**Orca: The Killer Whale**

Orca (also known as Orca: The Killer Whale) is a 1977 American thriller film directed by Michael Anderson and produced by Dino De Laurentiis. The film stars Richard Harris, Charlotte Rampling and Will Sampson. The film follows a male orca tracking down and getting revenge on a boat captain for killing the whale's pregnant mate and their unborn calf.

The film was released in the United States on March 10, 1977. It was a critical and commercial failure, grossing only $16 million against a production budget of $12 million. However, the film has since gained a cult following.

**The Plot**

The film is set in South Harbour, Nova Scotia. Captain Nolan (Richard Harris) is an Irish Canadian living in the town. He makes his living by capturing marine animals and selling them to aquariums. One day, Nolan's crew is out hunting for a great white shark. A young marine biologist named Ken (Will Sampson) is also on board. Ken is targeted by the shark, but an orca intervenes and kills the shark, saving Ken's life.

Nolan is furious that the orca killed his shark. He sets out to capture the orca and kill it. Later, while hunting with his crew, Nolan tries to capture what he believes to be a male orca, but mistakenly harpoons a pregnant female. The female orca dies, along with her unborn calf.

The male orca, who is now known as Tilikum, witnesses the death of his mate and calf. He is filled with rage and vows revenge on Nolan. Tilikum begins to stalk Nolan and his crew. He attacks their boat, kills their dolphins, and even tries to drown Ken.

Nolan is eventually forced to leave South Harbour and return to Ireland. However, Tilikum follows him. The film ends with Tilikum attacking Nolan's boat in the middle of the ocean. Nolan is presumed dead, and Tilikum is never seen again.

**The Controversy**

Orca was controversial when it was first released. Some people criticized the film for its depiction of killer whales as vengeful and bloodthirsty creatures. Others criticized the film for its violence.

However, the film has since been defended by some marine biologists. They argue that the film accurately portrays the intelligence and social behavior of killer whales. They also argue that the film's depiction of revenge is not unrealistic, as killer whales have been known to attack and kill humans in the wild.

**The Legacy**

Orca is a cult classic. It has been praised for its special effects, its suspenseful storyline, and its performances by Harris, Rampling, and Sampson. The film has also been credited with raising awareness of the plight of killer whales in captivity.

In 2013, a documentary film called Blackfish was released. The film explored the treatment of killer whales in captivity, and it drew parallels between the treatment of the whales in the film and the treatment of Tilikum in real life. Blackfish was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to raise awareness of the issue of captive killer whales.

Orca is a flawed film, but it is also a powerful and thought-provoking film. It is a film that raises important questions about the relationship between humans and animals, and it is a film that continues to resonate with audiences today.