“Blackfish,” a documentary about the lives or orcas in captivity, opens today at UNL’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. Also showing is Woody Allen’s comedy/drama “Blue Jasmine.” Both are rated PG-13 and play through Sept. 12.

Many people have experienced the excitement and awe of watching an 8,000-pound orca, or “killer whale,” soar out of the water and fly through the air at a sea park. The performances are often flawless, with the orcas working as if in perfect harmony with trainers.

However, the mighty black and white mammals have many sides — from a majestic, friendly giant, seemingly eager to take trainers for a ride around the pool, to an unpredictable, wild creature who turns on the trainer in a moments notice. “Blackfish” unravels the complexities of this dichotomy, employing the story of the notorious performing whale Tilikum — a captive orca who, unlike any wild relative, has killed several people.

“Blackfish” presents never-before-seen footage and interviews with trainers and experts, exploring the orca’s extraordinary nature, the species’ cruel treatment in captivity in the last four decades, and the growing disillusionment of workers in the sea-park industry.

Allen trades New York City for San Francisco in “Blue Jasmine.” The film stars Cate Blanchett as a troubled former Manhattanite who moves to the City by the Bay to live with her sister (Sally Hawkins) after her wealthy husband (Alec Baldwin) divorces her. Forced to put her life back together piece by piece while under the effect of powerful anti-depressants, she dates a series of men, attempts to build a career, and slowly learns how to count on herself to survive.

For more information, including show times, go to http://www.theross.org or call 402-472-5353.