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All scenes thought to be dangerous for the dolphin or other animals were done using animatronics or CGI technology. The film, based on a true story, begins with a dolphin entangled in a crab trap, and a boy looking for a friend and a passion. ...
Dolphin Tale is not only a movie that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, it?s a movie that can be fully enjoyed by animal lovers.
First off, viewers will be happy to hear that the safety of Winter, the dolphin, and the animals in the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), Winter?s home, was top priority for the whole crew. All scenes thought to be dangerous for the dolphin or other animals were done using animatronics or CGI technology.
The film, based on a true story, begins with a dolphin entangled in a crab trap, and a boy looking for a friend and a passion. The two find each other, and the tale of Sawyer (Nathan Gamble) and Winter (as herself) unfolds, highlighting the connection between boy and dolphin. Sawyer, a lonely and shy eleven-year-old, finds a way to relate to other people through his relationship with Winter. Winter, in turn, finds the strength to survive the loss of her tail through the friendship she develops with Sawyer.
Not only do boy and dolphin save each other (like so many strays and the people who rescue them), but they also manage to change the lives of everyone in their community through the strength of their bond. From a doctor specializing in prosthetics (Morgan Freeman) to the local swim team, Sawyer rallies the community to help Winter survive. Winter touches the people she comes in contact with, inspiring them to hope when it seems there is no reason to; she becomes something of an ambassador from the animal world to people with disabilities. As one little girl missing a leg in the movie said ?Momma, she?s just like me.?
The plot, though somewhat predictable, manages to find a balance between the heartwarming connection between Sawyer and Winter and the drama of the difficulties in keeping Winter alive. The film, told from a child?s perspective, finds that balance.
It?s a sad commentary that people think animal movies are for children, but Dolphin Tale can truly be enjoyed by people of any age. Children and adults alike can learn from the intelligence Winter displays, and from the bond that can be formed between people and animals.
Winter?s indomitable spirit can teach everyone something about coping with disasters in their own lives. Despite the loss of her tail, Winter overcomes all odds teaching herself to swim, and learns to play with her new family.
Dolphin Tale highlights the incredible bond that forms between animals and the humans that care for them. Winter is just one example of how animals become more than just companions or friends; they become family.