Movie Reviews

Whale Rider

Starring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, Grant Roa
Directed by: Niki Caro
Produced by: Tim Sanders, John Barnett, Frank Hubner

About the film: In a small New Zealand coastal village, Maori claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. In every generation for more than 1000 years, a male heir born to the Chief succeeds to the title. The time is now. The Chief's eldest son, Porourangi, fathers twins a boy and a girl. But the boy and his mother die in childbirth. The surviving girl is named Pai. Grief-stricken, her father leaves her to be raised by her grandparents. Koro, her grandfather who is the Chief, refuses to acknowledge Pai as the inheritor of the tradition and claims she is of no use to him. But her grandmother, Flowers, sees more than a broken line, she sees a child in desperate need of love. And Koro learns to love the child.

When Pai¹s father, Porourangi, now a feted international artist, returns home after twelve years, Koro hopes everything is resolved and Porourangi will to accept destiny and become his successor. But Porourangi has no intention of becoming Chief. He has moved away from his people both physically and emotionally. After a bitter argument with Koro he leaves, suggesting to Pai that she come with him. She starts the journey but quickly returns, claiming her grandfather needs her. Koro is blinded by prejudice and even Flowers cannot convince him that Pai is the natural heir. The old Chief is convinced that the tribe¹s misfortunes began at Pai¹s birth and calls for his people to bring their 12-year-old boys to him for training. He is certain that through a grueling process of teaching the ancient chants, tribal lore and warrior techniques, the future leader of their tribe will be revealed to him. Meanwhile, deep within the ocean, a massive herd of whales is responding, drawn towards Pai and their twin destinies. When the whales become stranded on the beach, Koro is sure this signals an apocalyptic end to his tribe. Until one person prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the people. The Whale Rider.

The Review: Beautifully shot and wonderfully told, Whale Rider is a touching, refreshingly original tale of strength. It is the ultimate "girl power" film without cheap theatrics or tired storylines. Keisha Castle-Hughes is one of the most talented young newcomers I've seen in a long time. She shines as Pai, bringing a believability to the role that solidifies the mystical story.

We need more films like Whale Rider.

Related Links:

• Official site: http://www.whaleriderthemovie.com/
• Trailer: http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/whale_rider.html
• Dates: http://www.newmarketfilms.com/preview/film_preview.cfm?FID=7
• Win: Whale Rider Prize Pack Giveaway

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