Dolphin Tale parents guide

Dolphin Tale Parent Guide

With very little content other than the injured animal's threatened death, what "Dolphin Tale" inspires young viewers to dream big and look for their own causes to become involved in.

Overall A-

When a young boy (Nathan Gamble) finds an injured dolphin washed up on the beach, he becomes part of the group of people determined to help the animal survive. Their efforts to repair/replace her damaged tail evolves into an inspirational tale for the entire community.

Release date September 23, 2011

Violence B
Sexual Content A
Profanity A-
Substance Use A

Why is Dolphin Tale rated PG? The MPAA rated Dolphin Tale PG for some mild thematic elements.

Run Time: 112 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

If the opinion of the boy in front of me at the screening has any validity, Dolphin Tale is “the best movie ever”. While that might be a bit of an overstatement, it speaks to how well this inspiring family tale appeals to its intended audience.

Based on a true story, this film gets much of its charm from the characters, especially eleven-year-old Sawyer (Nathan Gamble). The only child of a single mother (Ashley Judd), he struggles with school. As a result he has to go to summer classes where, unfortunately, his grades aren’t improving. Then one morning, loaded down with a backpack, he comes across a beached dolphin tangled in a crab trap. After a call is made for help, he watches the animal rescue unit load the injured marine mammal into their transport truck. Then following classes, he races to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to check on the dolphin.

Inside he runs into Hazel (Cori Zuehisdorff), the daughter of the facility’s director (Harry Connick Jr.). She sneaks him to the back where Winter, as Hazel has named her, is being cared for. The injured dolphin, who hasn’t been responding to medical treatment, perks up when she hears Sawyer’s voice. For the next week, the boy secretly spends his days at the aquarium, until his teacher calls home with a truancy report.

However, Sawyer’s mother has noticed a change in her son. Her once morose and quiet child is suddenly up and out the door without any coaxing. Against what she considers to be her better judgment, she allows Sawyer to drop classes and spend his time at the recovery facility. But despite his daily involvement in her care, Sawyer is stunned when Winter’s injuries fail to heal and her tail fin must be removed to stop the spread of infection. Without the ability to propel herself through the water, there is little hope for her long-term survival.

Later Sawyer’s family receives more devastating news when they learn his recently deployed cousin Kyle (Austin Stowell) has been injured in combat. Coming home from the war zone, Kyle, who had hopes of competing as an Olympic swimmer, suffers both physical and emotional injuries. Even with the encouragement of Dr. McCarthy (Morgan Freeman), who designs prostheses for the soldiers, he struggles to see a future for himself.

Sawyer, on the other hand, continues to do better socially, academically and emotionally. Rather than isolating himself in his garage, he interacts with others and tackles big projects including helping his cousin adjust to his new life situation.

More than just a fishy tale, this aquatic adventure recognizes the sacrifices made by so many in the military. It acknowledges the desires of those with physical challenges to fit in. But with very little content other than the injured animal and her threatened death, what Dolphin Tale may do best is inspire young viewers to dream big and look for their own causes to become involved in.

Directed by Charles Martin Smith . Starring Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr.. Running time: 112 minutes. Theatrical release September 23, 2011. Updated

Watch the trailer for Dolphin Tale

Dolphin Tale
Rating & Content Info

Why is Dolphin Tale rated PG? Dolphin Tale is rated PG by the MPAA for some mild thematic elements.

Violence: Characters discover a beached animal with some bloody injuries. An animal fights against medical treatment and is subjected to an amputation. Soldiers who have lost limbs in combat are shown. Characters discuss the need to put an animal down.

Sexual Content: None noted.

Language: One mild profanity is used.

Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

Other: Child fails to wear a helmet while biking.

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Dolphin Tale Parents' Guide

What does Dr. McCarthy mean when he tells Kyle he is hurt but not broken? What part does attitude have in helping individuals deal with setbacks in life? Can injured pride sometimes be more debilitating than physical injuries?

How does Sawyer’s interest in Winter change his desire to learn? How can having a vision of what you want to achieve help motivate a person in their educational pursuits?

Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium website to see actual footage of Winter’s rescue and keep tabs on her and the other animals with the center’s live cam.

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Dolphin Tale movie is December 20, 2011. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: Dolphin Tale

Release Date: 20 December 2011

Dolphin Tale releases to home video in a Combo Pack (Blu-ray/DVD/UV Digital Copy) and in 3D (Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD/UV Digital Copy). Both packages include:

- Ormie and the Cookie Jar

- Deleted scenes

- Gag reel

- At Home with Winter

- Dolphin Tale: Spotlight on a Scene

- Winter’s Inspiration

- The Hutash Rainbow Bridge

Related home video titles:

A dolphin is the star of the show in Flipper. Another boy befriends a needy marine animal in the Free Willy franchise. A young Maori girl discovers a connection with marine life that changes the traditions and mindset of her tribe in Whale Rider. A real life human amputee also provides inspiration to others, as depicted in the biographical movie, Soul Surfer.

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