The first of three movies in the Free Willy series, this film focuses on an orca whale who has been captured by fishermen and now serves as entertainment for a local seaside town. Willy (a real orca named Keiko) is distressed due to being separated from his family and won’t allow trainers near him. His behavior aggravates new owner Dial (Ironside), who had expected a large financial profit from Willy’s presence. Enter the rebellious and guarded 12-year-old foster youth, Jess (Richter), who finds a kindred spirit in Willy as he completes his required community service, discovering new skills and passions in the process. Free Willy is the only one in the trilogy to include a live whale as its star. Keiko was led by a professional trainer to perform many scenes, while a 20-foot animatronic whale was used for compact, close-up scenes. — Kristin Trick
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