Should I sit with them?

We would not put this on for a child under 6 and leave the room. Plan to sit with them at least until 9. After that, many families can watch with a grown-up nearby rather than on the couch. The notes above say what happens. You know your child. This is not medical advice.

Movie -- 1993 -- Netflix

Free Willy

Jesse is a twelve-year-old in foster care who vandalises a marine park and is made to clean it up. He bonds with Willy, a captive orca who wants his family back. When the park owner plots to let the tank drain for insurance money, Jesse and friends race to return Willy to the ocean.

Notes are based on public reviews and published descriptions.

Age

Not suitable
Parental guidance
Ok

GentleGuide scale for sensitive kids. Not an ACCM or Classification Board rating.

About this title

Classification: G
Length: 112 minutes
Consumer advice: Very mild in impact

What to watch for

Scary Imagery: Jesse and friends graffiti the marine park at night
Sadness: Jesse is in foster care with Glen and Annie
Peril: On show day, kids bang the glass
Violence: Park manager Wade sabotages the cracked tank so water will drain
Peril: Willy is trucked to the marina

Timestamps

Timestamps are approximate. Cuts can differ. First one is free; the rest are in GentleGuide Pro.

00:08:00Scary Imagerymild

Jesse and friends graffiti the marine park at night. Lightning, then Willy's open jaws suddenly fill the glass in front of Jesse.

Theme. A jump-scare face starts the bond as threat before it becomes friendship.

What to say. You might say: 'Willy appears sudden and huge behind the glass. He is not eating Jesse. We can sit through the jump-scare.'

Unlock 4 more timestamps with GentleGuide Pro

What to say if you stay for each moment
Theme notes on every stamp
Timestamps on every guided title

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