Dot and the Whale

Dot and the Whale

Year: 1986

Runtime: 73 mins

Language: English

Director: Yoram Gross

AnimationFantasyFamily

On a summer day Dot and her dolphin friends are frolicking along the shore when they stumble upon a sorrowful whale named Tonga, stranded on the sand. Tonga is threatened by ruthless whale‑hunters and a cruel fish‑shop owner intent on harming him. Determined to save her new friend, Dot hatches clever plans to protect and rescue the giant.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Dot and the Whale (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dot and the Whale (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

The events unfold in present-day times in a coastal community. A dream-sequence inspired by Moby Dick appears, blending historical imagination with modern action. The core action centers on fundraising, transport logistics, and a community-led effort to save a whale.

Location

Coastal town, Pool by the coast, Antarctic waters

Set in a coastal town with a seaside pool where Dot and Nelson form a bond. The local coast becomes the stage for Tonga's struggle after she is beached, drawing children and neighbors into a rescue effort. The journey then shifts to the open ocean and finally to Antarctica, where the tale explores the wider marine world and the memory of Moby Dick.

🏖️ Coastal town 🌊 Ocean 🧊 Antarctic landscapes

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:46

Main Characters – Dot and the Whale (1986)

Meet the key characters of Dot and the Whale (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dot (Robyn Moore)

An imaginative, empathetic girl who leads the rescue effort for Tonga. She tirelessly brainstorms plans, recruits other kids, and negotiates with adults to find a safe way to help the whale. Dot acts as a bridge between humans, whales, and the community, turning fear into action.

🎯 Leader 💬 Empathetic 🧭 Strategist

Nelson the dolphin

A wise, playful dolphin who teaches Dot underwater tricks and shares knowledge about marine life. He drives the plan by encouraging trust, curiosity, and collaboration with Tonga and the children. He is the guide and moral compass of the group.

🧭 Mentor 🌊 Guide 🤝 Partner

Tonga the beached whale

A survivor of whaling, Tonga is initially despondent but finds renewed purpose through Dot and the children’s efforts. Her presence anchors the humanitarian stakes of the story and prompts the community to take action. Her resilience becomes the heartbeat of the campaign.

💔 Survivor 🐋 Symbol 🌟 Hope

Alex

One of the local boys who helps mobilize the community; he participates in the initial effort to push Tonga back and later joins the fundraising campaign. He learns the value of compassion over impulsive action and contributes to the plan with practical energy.

👦 Young 🧭 Organizer 🤝 Collaborator

Owen

Another local boy who joins the campaign, offering friendship and support to Dot and the others. He helps rally kids and stays committed to the rescue plan even when obstacles arise.

👦 Young 🤝 Supportive 🧭 Collaborator

Moby Dick

The legendary whale Dot reaches in Antarctica, a wise, ancient presence who withholds immediate rescue, arguing that Tonga must choose life herself. He embodies oceanic memory and ethical reflection, challenging the kids to weigh intervention against natural will. His appearance helps frame the film’s moral questions.

🐋 Legend 🧭 Wise ⚖️ Ethics

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:46

Major Themes – Dot and the Whale (1986)

Explore the central themes of Dot and the Whale (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💗 Compassion

Dot’s care for Tonga drives the rescue plan and inspires others to join. The community bands together to raise funds, arrange transport, and mobilize volunteers. The film frames kindness as a practical force, showing how empathy translates into action. Tonga’s healing begins when people listen to her story and treat her with dignity.

🌊 Friendship

The bond between Dot, Nelson, and Tonga crosses species lines, illustrating trust and mutual aid. Nelson mentors Dot, sharing knowledge of sea life and the history of the ocean. The group’s camaraderie helps them overcome logistical hurdles and gives Tonga hope.

🌍 Conservation

The story critiques whaling and centers on protecting living beings, prompting characters to consider ethical choices. Moby Dick’s presence adds a philosophical layer about fate vs responsibility. The kids’ campaign demonstrates how communities can challenge exploitation and seek humane solutions. The resolution reinforces the value of stewardship over profit.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:46

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Dot and the Whale Summary

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Dot and the Whale Summary

Dot and the Whale Timeline

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Dot and the Whale Timeline

More About Dot and the Whale

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