The documentary film The Cove raises awareness about the inhumane slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan. It uses emotional appeals to show the intelligence and social nature of dolphins through stories of human-dolphin interaction. It reveals how over 23,000 dolphins are killed annually in Taiji, with the meat containing dangerous levels of mercury. While a temporary ban was enacted due to pressure from the film, dolphin hunting has resumed for the fishing industry's financial benefit.