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Documentary

The Islands and the Whales (2017): Ratings & Box Office

The Islands and the Whales (2017) movie poster

The Islands and the Whales is a 2017 documentary directed by Mike Day. It runs 1 hour 24 minutes and earned $15,946 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$15.9K
Echo Score
83
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The Islands and the Whales (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 24m (84 min)
Director
Mike Day
Genre
Documentary
Original language
Danish
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Islands and the Whales About?

The premise of The Islands and the Whales without spoilers.

In the remote Faroe Islands, a traditional practice of whaling clashes with the concerns of dedicated activists and the challenges of a changing environment. The region's unique culture and economy are threatened by declining whale populations and the growing issue of mercury contamination, creating a tense conflict between generations and beliefs.

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Crew

The Director of The Islands and the Whales

Directed by Mike Day.

Ratings

The Islands and the Whales Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Islands and the Whales 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

83 /100

The Islands and the Whales Echo Score Breakdown

The Islands and the Whales demonstrates a thoughtful observational approach that balances ethnographic detail with environmental commentary. Its strength lies in the unobtrusive narrative voice and sweeping visuals, which capture both the fog-laden seascapes and the nuanced traditions of the Faroese community. At times, the pacing and contextual depth feel restrained, leaving some background questions unanswered. Nonetheless, the film successfully conveys the tension between heritage and ecological change in a coherent, engaging presentation.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of cinematography and production design, the film presents sweeping landscape shots and an ethereal narrative tone that underscore the cultural traditions. The direction uses measured framing and editing to highlight the legacy of whale hunting. While some sequences feel stately, the visual cohesion consistently reinforces the film’s folkloric atmosphere. Overall, the art and craft support the thematic focus with clarity.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, the film offers observant portraits of local individuals and their interplay with tradition. The restrained narrative voice maintains neutrality while giving insight into community dynamics. Although personal backstories remain sparse, the interactions convey the tension between heritage and change. In sum, the character work yields thoughtful engagement.

  • Story & Flow 80

    In terms of plot coherence and engagement, the observational structure unfolds at a steady, reflective pace that suits the subject matter. The documentary neither imposes an agenda nor obscures the stakes of environmental shifts, but the lack of contextual background occasionally limits narrative clarity. Altogether, the story flow provides a thoughtful introduction to complex cultural and ecological issues.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    Regarding the sensory experience, the film’s sound design and musical accompaniment harmonize with the imagery to reinforce a contemplative mood. The serene soundtrack underlines the misty seascapes and intermittent folklore narration, while ambient sound lends authenticity to community scenes. The visual style maintains an understated color palette that aligns with the thematic undercurrents. Overall, the sensory elements produce an immersive viewing atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Concerning rewatch value, the film’s thoughtful exploration of tradition and environmental concerns may yield further insights on subsequent viewings. The observational approach invites reflection on nuanced cultural dynamics, but the documentary’s measured pacing and limited narrative variation may diminish immediate replay appeal. Overall, the rewatch factor remains moderate, favoring reflective audiences.

Box office

The Islands and the Whales Box Office

The Islands and the Whales grossed $15,946 worldwide.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$15.9K

International
$15.9K

Seen The Islands and the Whales?

FAQ

The Islands and the Whales FAQ: Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of The Islands and the Whales, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Islands and the Whales?

The Islands and the Whales runs 1 hour 24 minutes (84 minutes).

When was The Islands and the Whales released?

The Islands and the Whales was released on October 6, 2017.

Who directed The Islands and the Whales?

The Islands and the Whales was directed by Mike Day.

How much did The Islands and the Whales make at the box office?

The Islands and the Whales grossed $15,946 worldwide.

How is The Islands and the Whales rated?

The Islands and the Whales has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 53% on TMDB.

Does The Islands and the Whales have a post-credit scene?

No. The Islands and the Whales has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is The Islands and the Whales in?

The original language of The Islands and the Whales is Danish.

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