A poetic tale of the strong bond between an abandoned boy and Willy, an intelligent killer whale yearning for freedom and his family. A beautiful family film about friendship, sacrifice and courage.

Twelve-year-old Jesse, growing up without parents, is given one last chance by social worker Mercer. The condition is to start living a decent life with his new foster parents, Glen and Annie.

Jesse is tasked with cleaning the hallways of the Dolphinarium, which he and a friend trashed when they were on the run from the police. There he meets Randolph the janitor, Rae the trainer, and a killer whale named Willy.

Jesse quickly becomes close to Willy and starts visiting the dolphinarium regularly. Jesse becomes Willy’s main trainer and everything goes in a seemingly ideal direction. Things change drastically when the owner of the dolphinarium decides to get rid of Willy because he’s not making any money off of him.

A serious incident occurs and Willy’s life is in danger. Jessi, however, is not going to let this go and decides to save the killer whale.

Parents Guide: More times a woman in a sports bra or a shirt without a bra in tight or short shorts. In two scenes looking around a flyer with women in bikinis. One scene with a fist fight. Multiple times taking God’s name in vain. Smoking boy, drinking adults. Deceiving people while begging. Cake stealing and rioting. More times Jesse’s disobedience and defiance towards especially the foster parents.

Cast: Jason James Richter, Lori Petty, Jayne Atkinson, August Schellenberg, Michael Madsen, Michael Ironside, Richard Riehle, Mykelti Williamson

Crew: Simon Wincer

USA / France, 1993

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