Review of The Whale (2013) by Eric H — 01 Jun 2015

This film is well worth watching, and does a great job telling a complex and compelling story. I must admit I dreaded watching this one, and put it off for weeks, because I felt there was no way that this story couldn't end badly.

But overall I was incredibly moved by the depiction of the bond between an intelligent animal and a Canadian coastal community. There is so much wonderful footage in this film of loving and playful interactions between Luna and people, in a beautiful Pacific Northwest setting.

The situtaion was heartbreaking, and the film I think really makes clear that there were no good or clear choices for the well-meaning people involved to make, and captures the regrets of those who wish that different decisions had been made.

I feel like our relationship to intelligent and social marine animals is one of the most important issues facing us today, as populations of cetaceans dwindle due to environmental concerns and captivity in aquaria remains an extremely profitable business.

The Whale adds another arrow to the quiver of those who feel that we must find a more humane way of living with these animals.