Review by Fabafterfifty
A heartwarming story, Dolphin Tale of triumph in adversity- on a number of levels. When a young dolphin (Winter) gets caught in a crab trap, she forms a strong attachment to the young boy (Sawyer) who saves her.
The local marine centre is able to save her life, but unfortunately not her tail. But Winter learns to swim without it. Sadly, the unique action she develops to stay buoyant , begins to have a catastrophic impact on her spine, and again the dolphin’s life is in danger. Unless of course a groundbreaking solution can be found.
Based on a true story, the film shows how man and nature can come together and help each other. Winter herself has become a symbol of hope for amputees throughout the US.
Filmed in 3D the underwater shots of the dolphins at play are spectacular. The cast is strong, Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr, Kris Kristofferson and Lesley Judd star. Although the real star is Winter herself.
A feel good film
A feel good film crossing the generations, although also tackling a particularly difficult issue, the rehabilitation and acceptance of military personnel injured in conflict. This is sensitively portrayed in the film as we see Sawyer’s older athletic cousin having to adjust to life with a physical disability when he returns from military action. His acceptance is helped by being part of Winter’s journey.
Anyone who grew up watching the TV series Flipper (in the 60s) will particularly enjoy this film .
