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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The oil business, politics, Inuit customs, and animal preservation normally don't mix, especially when the press gets involved. But a funny thing happens when Alaska television reporter Adam Carlson (John Krasinski) discovers a trio of gray whales trapped in the ice near the small town of Point Barrow. Adam's report gets national exposure, and his ex-girlfriend and Greenpeace worker Rachel (Drew Barrymore) hears the story, begins lobbying politicians to save the whales, and hops a plane for Alaska. The story reaches the local Inupiat people and millions of Americans, including oil tycoon J.W. McGraw (Ted Danson), presidential aide Kelly Meyers (Vinessa Shaw), Marine colonel Scott Boyer (Dermot Mulroney), and Los Angeles reporter Jill Jerard (Kristen Bell). Each gets involved in the fight for their own distinct reason. The Inupiat whalers decide to help the whales rather than hunt them, in a round-about effort to preserve their way of life, while McGraw sees the project as an opportunity to make his environmentally unfriendly oil-drilling business look like it cares about the earth. Meyers sees an opportunity to curry political popularity for President Reagan, while Boyer is simply following orders and Jerard is looking to advance her career. The group forms an unlikely alliance and pools their resources in an effort to save the three gray whales, but the experience leaves each of them unexpectedly changed. Based on a true story from 1988, the film is a masterful blend of pure entertainment and a sometimes almost documentary style that manages to be quite appealing to both children and adults. The references to '80s culture and politics are spot-on and will inspire more than a few smirks and snickers from adult audience members, and the environmental message of the film is heartening to all ages. But perhaps the most powerful thing about the film is its honest look at what motivates people and how, in America, even the most diametrically opposed factions can occasionally join forces to achieve a common good. (Ages 7 and older) --Tami Horiuchi
Product Description
Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski star in this incredible rescue adventure - the amazing true story that inspired the world and captured the hearts of millions. When a family of whales is trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle, a small-town reporter (Krasinski) and an animal-loving volunteer (Barrymore) rally an unlikely coalition of Alaskan natives, oil tycoons and the Russian and American military to set aside their differences and free the whales before it's too late. Kristen Bell, Dermot Mulroney and Ted Danson costar in this charming feel-good movie that the whole family can enjoy!
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
59 of 60 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
My wife and I were living in Barrow back in 1988 when the three California Gray Whales got stuck in the ice near Point Barrow. It was an exciting time and we were eagerly waiting to see the movie --how Hollywood would tell the story. When the whales were first discovered, I had just started working as the newsperson for local radio station KBRW. Got busy very quickly!
It was great to see some places there again, like the Mexican Restaurant ---really named Pepes.
And young Ahmaogak Sweeney in the role of Nathan, who learns about the Inupiat Eskimos and their relationships with whales from his Appa, or Grandfather. Nathan also figures out a way to supplement his allowance when some 200 outside Media folks arrived in Barrow and wanted to get out to the Arctic Ocean ice where the whales were trapped.
He gathers up some cardboard and sells it to the reporters so their feet won't get cold standing on the ice.
I was out there on the ice and don't remember such a thing, but it might have been a good idea.
The movie is listed as "Inspired by a True Story." So we were prepared for Hollywood to stretch and substitute.
Two major ones: It was an Inupiat Eskimo hunter, Roy Ahmaogak, who first discovered the stranded whales, not a newsman.
And second ---the Barrow whalers do not hunt the California Gray Whales. They hunt the larger Bowhead whales.
The movie includes arguments that a quick rescue was needed so the Native crews would not hunt them.
The Whaling captains held their meeting early on, before most media arrived, and said they would do all they could to rescue the whales.
One of the movie's strong points is recreating the whales, barnacles and all. And correctly showing how local people and visitors wanted to touch the whales, and sometimes encourage them to hang on.
As two of my friends who were wildlife biologists said, it provided a rare opportunity to see such whales close up.
The movie also shows how the key to the apparent rescue was low-tech ----the Natives cutting out a series of breathing holes with chain saws and then the water circulators from two caring men from Minnesota which kept the beathing holes open. And finally the Russian Icebreaker which breaks through a pressure ridge standing between the whales and open water in leads.
Did the whales actually make it out and all the way down to their feeding areas off of California and Mexico?
The Federal official in charge declared that the survivors did. But they were not fitted with little transmitters. I'd like to think that they did. See the movie for yourself and see what you think
Earl
It was great to see some places there again, like the Mexican Restaurant ---really named Pepes.
And young Ahmaogak Sweeney in the role of Nathan, who learns about the Inupiat Eskimos and their relationships with whales from his Appa, or Grandfather. Nathan also figures out a way to supplement his allowance when some 200 outside Media folks arrived in Barrow and wanted to get out to the Arctic Ocean ice where the whales were trapped.
He gathers up some cardboard and sells it to the reporters so their feet won't get cold standing on the ice.
I was out there on the ice and don't remember such a thing, but it might have been a good idea.
The movie is listed as "Inspired by a True Story." So we were prepared for Hollywood to stretch and substitute.
Two major ones: It was an Inupiat Eskimo hunter, Roy Ahmaogak, who first discovered the stranded whales, not a newsman.
And second ---the Barrow whalers do not hunt the California Gray Whales. They hunt the larger Bowhead whales.
The movie includes arguments that a quick rescue was needed so the Native crews would not hunt them.
The Whaling captains held their meeting early on, before most media arrived, and said they would do all they could to rescue the whales.
One of the movie's strong points is recreating the whales, barnacles and all. And correctly showing how local people and visitors wanted to touch the whales, and sometimes encourage them to hang on.
As two of my friends who were wildlife biologists said, it provided a rare opportunity to see such whales close up.
The movie also shows how the key to the apparent rescue was low-tech ----the Natives cutting out a series of breathing holes with chain saws and then the water circulators from two caring men from Minnesota which kept the beathing holes open. And finally the Russian Icebreaker which breaks through a pressure ridge standing between the whales and open water in leads.
Did the whales actually make it out and all the way down to their feeding areas off of California and Mexico?
The Federal official in charge declared that the survivors did. But they were not fitted with little transmitters. I'd like to think that they did. See the movie for yourself and see what you think
Earl
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
this is an awesome movie. this movie is based on a true story where three whales two adults and thier baby gets traped in the ice and fights for thier lives. when a news caster descovers that the whales are in trouble he broadcast it all over the news. when people descover how much the whales need help they help them. this was a really good movie and was heartwarming. if you have not seen this movie then i recommend you do
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This movie had a lot of potential, but...just wasn't a home run.
The story line was endearing - based loosely on real events. I have to say that as much as we hoped to enjoy this film we were surprised at the general lack of quality acting from a number of the characters.
I think that my favorite characters were the guys from MN who flew to AK to try to help out. At the same time I was generally disappointed by Danson and Barrymore's efforts, and the young woman newscaster was appropriately annoying. I hesitate to be too critical, but my family and I agreed that we were happy that we waited to watch this film on DVD rather than paying to see it in a theater. And, having seen the movie, we all agreed that once was enough. That's from my wife and I and our 13 and 21 yr old daughters.
The special effects used to show the whales were adequate and did not distract.
All in all, 3 stars is all I can manage for this film.
The story line was endearing - based loosely on real events. I have to say that as much as we hoped to enjoy this film we were surprised at the general lack of quality acting from a number of the characters.
I think that my favorite characters were the guys from MN who flew to AK to try to help out. At the same time I was generally disappointed by Danson and Barrymore's efforts, and the young woman newscaster was appropriately annoying. I hesitate to be too critical, but my family and I agreed that we were happy that we waited to watch this film on DVD rather than paying to see it in a theater. And, having seen the movie, we all agreed that once was enough. That's from my wife and I and our 13 and 21 yr old daughters.
The special effects used to show the whales were adequate and did not distract.
All in all, 3 stars is all I can manage for this film.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT MOVIE
FAMILY MOVIE BUT IF YOU LIKE ANIMALS AND DONT HAVE KIDS THIS IS A GOOD ONE TO WATCH BASED ON TRUE EVENTS.. LOVED IT
Published 3 days ago by tina
3.0 out of 5 stars
Nice Inspirational Family Movie
Pleasant dramatization of a true story involving the rescue of whales trapped in arctic ice. This is a good choice for adults with young and school aged children.
Published 9 days ago by voracious reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
Big Miracle
While it hasn't arrived yet, I saw it in the theatre with my SO of more than seven years. We both loved it, but after re-reading the Meaning to the Poem I wrote as the real thing... Read more
Published 11 days ago by Russell A. Ligeikis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Movie review
This is one of the best movie that i have seen in a long time!! It will make you laugh & cry but shows you that when you work together you can accomplish anything!!
Published 19 days ago by Robin W. King
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome family movie
Of all the violence in the world today, its nice to see a movie like this to remind us about what is important.
Published 21 days ago by Jeanette Murphy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Big Miracle
I really enjoyed this movie, it was real heartwarming to see the effort and cooperation of all concerned to save some of Gods wonderful creation. Read more
Published 26 days ago by Sandra Knittel
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Family Movie
I really enjoyed this movie...it is a great family pic. It is both heart warming and feel good. Thumbs up!
Published 1 month ago by Ritz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Family Movie
The story is based on real life events and is very captivating and family friendly. The acting is very well done and it is refreshing to see both sides of the environmental issues... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Julia
3.0 out of 5 stars
Big Miracle
I purchased a new movie and I could tell that it was not new. the package was not original and there was a small chip out of the plastic box.
Published 1 month ago by Sharon E. Colclasure
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love nature movies
I love nature movies and I love anything about life in a hard environment. I guess I love to see people struggle and come out on top.
Published 1 month ago by Mary W. Cross
