How far would you go for a friend?|Jul. 16, 1993|United States | Mexico|112 Min.|PG
Genre: Adventure;Drama;Family
Description: In 1993, the film *Free Willy* tells the heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between a troubled boy and a captive orca.
The story begins near the Pacific Northwest coast, where a pod of orcas is swimming peacefully. However, a group of whalers captures one of the whales, distinguished by three unique spots, and sends it to the Northwest Adventure Park. The whale is separated from its family, unable to escape.
Meanwhile, in Portland, Oregon, a 12-year-old orphan named Jesse, abandoned by his mother six years prior, gets into trouble with the law for vandalizing the theme park. His friend Perry escapes, but Jesse is caught. During his arrest, Jesse encounters the captured orca, who becomes a central figure in his life. Through the intervention of his social worker, Dwight, Jesse is given a second chance. He is placed in a foster home with Annie and Glen Greenwood, a kind and supportive couple. Initially, Jesse resists their care, struggling to adjust to his new environment.
While serving probation by cleaning graffiti at the park, Jesse reunites with the orca, named Willy. Despite being seen as difficult and uncooperative by the park staff, including trainer Rae Lindley, Willy forms a bond with Jesse after enjoying the boy’s harmonica playing. One night, Willy even saves Jesse from drowning, deepening their connection. Randolph Johnson, Willy’s keeper, who had witnessed Jesse’s arrest, helps Jesse understand his bond with the whale. Jesse eventually earns a permanent job at the park and begins to settle into his foster home.
The park’s owner, Dial, sees potential in Jesse and Willy’s partnership and plans a lucrative performance called “The Willy Show.” However, during the first performance, Willy becomes agitated by children banging on his underwater viewing area and refuses to cooperate. Unable to handle the pressure, Jesse leaves in tears, deciding to run away in search of his mother.
The film explores themes of friendship, redemption, and the struggle for freedom, capturing the emotional journey of both Jesse and Willy.
Cast director: Simon Wincer
Cast actor: Jason James Richter, Lori Petty, August Schellenberg, Michael Madsen, Jayne Atkinson, Michael Ironside, Richard Riehle, Mykelti Williamson, Michael Bacall, Danielle Harris
Original name: Free Willy