Whale Rider

Whale Rider (directed by Niki Caro) is a great “small” movie set in New Zealand. The tension and love between Pai, a young girl, and her grandfather Koro, is artfully weaved throughout the story of how the Whangara people are seeking a chief with the mystical powers of Paikea, who is believed to have come to New Zealand on the back of a whale after his canoe capsized near Hawaii.

 

Even though Pai seems to possess many of the qualities that would make her the ideal candidate to be chief, the fact that she is a girl leads Koro to dismiss her out of hand. This is a beautiful, beautiful story, well told and fascinating, about a thousand years of male tradition trumped by one young girl’s unyielding spirit. I will not spoil the twist at the end, but it’s a great twist. This is an inspirational tale for any age, but one I would especially encourage parents to share with their children.

-- Reviewed by Tim Boivin

Comments

[Bob Dirkes]

Tim - I have seen Whale Rider and agree in total with your review. My favorite movies introduce me to people, places & events that I most likely would never encounter in my everyday life. Same goes for actors; I enjoy most those performers who give me insight into characters whom I would never know otherwise. As a cast, the actors in Whale Riders meet my criteria for great filmwork, especially Keisha Castle-Hughes (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1095720/ ) who earned an Oscar nomination for her potrayal of Pai. I recommend this film to anyone who has a daughter, especially fathers. Many movies deal with the weight of expectations placed on boys by their fathers and their cultural traditions. Few explore the same territory for girls. This one taught me greater appreciation for my own "whale rider."

[Donna G.]

After reading your review and Bob's comment, I can't wait to get this one for our family! Another week of Olympics, then we'll be ready for a change.

[Whale Rider Soundtrack]

Thank you for reviewing !! It is family movie and you must watch it with your family. I hope you will enjoy it lot. Have a nice day !!