Whale Rider Movie Review:


Whale Rider is stellar little film about culture, expectations, and destiny. Niki Caro's beautifully woven story of a young girl's journey to achieve in her ancient culture has a little bit of magic in it.

The setting is Whangara, which is a village on the east shore of New Zealand's North Island. The tradition of the village's Maori people is of a legendary male leader named Paikea who arrived at the island on the back of a whale. In every generation for more than 1000 years, a male heir is born to the chiefs to succeed as a leader. The chief is now Koro (Rawiri Patene) and his son Porourangi (Training Day's Cliff Curtis) has just fathered twins. The mother and the boy twin tragically die during childbirth, leaving only the girl twin. Porourangi names her Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes) or Pai after the legendary whale rider. Filled with guilt and anger, Koro despises Pai as the reflection of a lost to his people, instead of giving her a chance to lead them. The emotional Porourangi has no feelings of becoming the Maori leader and flees leaving Pai to grow up with her grandparents. 11 years later, Koro does care for his granddaughter, but he does not have the same expectations for Pai like her father and grandmother (Vicky Haughton) do. Feeling that all of the troubles of the Maori people can be relinquished in a new chief, Koro sets up harsh teachings of the Maori traditions to the young men of the village. He is hoping to find one that can become the next chief. The fact is the special person he is searching so hard for might be closer to him than he realizes.

This is a lovely film that is proficient and well told. Niki Caro's atmospheric direction along the New Zealand coast is glaring and her look into a different culture is very appealing. The gender empowerment and hidden necessities of the film are also inspiring, especially for youngsters. Caro adapted her script for Whale Rider off of the 1986 book of the same name by Witi Ihimaera. The story has many themes and holds the perspective of a culture that not many people around the globe know about. Just make sure that you listen closely to all of the dialogue for the explanations of the values and so forth, or some moments might seem blunt or strange. Caro also instills many motifs that have symbolism and power. One example is the bicycle rides Pai receives from her grandfather. The characters are also solid. Koro is not a bad man; he does come across as stubborn because of his culture beliefs and values. Pai herself is the heart of the story and the character that audiences quickly get to know and root for. Niki Caro's work in Whale Rider is a breakthrough; you will be hearing her name buzzing for awhile.

Young Keisha Castle-Hughes is flat out wonderful as the determined Pai. Her curious tendencies and adorable eyes are contributing factors to her performance. This is Castle-Hughes' first acting performance ever, she was picked from many young Maori girls around New Zealand to play the role of Pai. It is early, but don't be surprised if this talented young lady receives some Oscar buzz for her performance. As Koro, Rawiri Patene is riveting as the determined grandfather. In a different turn from his usual villainous roles, Cliff Curtis' performance as Pai's father is emotional and balanced.

Whale Rider is a complex, yet simple story of about beating the odds and is one of this year's film surprises. This is a super little movie; go see it twice.

Grade: A-

06/24/03
By Joseph Tucker

After losing his wife and son during childbirth, Porourangi (Curtis) leaves his newborn daughter with his parents and heads away from his Maori community to find a life for himself. Twelve years later and young Pai (Castle-Hughes) is still trying to fit in as she is not the grandson that chief Koro (Paratene) had envisioned would come to bring back prosperity his people. Despite tradition Pai tries he best to learn the old ways of Paikea, her whale-riding ancestor who had bought their people to New Zealand.

The wonderful country of New Zealand is highlighted again by a character driven drama about tradition and change.

The Maori way of life is beautifully brought to life by screenwriter/director Niki Caro. Adapting the novel by Witi Ihimaera, Caro does a wonderful job of capturing the sensibilities of tradition and the pressure of doing what you think is right, even if it means upsetting your family. This is the journey that Pai and Koro take. Pai wants to learn about her ancestors and the traditions of her family but she can’t because she’s a girl. Koro needs to find a new chief but this means isolating his granddaughter. It is heart warming, tender material that will tug the heartstrings of even the sternest viewer.

The performances are first rate. Rawiri Paratene and debutant Keisha Castle-Hughes shine as Koro and Pai. Both are exceptional and totally believeable, pulling you into their situation as the tug of war between tradition and change becomes more of a strain in their relationship. Keisha Castle-Hughes is another child actor to watch, just watch her during the school play scene and you will see what a potential talent she is. Rawiri Paratene commands your respect with a performance of a passionate man blinded by his stubborn dedication to tradition, unable to see the answer right in front of his eyes. There is also good support from Cliff Curtis and Vicky Haughton as Porourangi and Nanny Flowers.

This is a character driven movie that is a joy to watch. Intelligently directed and beautifully written the film is funny, tender, touching and uplifting. Whale Rider is a gem.

Star Rating = * * * *

Jamie Kelwick

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