"La Baleine Blanche" received critical acclaim upon its release in 1987, with many praising Rouch's sensitive and nuanced portrayal of adolescent life. The film has since become a cult classic, celebrated for its thought-provoking exploration of themes that remain relevant today. "La Baleine Blanche" has been recognized as a landmark film in the genre of adolescent cinema, influencing a generation of filmmakers and continuing to inspire new works.