Customer Reviews

Whale Rider (La Legende des Baleines)

5 star:		(98)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In 2002, Niki Caro directed and co-wrote the screenplay for the endearing New Zealand film "Whale Rider", which was based upon novel of the same name written by Witi Ihimaera and published in New Zealand in 1987. (In Maori, the title is "Te Kaieke Tohora".) The story is about a young Maori girl named Paikea 'Pai' Apirana (Keisha Castle-Hughes), who is a direct descendent of the Maori chief Paikea who arrived at Whangara, New Zealand on the back of a whale many generations ago. From that time forward, his first-born male descendents were each named after him and became chiefs; that is, until Paikea Apirana's parents gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, as their first-born children. Sadly, the twin's mother died during childbirth, as did the boy; but the girl survived and was named Paikea. Disgraced, her father, Porourangi (Cliff Curtis), leaves for Europe, so Pai's grandparents raise her instead. Her grandfather, Koro Apirana (Rawiri Paratene), views Pai as a bad omen for the tribe and embarks on finding a Maori boy worthy of becoming the next chief since he can't accept the possibility of a girl becoming chief. However, Pai's grandmother, Nanny Flowers (Vicky Haughton), loves Pai very much and encourages her to learn the ways of a chief in spite of Koro's objections.

"Whale Rider" was first released at the Toronto Film Festival in September, 2002, where it won the "People's Choice Award". As it was shown at various independent film festivals that followed, including the 2003 Sundance Film Festival, it continued to win awards and was finally released for general cinema in May, 2003 in Australia and in the U.S. one month later. Shortly thereafter, the Keisha Castle-Hughes received serious attention from film critics. She was rewarded for her performance in "Whale Rider" with an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Though she did not win the Oscar, she will hopefully continue to develop her acting abilities and continue to be a superb member of her generation of actors and actresses.

For its superb acting, wonderful story and incredible cinematography, I rate "Whale Rider" with a resounding 5 out of 5 stars. Other memorable characters in the film include Uncle Rawiri (Grant Roa), Hemi (Mana Taumaunu) and Shilo (Rachel House). Memorable scenes include Pai trying to clandestinely learn from Koro, Koro taking pupils out on a canoe, Pai finding the necklace, Pai reciting her history at school and the whales. I highly recommend this film to everyone.

What a wonderful movie! By turns heartwarming and absolutley devastating. Keisha Castle-Hughes is amazing, so talented to convey so much pathos at such a young age!

See the Movie!

In Pai's family, the first born child is always a boy. That boy always grows up to be chief of their Maori tribe. And then, along came Pai, a tradition smashing girl, just when the tribe and its traditions face the most danger of disappearing.

With her grandmother and aunt as strong female role models, and her uncle encouraging her along the way, Pai finds the strength to challenge tradition and save it all at once. While her grandfather toils to find a chief among the village's boys, Pai secretly learns the chants and rituals, and passes the tests required of a Maori leader. But her grandfather refuses to see that his successor could be a girl, even if that girl is his own granddaughter.

Filmed in a remote Maori village in New Zealand, Whale Rider treats its subject with respect. Many of the lead actors are Maori and most, if not all, of its extras are natives of the village. Keisha Castle-Hughes is astounding as Pai, the modern day Whale Rider and first female chief of her tribe. The movie absolutely could not have been made without her.

Although rated PG-13, this is a great movie for family viewing. Girls will draw strength from Pai, and boys will learn from her. So, why is it PG-13? I'm convinced the ratings people are crazy. They'll let any grossly inappropriate joke sneak by as long as its a Disney movie, but a movie as innocent as Whale Rider gets the ol' 13 treatment. The film contains no nudity (or even near nudity), no curse words, and no violence. There are two scenes that could potentially cause a parent concern. First, while training the village boys to become chief, Pai's grandfather Koro tells them that if they don't recite a chant correctly, their private parts will fall off (he uses a nickname for Richard when referring to the part), so they should hang on while reciting to keep that from happening. The second is the climax scene that gives the film it's name. Pai is in danger, and especially tenderhearted children may worry. It's an intensely emotional moment, and may be a little much for very young viewers. My sweet little six year old daughter was concerned, but not overly so, and it all turns out alright in the end. If you have any question about whether or not this movie would be appropriate for your family, I recommend you view it first. Just don't reject it outright because of the rating. It's too good to miss!

This is a wonderful movie and should be watched by everyone. I lived in New Zealand for 10 years and it brought back many happy memories of the people and county-side.

This movie give you a bit of cultural background of New Zealand & its people. I found it very interesting & touching. It's a feel good family movie that everyone of all ages should see.

this is a totally predictable film, but so what? most films are, and, besides, it's not where you end up but the journey along the way that makes the ride good or bad. and this is definitely a good ride. high points are the acting - especially of the little girl who has great charm and charisma - and the cinematography of the nz coastline which looks mahvelous. it's a trend nowadays to play up traditional cultures, but i think it's a good thing when it's done as well as it is here. one comes away with new respect for a culture that one knows little about, and a better appreciation for the importance of keeping touch with one's roots. if a movie like this can make more people realize the importance of cultural and ethnic diversity, then it will have done a real service, over and above being 'just' good entertainment which it certainly is.

Don't let the people raving about what a great family movie this is scare you away...while Whale Rider is appropriate for younger ones, it is definitely aimed at a more mature audience. Very good story, extremely moving and heartbreaking. I cried for hours.

We live in an age where moving stories of courage and determination just aren't enough. Those tales have to be accompanied by Oprah Book Club moments of overcoming handicaps and tragedy or dealing with racism and sexism. Many a great story is ruined because the real drama of life takes a secondary role to the politically correct lens through which it is told.

In Whale Rider, it is the Lifetime-esque melodramatic subplot dealing with the evil old men who run the world and try to prevent little girls from reaching their life's destiny. The story takes place inside an aboriginal whaling community, seemingly untouched by the modern cultural advancements of the past one hundred years. Of course, our liberal filmmakers decided these people needed to be lectured in gender roles, and thus the little story of a young girl over-coming an oppressive and chauvinistic world is born.

Now, that all sounds like criticism for this film, and I do admit I wish this Steinam-like depiction of men was toned down a bit. But that one flaw doesn't change the fact that this is a wonderful film, a truly remarkable achievement. Forgetting all the male-bashing, at the center of the film is a touching story about a young child who so wants to be loved, especially by her grandfather. She latches on to a story from family's her past about a great voyager who arrived at their island on the back of a whale, a great warrior whose soul will someday return in a "chosen one". The young girl decides she has as much claim to the birthright as any of the boys and attempts to prove to everyone (especially her grandfather) that she is worthy.

We seldom see young people depicted in such an honest manner. This touching story will be loved by almost everyone (and the feminists may take steps to have it canonized).

This movie is a gem! It had a PG-13 rating when we went to see it, but I've seen PG movies with more "stuff" in them than this movie had. What a wonderful message this movie has and it captivated my then 7 and 8 year old sons. Don't be deterred by the rating. This is a wonderful film.

The story of a young Maori girl born to be a leader. However, her grandfather, the village elder, keeps searching for a male leader. It is a really touching movie and an interesting look at Maori customs. Keisha Castle-Hughes is radient. I highly recommend WHALE RIDER as well as the book of the same title by Witi Ihimaera. Karen Woodworth-Roman