Behind The Cove is an intriguing and thought-provoking 2015 film that unfolds the controversial story of dolphin hunting in a small Japanese village, through the lens of director Keiko Yagi. The film features David Hance, Katsunori Horihata, and Joji Morishita in the key roles and collates different perspectives about the globally controversial topic, giving the audience an unbiased look into the issue.

The documentary film stands as evidence of a counter-argument against the Oscar-winning 2009 documentary "The Cove", which deplored the practice of dolphin hunting in Taiji, a small town on the coastline of Japan. While "The Cove" exposed and condemned the inhumane actions of dolphin hunting to the world, "Behind The Cove" makes an effort to provide an in depth understanding of the historical, cultural, and socioeconomic context of Japan and its relationship with marine life.

The film, run by the spirit of objectivity, introduces the viewer to the cultural roots of Japan and its long-lasting traditions associated with sea-life hunting. By portraying the village folks of Taiji and their narrative, Yagi's film illuminates the other side of the coin, which was relatively unseen and unexplored until now. The documentary takes you on a journey providing a deeper consideration of the community's perspective, which is far detached from the Western worldview.

David Hance and Joji Morishita are seen explaining the international politics surrounding the dolphin hunting issue. Katsunori Horihata reflects on the cultural backdrop and historical lineage that drive the people of Taiji to continue with their age-old traditions. The film depicts how these people, despite the global criticism, adhere to their customs and colonial ways that are deeply rooted in their identity and survival.

Distinguished voices in the documentary including the likes of ecologist Jay Holcomb, former dolphin trainer Ric O’Barry, and professor Tetsu Sato produce a comprehensive and balanced overview of the situation. The film presents a broader viewpoint on the regional tradition of whaling and its international perception, revealing a cultural clash where Western agendas and misunderstanding collide with time-honored customs. The documentary's attempt in unveiling the contrast between cultural diversity and that of moral universality undoubtedly forces the viewers to reflect on the scenario with a refreshed perspective.

Behind The Cove dives deeper into the Taiji people's lives, portraying the human side of hunters who are often dehumanized by international media. It also investigates the protest activities against dolphin hunting, displaying the complexities of animal rights activism, including the negative impact it can have on the very animals it tries to protect.

Further, Yagi's film successfully sheds light on Japan's whaling industry, the people associated with it, and delves into the economic dynamics that complicate the issue. It harnesses the power of critical thinking and intelligent discourse to stimulate viewers about the cultural differences and encourages them to challenge their own beliefs.

From the breathtaking coastal sceneries of Taiji to the intense, graphic realities of dolphin hunting, the film is a stark display of conflicting narratives. The questions it stirs about biodiversity, sustainability, cultural relativism, and animal rights make Behind The Cove a critical analysis of pressing environmental and sociopolitical topics.

The film’s cinematography brings to life the quaint, seaside village of Taiji, painting an authentic portrait of the local lifestyle, a far cry from the bustling cityscape of urban Japan. Through interviews, conservation efforts and real-life footage, Behind The Cove provides a balanced view, provoking audiences into introspection and dialogue about the contentious issue of dolphin hunting and conservation ethics.

Yagi's Behind The Cove is not just a defense of a cultural practice. It's a hard-hitting exploration of cultural conflicts and the consequent struggles of a small town, an examination of personal ethos vis-a-vis global expectations, and a nuanced portrayal of an age-old tradition versus modern conservation ethics. It leaves viewers with the opportunity to form their own judgment on the matter, making it a must-watch for those interested in environmental issues, animal rights, and cultural dynamics.