Watch Unlocking The Cage

Unlocking the Cage is a 2016 documentary film directed by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker, which explores the rights of animals and their personhood through the story of animal rights lawyer Steven M. Wise. The movie follows Steven M. Wise, a lawyer who has been fighting for animal rights for more than 30 years. Wise's theory is that animals should have legal rights similar to those of humans, and be recognized as "persons" under the law. He argues that animals are intelligent and emotional beings with their own unique personalities and interests, and should be protected from cruelty and exploitation.

The film mainly focuses on Wise's efforts to gain legal personhood for chimpanzees, whom he believes are among the most intelligent and cognitively sophisticated animals on the planet. Wise takes his case to court, arguing that chimpanzees have the capacity for self-awareness, reasoning, and an ability to communicate through sign language. He believes that these abilities should be enough to grant them legal personhood, and therefore, protect them from abuse, confinement, and other forms of mistreatment.

Through the course of the film, the audience gets a glimpse into the legal battles Wise faces trying to convince the court to grant chimpanzees legal personhood. The movie also showcases the struggle that Wise faces while trying to convince people that animals deserve legal rights. While the film offers thought-provoking ideas about animal rights and legal personhood, it also offers insight into the emotional toll of fighting a legal battle that few others believe in.

The film also features interviews with experts in the field of animal behavior, law, and ethics, who share their thoughts on the legal status of animals. These experts provide valuable insight into the ongoing debate surrounding the rights of animals, and help to frame the discussion in the context of the larger legal, political, and social issues facing society today.

Overall, Unlocking the Cage is a powerful and thought-provoking film about the fight for animal rights and legal personhood. The film challenges viewers to question their assumptions about the legal status of animals and to consider the ethical and moral implications of granting animals personhood. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the relationship between humans and animals and the legal, ethical, and social issues that arise from this dynamic.

Unlocking The Cage is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 63.