Big Miracle
Whales are commonly featured in films and television due to their friendly and unthreatening nature.
With the upcoming release of Drew Barrymore’s new film, Big Miracle, we wanted to look back at the top 5 whale films of all time. From all-time classics to less well-known movies, we’ve searched far and wide to make sure we have the best selection for you.
- Namu: The Killer Whale (1966)
Winner of the Audience Award in 1967, the film follows a whale that is being studied by a local marine biologist and feared by the people that live in the small American town.
The marine biologist knows that the whale is not a threat so he tries to change their opinion of the whale.
- Free Willy (1993)
A must-have in every family’s film collection, Free Willy follows the story of a little boy Jesse and his friendship with a killer whale, Willy.
The film starts with Willy being trapped by a group of whalers and taken to an amusement park. Jesse is a troubled child who meets Willy whilst cleaning up the amusement park as part of a punishment, and there they build an unbelievable yet strong friendship.
Jesse then battles against whalers and the amusement park owners to set Willy free so he can re-join his family.
- Orca (1977)
Orca carries a slightly different theme to the majority of other whale films as the whale is portrayed as angry and threatening. Ocra is a killer whale who witnesses his mate and child’s death at the hands of Captain Nolan.
Seeking revenge against the captain, Ocra goes on an angry rampage in the fisherman harbour causing havock.
- Whale Rider (2002)
Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for best actress at the Academy Awards following her magnificent performance in Whale Rider.
It is a magical story about a young girl who fights to fulfil her destiny as leader of a tribe, even though she is rejected by everyone around her as she is female. A must see!
- Big Miracle (2012)
Based on the inspiring true story that captured the hearts of people across the world, the rescue adventure Big Miracle tells the amazing tale of a small town news reporter, John Krasinski, and a Greenpeace volunteer, Drew Barrymore.
They are joined by rival world superpowers to save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle.
Big Miracle at U.K cinemas from 10th February 2012!!
Tagged in Drew Barrymore John Krasinski