In my opinion, this is one of the most powerful, exhilarating and eye-opening documentaries of its kind, but it's also unique and stands in a class by itself. Behind The Mask offers a candid glimpse into the lives of many different animals languishing in cages in laboratories and commercial breeding facilities, living in squalid confinement on factory farms and being abused in a variety of ways by humans from every walk of life; students, unethical researchers, laboratory staff, farmers and hunters and poachers from all over the world all make animal abuse an equal opportunity disgrace. While the footage is raw and the very definition of an "inconvenient truth" for many people to accept, the film gets its point across without the use of overtly long, graphic scenes and depictions of violence toward animals. I think the film makers have done an exceptional job in enlightening without frightening and they combine the right balance of educational and entertaining commentary with graphic images and details of what the public needs to know takes place behind closed doors, barn or otherwise. The interviews and cameos range from well-known celebrities and journalists to prominent figures in the animal rights and animal welfare arena, as well as doctors and others who provide ample evidence that vivisection and other atrocities against animals is unnecessary and sadistic. The film portrays the people who literally risk their lives and freedom to liberate animals from a variety of conditions where they are being tortured in the name of research, cosmetics and hygiene, food, leather and a variety of other non-essential reasons. Behind The Mask showcases their efforts and passion to save animals through direct action and celebrates them as the anonymous heroes they are. It is also action packed with excellent footage of those who also police the seas and protect marine life from exploitation and illegal slaughter. The soundtrack, quality and length also make it an excellent choice for a younger generation to be inspired.
Review of Behind the Mask
