🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ken Kwapis
- Genre: Drama, Family
- Release year: 2012
- Runtime (length): 1h 47min
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (32k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A reporter and his ex-girlfriend team up with the US and Russia to help some whales escape the ice, proving that even cold-blooded creatures can get a hot rescue.
🍿 Big Miracle: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Discovery of the Trapped Whales
In Barrow, Alaska, local news reporter Adam Carlson, eager to move to a larger market, stumbles upon a story that could change everything. While filming a segment on the town, he discovers a family of gray whales—a mother, father, and calf—trapped in the rapidly forming Arctic ice. The whales are struggling to breathe through a small opening, and the situation is dire.

Bringing the Story to the World
Adam’s report quickly gains national attention, drawing the interest of various groups. Rachel Kramer, a Greenpeace activist and Adam’s ex-girlfriend, sees the whales as an opportunity to highlight environmental concerns. The story also attracts the attention of J.W. McGraw, an oil tycoon looking for positive PR, and political figures eager to capitalize on the growing public interest.

An Unlikely Coalition Forms
As the ice thickens, a diverse group of people—including the Inupiat community, environmentalists, oil companies, and even the U.S. and Soviet militaries—begin to work together to save the whales. They face numerous challenges, including freezing temperatures, logistical difficulties, and political obstacles. The Inupiat’s initial plan to harvest the whales shifts to a rescue effort, driven by both compassion and the world’s watchful eye.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Adam Carlson (John Krasinski): An ambitious local news reporter in Alaska who sees the trapped whales as his ticket to a bigger market.
- Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore): A passionate Greenpeace activist and Adam’s ex-girlfriend, determined to save the whales at any cost.
- Malik (John Pingayak): An Inupiat man who helps Adam find the whales and becomes involved in the rescue efforts, representing the local community’s perspective.
- Nathan (Ahmaogak Sweeney): A young Inupiat boy who befriends Adam and learns to appreciate his culture while participating in the whale rescue.
- J.W. McGraw (Ted Danson): An oil tycoon who initially opposes Rachel but is eventually persuaded to help save the whales for good publicity.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Adam Carlson: “I think Barrow might have one great story left in her.” – Adam expresses his belief that something significant can still happen in his small Alaskan town.
- Rachel Kramer: “These whales, they’re not just animals, they’re individuals.” – Rachel emphasizes the importance of valuing each whale’s life, arguing against viewing them as mere creatures.
- J.W. McGraw: “Sometimes, doing the right thing is good for business.” – McGraw justifies his involvement in the rescue by acknowledging the PR benefits of helping the whales, showing his self-interested motivation.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $40,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $20,157,300
- Worldwide Gross: $24,740,061
💥 Big Miracle Reviews
Personal Review
I really enjoyed Big Miracle. It’s the kind of movie that makes you feel good, even if it gets a little cheesy at times. The whales looked so real, and it was amazing to see how everyone came together to help them. The scene where they finally break through the ice? I almost cried. If you like movies that give you hope, definitely check this one out.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Families looking for a heartwarming movie”
- “Animal lovers and environmental activists”
- “Those interested in historical events and Cold War stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Brief mild language”
- “The death of an animal (baby whale)”
- “Themes of environmental concern and political conflict”
Professional Reviews
- IMDB: “Big Miracle tugs at the heartstrings with its true story of saving trapped whales. While predictable at times, the strong cast and moving scenes make it a worthwhile watch. The film shows how different people can unite for a good cause.
- IMDB: “With heartwarming and emotional scenes, Big Miracle is an enjoyable family film that can move all. Overall, its a very touching movie with an excellent cast.
- IMDB: “Drew Barrymore has come a very long way since her appearance at age seven in ET and as far as I am concerned it is down to Drew herself. This movie is a strage litle story based on the three gray whales that were trapped under the ice in Alaska.
Audience Reactions
The film beautifully captures the real-life event and the emotions involved.: Viewers generally appreciate the film’s heartwarming story and the ensemble cast’s performances.
Some viewers found the movie predictable but still enjoyable for its positive message.: Many viewers agree that its a great family movie that teaches compassion and environmental awareness.
Overall Consensus: Big Miracle is a heartwarming family drama inspired by a true story, with viewers appreciating its positive message and ensemble cast, though some find it predictable.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the true story of Operation Breakthrough, a 1988 international effort to rescue three gray whales trapped in ice near Point Barrow, Alaska.”
- “To accurately portray the late 1980s setting, the filmmakers incorporated actual news footage from the period, including appearances by prominent news anchors and political figures.”
- “The production involved a significant logistical undertaking to film in the harsh Arctic conditions of Barrow, Alaska, requiring specialized equipment and careful planning to ensure the safety of the cast and crew.”
🖥️ How to Watch Big Miracle?
Big Miracle is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for television broadcasts. Availability may vary depending on your region. You can also find physical copies of the movie on DVD and Blu-ray through online retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Big Miracle, you might like these similar films:
- Free Willy (1993): Shares the theme of humans working to save a whale from captivity, appealing to a similar audience with its heartwarming story.
- Eight Below (2006): Features a survival story in a cold, remote setting, highlighting the bond between humans and animals in challenging circumstances.
- Dolphin Tale (2011): Another fact-based animal rescue story that gained wide appeal.
🛒 Big Miracle Related Products
- Big Miracle [Blu-ray]: Experience the heartwarming true story in stunning high definition. Relive the miracle of the whale rescue with enhanced visuals and sound.
- Whale Plush Toy: A cuddly whale plush toy to commemorate the movie and spread awareness. Soft and huggable, perfect for kids and adults.
- Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage: Available on the Amazon App Store: Navigate icy waters in this physics-based puzzle game. Perfect for strategy fans who like fun challenges.
- Big Miracle Movie Poster: A high-quality print movie poster to decorate your home. The official poster is a perfect showcase of the movie.
🎧 Soundtrack
Big Miracle features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” – performed by Gary Portnoy
- “One More Night” – performed by Phil Collins
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Big Miracle is inspired by the real-life events of Operation Breakthrough in 1988, when a family of gray whales became trapped in the Arctic ice near Point Barrow, Alaska. While the film takes some creative liberties, it accurately depicts the major events and the diverse group of people who came together to save the whales.
The main characters include Adam Carlson, a local news reporter played by John Krasinski; Rachel Kramer, a Greenpeace activist and Adam’s ex-girlfriend, played by Drew Barrymore; and J.W. McGraw, an oil tycoon played by Ted Danson. Other important characters include members of the Inupiat community and various political figures.
Big Miracle was primarily filmed in Barrow, Alaska, the actual location of the real-life events. This added to the film’s authenticity and captured the harsh beauty of the Arctic landscape.
🔥 Bonus Content
KASCO MARINE: The True Story That Inspired “Big Miracle”
Did you know ‘Big Miracle’ was based on a real event? This video reveals how a small company played a huge role in saving those whales! It’s amazing to see the real-life ingenuity that inspired the movie.
Big Miracle Burger King Kids Meal Crown Movie Whale Skeleton Toys
Remember those awesome ‘Big Miracle’ Burger King toys? Take a trip down memory lane with this review of the kids’ meal collectibles. It’s a fun little piece of movie history!
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