “accidental” fatalities caused by the killer whales while in captivity.

We hear the confessions, see the videos and witness just what the orcas and killer whales are capable of, from the jaw-dropping movements, stunts and tricks to the violent killings they are more than able to also achieve.

The killer whale Tilikum is one of the more notorious throughout the film, being responsible for three deaths, including one of the top professional trainer at SeaWorld, Dawn Brancheau.

In my opinion, “Blackfish” doesn’t do anything you wouldn’t expect to see in a documentary about animals when the filmmaker is trying to make the viewer concerned about something.

The film does do a great job of getting as many details and as many interviews as they can. I had heard of a few of stories before, but never heard this much detail and this kind of background on each of them.

It really compelled me and sparked genuine emotion out of me.  I’m not saying you’re going to cry in the middle of the theater, but emotions will be felt through this documentary.

My Grade: 4 out of 5 stars

Probably my biggest concern, though, was that I didn’t quite know what the point was of all the information. I left the theater almost confused of what the film was trying to tell me. To protest against SeaWorld? To form an opinion?

I just wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do after. I didn’t get a website to go to, or a company to want to be a part of. Through the whole film, I never heard of a company to get behind.

But all that aside, I would recommend “Blackfish” for anyone older than 10, because it is a little graphic at times.

The film will open in theatres on Friday, August 23 at Kahala 8.

(Thanks to Consolidated Theatres for inviting The Pinion to the press screening of this event.)