Saving Luna

I just came back from seeing this movie in Toronto. I have to say, almost the entire audience was visibly moved. And audibly! Throughout the movie were giggles, sighs, gasps, awwws, oooohs, tongue-clicks of shock and disbelief. Everything.

The movie was beautifully shot, beautifully narrated, well-balanced, well-told. I am going to go see it again tomorrow. I would recommend it to anyone, quite honestly. It defies categorization; it is for no single 'type' of viewer.

This was truly the most wonderful and indescribable and uncategorizable movie I have seen in a long time.

Spellbinding beauty of Vancouver Island's West Coast sets a dramatic stage for this true story about a lone wild orca whale and his "human pod" and implications of extraordinary friendships they form. Nothing is simple about the funny and dramatic situations both Luna and the people around him find themselves in. Captivating narration coupled with mastery of sound thread all the contrasting elements into an intricate and emotional tapestry portraying so well the soulfulness and ruggedness of the inhabitants of this remote region, the enduring wisdom and spirited defiance of the Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nations people and the power of government authorities – all believing that their proposed solution is the right one. This film is relevant to the times we live in as much as it is timeless. It speaks to all generations with the resounding universal language of caring and yearning to understand and reconcile our differences. It has so much to teach us about ourselves and the natural world around us. Luna is the embodiment of something so much bigger than life as we know it. This film reaches into realms far beyond the story about this extraordinary encounter – it's a multidimensional testament to the fact that in spite of all our endeavours to unravel the mysteries of life on this planet, we know so little about the very fibre that connects us all. This is the ultimate love story that opens hearts and minds and shakes down the barriers in our collective consciousness, which we have gradually, unwittingly and unknowingly built and maintained through the ages by perpetuating the myth of "separateness" and our superiority over other creatures on this planet. Please go see it! (And bring your children for they will love it and thank you for it!)

I went to see this movie only because I'd visited the town where it takes place and was interested to see it. But it is outstanding, a really sensitive, wise and beautiful look at our humanity, in my opinion. How we are all flawed, but doing our best, and want to reach out and connect. I found it profound, going beyond, even, the story of a whale. It is the kind of movie that has so much in it that people will take different things from it and they'll all be right...right for them. It resonates on many levels. One particular thing I liked is that it didn't fall into the usual media trap of finding 'bad guys' to explain problems, the 'us' and 'them' mentality. The attitude of 'If THOSE people would change or go away, things would be o.k.". We are 'those people' but don't like to face it, as it's easier not to. The director knows that and faces himself as well. It was a very memorable film and I would hope it would build slowly and get the interest it merits. The director is a great storyteller and it was a story worth telling. I'm glad it was told so well.

This is a riveting movie that is suitable, and indeed inspiring, for all ages, from school children to grandparents. It presents a balanced view of some complex issues and film footage both above and below the water is truly amazing. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a typical documentary movie. If you want see something that is entertaining, educational and thought provoking, then don't miss it - and take your kids - they will love it and it may lead to some discussion with them that will amaze you! I learned more from this movie about nature, animals, humans, and myself than I ever expected. The 90 minutes flew by and I think the entire audience was disappointed when it ended.