Frontline Season 16 Episode 5 A Whale of a Business

In season 16, Frontline brings an intense and thought-provoking episode named A Whale of a Business. The documentary is directed by Rick Young and follows the controversial whaling practices that are taking place in Japan. The episode takes viewers on a journey into the heart of darkness where commercial interests supersede animal rights, and profit trumps conservation efforts.

A Whale of a Business opens up with the International Whaling Commission (IWC) declaring a moratorium on commercial whaling back in 1986. The agreement was passed to put a stop to rapidly falling whale populations due to increased hunting worldwide. However, the moratorium didn't stop Japan from continuing its whaling activities under the guise of "scientific research."

The episode puts Japan's whaling industry under the spotlight. The documentary captures the Japanese government's infamous "scientific research" label – a loophole used to justify whale hunting, which has led to over 30,000 whales killed since the moratorium was enacted. Frontline brings some of the most compelling arguments against this practice, highlighting how research can be done without killing whales.

The documentary highlights some of the most pressing issues that whaling faces in contemporary times. One of the central themes is Japan's contentious move of ramping up commercial whaling activities gradually. The country withdrew from the IWC in 2019 to restart commercial whaling, even though the country was operating under "research whaling." The move was widely condemned by other nations, with environmental groups pushing Japan to reconsider the decision.

A Whale of a Business provides in-depth coverage of the opposition Japan faces on whaling from a plethora of angles. It talks to protesters, environmental policy experts, and numerous government officials who are challenging Japan's stance on commercial whaling.

Throughout the episode, the documentary takes audiences inside some of the largest meat markets in Japan, where consumers actively purchase and consume whale meat. The episode's most intense focus is on the many ways in which Japan's whale industry can negatively impact the environment, leading to larger questions of responsibility, stewardship, and accountability.

One memorable scene follows Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, as his team attempts to intercept a Japanese whaling vessel and prevent it from hunting whales. The camera's awe-inspiring shots show crashing waves against the two boats and Watson's fight for Japan to stop hunting whales.

Overall, the latest season's episode of Frontline – A Whale of a Business – presents an emotionally charged, thought-provoking look at a controversial issue. The episode delivers raw, unprecedented access into Japan's whaling industry, the people involved, and the numerous forces aligned to challenge it. The film warns viewers of longer-term impacts on wildlife populations and the destruction of our planet's fragile ecosystem. The documentary offers a balanced view of both sides of the issue, making for a compelling and emotional watch.