Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Eye of the Dolphin

film

Eye of the Dolphin

2007

Alyssa is a troubled 14-year old, suspended from school a year after her mother has drowned. Her grandmother Lucy, at wit's end, decides to take Alyssa to her father, James, whom Alyssa thought was dead for years. He studies dolphin communication at Smith's Point, on the Grand Bahama Island. James has not known of Alyssa's existence and is clueless about parenthood. The women arrive at the same time that James may lose his research operation to a tourist attraction. Father, daughter, dolphins, and town are on a collision course. Alyssa and James get encouragement from James's girlfriend and her father. It's the dolphins who can teach, and Alyssa who discovers how to listen.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? The film involves a teenager grieving her mother, family abandonment and conflict, school suspension for smoking, and emotionally intense adjustment. It appears low in violence and sexual content but may be challenging for younger viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5
  • Romance2/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No significant product placement; incidental background elements only.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The mother's death is a central emotional premise mentioned as a backstory; it is not shown on screen.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild frustration and arguing may occur, but no strong profanity or slurs are reported.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

There is a sub-plot regarding the father's existing relationship with his girlfriend.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

A mother’s past drowning and threats to the research station add mild emotional tension, but no sustained frightening sequences are reported.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's smoking habit is mentioned as a catalyst for her initial suspension.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Conflict centers on arguments, family tension and a threatened research station; no physical violence is reported.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist displays courage in defending her beliefs and her connection with the dolphins.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Dolphin communication, scientific inquiry, and imaginative human-animal connection encourage curiosity and inventive problem-solving.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast, including Black characters in prominent supporting roles.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Dolphin communication, scientific research, and environmental stewardship are substantial story elements, though the film is primarily a drama.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness to animals and reconciliation between family members is a core focus.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of family reconciliation, communication, and environmental stewardship.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist learns accountability; adult figures model mentorship.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Eye of the Dolphin would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Eye of the Dolphin, and what caused that change?
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