If you are a 90s kid, then youll be well aware of the timeless classic that is Free Willy: a film that inspired a generation of marine biologists and orca activists. Willy is a disobedient, troublesome orca in captivity who refuses to be trained by the park staff. Late one night, he saves Jesse, a boy who tumbles into his tank and almost drowns. Jesse learns to communicate to Willy by playing his harmonica and the two bond over their mutual feeling of isolation, becoming close friends. Jesse soon understands the depths of Willys loneliness when he listens to the whales tortured calls to his family. He then hatches a plan to free Willy before the parks owners can kill him and collect on the insurance that soon leads to the iconic scene of Willy leaping over the rocks to freedom. Hes not exactly the pet youll want to confine to a tank but hes one whose freedom youd happily risk your life for. Hes strong-willed, devoted and an attentive listener, a perfect companion for anyone venturing out to sea. Not to mention he has saved countless human lives throughout the films series, even the life of a man who tried to kill him and his family (Free Willy 3). Just having this wonderful orca in your life enriches it, creating countless treasured memories and incredible moments spent at sea.
An aspiring filmmaker, writer, traveller, and avid comic book fan, with an undying passion for calligraphy and chopping boards shaped like fruit. Genuinely enjoys receiving your hate mail.
