Unlocking the Cage

Name: Unlocking the Cage
Genre: Drama, History, Documentary, News
Released: May 25, 2016
Duration: 91 min
Rating: 63

2016

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Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews

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Unlocking The Cage

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Movie Details & Credits

First Run Features | Release Date: May 25, 2016 | Not Rated

Summary: Unlocking the Cage follows animal rights lawyer Steven Wise in his unprecedented challenge to break down the legal wall that separates animals from humans. Arguing that cognitively complex animals such as chimpanzees, whales, dolphins and elephants have the capacity for limited personhood rights, Steve and his legal team are making historyUnlocking the Cage follows animal rights lawyer Steven Wise in his unprecedented challenge to break down the legal wall that separates animals from humans. Arguing that cognitively complex animals such as chimpanzees, whales, dolphins and elephants have the capacity for limited personhood rights, Steve and his legal team are making history by filing the first lawsuits that seek to transform a chimpanzee from a “thing” with no rights to a “person” with legal protections. Unlocking the Cage captures a monumental shift in our culture, as the public and judicial system show increasing receptiveness to Steve’s impassioned arguments. It is an intimate look at a lawsuit that could forever transform our legal system, and one man’s lifelong quest to protect “nonhuman” animals. [First Run Features]… Expand

Director: Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker

Genre(s): Drama, History, Documentary, News

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 91 min

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Critic Reviews

Peter Rainer

May 27, 2016

The filmmakers are clearly on Wise’s side, but they are also eminently fair. Read full review

Anthony Kaufman

May 25, 2016

It’s a classic underdog story, effective for its engaging chronicle of outsiders trying to change the system. Read full review

Robert Abele

Jun 23, 2016

Unlocking the Cage, despite its cameras being on hand for a historic animal rights push, shouldn’t be confused for some hot-button doc ready to slap you into sensibility about its fight. Hegedus/Pennebaker are too smart to get ahead of themselves about something they clearly believe in, when simply hewing to a can-do guy provides enough momentum. Read full review

Duane Byrge

Apr 9, 2016

Unlocking the Cage makes its case for reevaluation of non-human animals' legal status in crisp, convincing fashion. Read full review

The Film Stage Daniel Schindel

May 25, 2016

This film is especially good at making courtroom scenes engaging, where many would hurry through the choicest soundbites before moving on to the next part. Read full review

Mike D'Angelo

May 25, 2016

In short, this is yet another doc that would make a first-rate book or lengthy article, gaining almost nothing from its chosen medium apart from (maybe) greater exposure. There’s no legitimate taxonomic reason for this material to be designated a film. Read full review

Clayton Dillard

May 20, 2016

The problem here isn't necessarily the tension between emotion and rationality, but that the doc does little to explore these dimensions as they arise. Read full review

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