Dolphin Tale - DVD Review

Based on real life events, Dolphin Tale is the remarkable story of a dolphin called Winter who was rescued after being washed ashore and stranded, as a result of her getting her tail caught up in a crab fishing trap. In order to save her life, Winter has to lose her tail which in turn puts her life in danger as without a tail the dolphin is putting too much strain on her back which will, ultimately, kill her in time.

Winter without her tail

Winter is found on the beach by a young boy called Sawyer who is a bit of a loner and quiet at home and is struggling with school and doesn't really have any friends. That is until he befriends the marine biologist (played by Harry Connick Jnr) and his daughter who save and home Winter in their Clear Water Marine Hospital. Sawyer visits the hospital and soon forms a special bond with the tailless dolphin and her carers which brings the boy out of his shy shell and he finds a love for the marine life and the centre and it transforms him.

It is Sawyer who introduces a prosthetist doctor (played by the brilliant Morgan Freeman) to the dolphin and the marine biologists as he wonders if a prosthetic tail could be made for Winter to allow her to swim again properly which will save her life. Such an invention would be ground breaking not only for Winter but also for people who have lost limbs. But can such a tail be made and accepted by the dolphin in time?

This film is really moving and inspirational which is helped by the fact that it is based on a true story. Winter actually plays herself in the film and she still lives at the Clear Water Marine Hospital , and she has become a symbol of courage and hope for so many people - both able bodied and disabled - who have been touched by her story and her amazing recovery and rehabilitation.

Winter with her new tail

I would highly recommend watching Dolphin Tale - I really enjoyed it and Burton did watch some of the film with me but being only 2 1/2 he got distracted about half way in! If your children are a bit older I am sure they will be just as moved and inspired by Winter's tail/tale as I was. The well assembled and known cast make the film enjoyable to watch too, as they are very engaging and believable. Not only is it a story about a dolphin and her road to recovery but it is also a film about friendships and believing in something so much that you go out and make it happen!

The Dolphin Tale DVD (released by Warner Brothers) goes on UK release on 13th February, 2012 - it would be perfect to watch during half term and I guarantee you will be checking out Winter on her live web cam afterwards!

I was sent a copy of Dolphin Tale on DVD by Warner Brothers for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions about the movie are my own.

(Images borrowed from Google)