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Free Willy (1993)

 -  Family | Adventure | Drama  -  16 July 1993 (USA)
5.6
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Ratings: 5.6/10 from 31,251 users   Metascore: 79/100
Reviews: 52 user | 28 critic | 14 from Metacritic.com

When a boy learns that a beloved killer whale is to be killed by the aquarium owners, the boy risks everything to free the whale.

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(story), (screenplay), 1 more credit »
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Title: Free Willy (1993)

Free Willy (1993) on IMDb 5.6/10

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7 wins & 2 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Wade
...
...
Perry
...
Gwenie
Isaiah Malone ...
Vector
Betsy Toll ...
Passerby #1
Rob Sample ...
Passerby #2
Merrilyn Jones ...
Passerby #3
Mickey Gaines ...
Waiter
Edit

Storyline

Fishermen separate a young orca whale (Willy) from his parents and he ends up in a fish bowl at a marina. Meanwhile, a street kid runs afoul of the law and gets caught vandalising the marina, but his social worker gets him off the hook (so to speak) provided he cleans up his mess at the marina. While there, he befriends the whale and teaches him tricks, something the trainer hasn't been able to do. But when Willy is a dud in front of the audience, the marina owner plans some bad things, and the boy and his friends must try to (*** MAJOR SPOILERS ***) free Willy. Written by Ed Sutton <esutton@mindspring.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

How far would you go for a friend? See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some mild language | See all certifications »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

16 July 1993 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Liberen a Willy  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£4,030,138 (UK) (4 March 1994)

Gross:

£5,343,231 (UK) (15 April 1994)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

At the film's opening, one of the whaling vessels bears the name 'Pequod', a nod to the whaling ship in 'Moby Dick'. See more »

Goofs

When Willy is jumping over the stone wall at the end of the movie, the bottom of the actual whale does not match the pattern of the CGI whale that lands the jump. See more »

Quotes

Mr. Dial: [to Wade] The Willy Show! It'll make money. That, my friend, is what we're all about!
See more »

Connections

Referenced in The Car Keys (2003) See more »

Soundtracks

"Will You Be There"
(Theme from "Free Willy")
Written and Produced by Michael Jackson
Co-Produced by Bruce Swedien
Performed by Michael Jackson
Courtesy of Epic Records
See more »

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User Reviews

 
A heart warming film that touches your soul.
1 October 2005 | by (United Kingdom) – See all my reviews

Its a real family movie with lots of love. This film is a great way for kids to learn about Whales, family and friendship. Its one not to be missed, its makes you feel all warm in side. It made me cry back when I was 5 and it still does today. This Film will always be in our hearts. If you have kids this is the one to show them, they will laugh, cry and learn to love the adorable killer Whale Willy which a lot of us have done. This film has taught us a lot about captivity and the need of freedom. There should be more films like this. If you are in need of a friend there will always be on in animals and this film has shown us so with Jesse and Willy. This film will continue to touch many hearts of the world.


20 of 24 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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