CIFF 2023; A Taste of Whale

This documentary sets out to examine whaling practises in Faroe Islands and it's effects, but in reality, simply presents the arguments of the whaling community and those who oppose them, neutrally with no real conclusion. As expected, there is lots of talk of human nature and need for food vs barbarity and antiquated tradition. It is admirable to remain entirely neutral I suppose, but it was so uncinematic that it never really grabbed me.

Those that are involved physically in the frenzied killing of one hundred plus whales on a small beach in a matter of minutes with blades and hooks, known locally as the 'Grind', often use words like 'brutal' and 'attack', but also speak with such pride about this traditional hunting method that has been passed on through generations and still sustains many.

Most will find it upsetting, shocking and/or disturbing to watch at points, but the point is argued that to have meat for food, the sanctioned slaughter of animals happens all over the world, just mostly behind closed doors. This is one example of many, it just so happens to be claiming the lives of much loved creatures in a particularly blood soaked way.

Interestingly, I found the most shocking moment to be a frankly unbelievable statement shown at the end of the film claiming that an estimated 200 million land animals and 7 billion fish are killed daily for human consumption.

2.5 out of 5