Poster for The Cove

The Cove (2009) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The Cove tells the amazing true story of how an elite team of individuals, films makers and free divers embarked on a covert mission to penetrate the hidden cove in Japan, shining light on a dark and deadly secret. The shocking discoveries were only the tip of the iceberg.

Rated PG-13 • 2009 • 1h 32m

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Age
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The Cove is a documentary following a covert team of activists and filmmakers as they investigate illegal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. The film is rated PG-13 primarily due to intense, real-life footage of animal cruelty and the ongoing psychological tension surrounding the production's clandestine mission. Parents should be aware that the documentary contains graphic imagery of dolphin slaughter that may be deeply… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Hayden Panettiere
Hayden Panettiere
JC
Joe Chisholm
MC
Mandy-Rae Cruikshank
CH
Charles Hambleton
SH
Simon Hutchins
KK
Kirk Krack
Isabel Lucas
Isabel Lucas
Richard O'Barry
Richard O'Barry
RP
Roger Payne
JP
John Potter
Louie Psihoyos
Louie Psihoyos
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Is The Cove appropriate for kids?

The Cove is a documentary following a covert team of activists and filmmakers as they investigate illegal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. The film is rated PG-13 primarily due to intense, real-life footage of animal cruelty and the ongoing psychological tension… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Cove

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in The Cove, moment by moment

  1. 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:18 💬 Language 3/10
  3. 0:25 🍷 Substances 2/10
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Sex and nudity in The Cove

There is no sexual content in this film, though incidental background footage may show individuals wearing swimwear at a public beach.

Violence and gore in The Cove

The film contains intense, real-life footage of dolphin hunting, featuring fishermen using tools to strike at animals in the water. The water frequently turns deep red with blood, and the struggle of the animals is clearly visible.

Language in The Cove

Language is mild and infrequent throughout the documentary. It includes occasional uses of terms like 'Goddammit', 'Christ', and a single usage of 'shit', as well as one instance of a subject giving the middle finger to the camera.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Cove

There is no significant substance use, although one individual is briefly seen smoking a cigarette during an interview segment.

Mature themes in The Cove

The central theme is the systemic, covert slaughter of dolphins and the environmental and political struggle to expose it. It deals heavily with animal rights, human cruelty, and the ethical conflict between traditional fishing practices and global conservation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Cove appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Cove is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Cove is a documentary following a covert team of activists and filmmakers as they investigate illegal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. The film is rated PG-13 primarily due to intense, real-life footage of…

What age rating does The Cove have?

The Cove is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Cove about?

The Cove is a documentary following a covert team of activists and filmmakers as they investigate illegal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. The film is rated PG-13 primarily due to intense, real-life footage of animal cruelty and the ongoing psychological tension surrounding the production's clandestine…

Is there sex or nudity in The Cove?

There is no sexual content in this film, though incidental background footage may show individuals wearing swimwear at a public beach.

How violent is The Cove?

The film contains intense, real-life footage of dolphin hunting, featuring fishermen using tools to strike at animals in the water. The water frequently turns deep red with blood, and the struggle of the animals is clearly visible.

Is the language in The Cove appropriate for kids?

Language is mild and infrequent throughout the documentary. It includes occasional uses of terms like 'Goddammit', 'Christ', and a single usage of 'shit', as well as one instance of a subject giving the middle finger to the camera.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Cove?

There is no significant substance use, although one individual is briefly seen smoking a cigarette during an interview segment.

What mature themes appear in The Cove?

The central theme is the systemic, covert slaughter of dolphins and the environmental and political struggle to expose it. It deals heavily with animal rights, human cruelty, and the ethical conflict between traditional fishing practices and global…

How long is The Cove?

The Cove runs 92 minutes, directed by Louie Psihoyos, released in 2009.

Where can I read the full The Cove parent guide?

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