I've heard good things about 2002's "Whale Rider" for years and put off seeing it, likely because it appeared to be some type of trite Disney flick with a kid (or kids) winning at a competition against all odds, etc. (not that there's anything wrong with that), but that's not what this film's about at all. "Whale Rider" is a serious drama with a very spiritual & moving air and realistic tone.
THE PLOT: A small tribe of Maori in modern-day New Zealand believe their presence there dates back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. From then on chiefs of the Whangara tribe have been Paikea's direct descendants, always the first-born and always male. There is reoccurring evidence that Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal culture, is destined to be the new chief. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition and stubbornness and insists on choosing a male leader. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must convince him and fight a thousand years of tradition for her calling to come to pass.
"Whale Rider" is an independent film with none of the trappings of modern blockbusters; the story is dialogue-driven, slow and not all that eventful, which can of course throw off those used to a steady diet of the latter. Take note before watching.
I'll be perfectly honest with you, "Whale Rider" was a veritable religious experience for me. I had the DVD lying around for a few weeks and then one day I just knew the time was right: I put it in, not really intending to watch the entire film, and I was captivated from beginning to end (just over an hour and a half without credits). I was in a very spiritually-sensitive mode and literally cried through about 70% of it. The movie actually spoke to me in a sense, if you know what I mean, and I received clear direction in one area of searching/need. Don't dismiss this on the grounds that I'm some sentimental whack job; I'm just a regular dude.
The thematic clash of the film is not granddaughter against grandfather but rather truth v.s. traditionalism, spirit of the law v.s. letter of the law, and true calling v.s. stubborn opposition.
There's also an interesting sub-theme about a culture losing its identity and languishing in drugs/alcohol, crime and meaningless despondency. How can they, as individuals and as a people, escape this? They must know their identity -- who they ARE.
Some have criticized the film as too predictable, but I'd rather watch "Whale Rider" and it's predictable play-it-straight plot than moronic 'twist' films like "A Perfect Getaway" (2009) where the story is essentially a lie, leaving the viewer feeling hoodwinked and ripped-off. "Whale Rider" is refreshingly honest by comparison. Besides, 'twist' plots have become so common that playing it straight is now 'cutting edge.'
Keisha Castle-Hughes, who plays Pai, is precious.
The film was shot on the North Island of New Zealand (Whangara, Gisborne & Taupo, Waikato). It was directed/written by Niki Caro from Witi Ihimaera's book.
FINAL WORD: If what I've said piques your interest don't miss out on "Whale Rider." But wait for the right moment when you know you'll be receptive to such a reverent piece. It will move you and maybe even speak to you.
GRADE: A-
THE PLOT: A small tribe of Maori in modern-day New Zealand believe their presence there dates back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. From then on chiefs of the Whangara tribe have been Paikea's direct descendants, always the first-born and always male. There is reoccurring evidence that Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal culture, is destined to be the new chief. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition and stubbornness and insists on choosing a male leader. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must convince him and fight a thousand years of tradition for her calling to come to pass.
"Whale Rider" is an independent film with none of the trappings of modern blockbusters; the story is dialogue-driven, slow and not all that eventful, which can of course throw off those used to a steady diet of the latter. Take note before watching.
I'll be perfectly honest with you, "Whale Rider" was a veritable religious experience for me. I had the DVD lying around for a few weeks and then one day I just knew the time was right: I put it in, not really intending to watch the entire film, and I was captivated from beginning to end (just over an hour and a half without credits). I was in a very spiritually-sensitive mode and literally cried through about 70% of it. The movie actually spoke to me in a sense, if you know what I mean, and I received clear direction in one area of searching/need. Don't dismiss this on the grounds that I'm some sentimental whack job; I'm just a regular dude.
The thematic clash of the film is not granddaughter against grandfather but rather truth v.s. traditionalism, spirit of the law v.s. letter of the law, and true calling v.s. stubborn opposition.
There's also an interesting sub-theme about a culture losing its identity and languishing in drugs/alcohol, crime and meaningless despondency. How can they, as individuals and as a people, escape this? They must know their identity -- who they ARE.
Some have criticized the film as too predictable, but I'd rather watch "Whale Rider" and it's predictable play-it-straight plot than moronic 'twist' films like "A Perfect Getaway" (2009) where the story is essentially a lie, leaving the viewer feeling hoodwinked and ripped-off. "Whale Rider" is refreshingly honest by comparison. Besides, 'twist' plots have become so common that playing it straight is now 'cutting edge.'
Keisha Castle-Hughes, who plays Pai, is precious.
The film was shot on the North Island of New Zealand (Whangara, Gisborne & Taupo, Waikato). It was directed/written by Niki Caro from Witi Ihimaera's book.
FINAL WORD: If what I've said piques your interest don't miss out on "Whale Rider." But wait for the right moment when you know you'll be receptive to such a reverent piece. It will move you and maybe even speak to you.
GRADE: A-