Rating: 
Summary: Awesome
Review: Don't let all the "tribe" talk turn you away. This is a modern day movie, about the remnants of a tribe of people in New Zealand.Pai is the grand-daughter of the tribal chief. He wanted a grandson. Pai's twin brother died at birth, so there's just Pai. The grandfather spends the whole movie trying to keep Pai from becoming what she must... It's a struggle on many levels: the young tribal members who think the old ways are silly and stupid, but in the end embrace them anyway; the chief who wants to groom one of the first-born sons to be the new chief, but winds up with a little girl; the father who failed to produce a son to further the line of chiefs, and runs away to start a new life. This movie is drama at its finest. Pai, played by the adorable Keisha Castle-Hughes gives a fantastic performance. All the performances are strong, the Niki Caro's directing is superb. The story will pull you and and not let go. I didn't look at my watch once. If you're looking for fast action or thrilling adventure, go somewhere else. This movie comes from the heart.
Rating:
Summary: respect for all Creation as symbolized by the Whale Rider
Review: This film has integrity. The filmmakers portrayed the Maori culture with great respect and understanding. From what I know, it is rare for movies today to have the depth and complexity that "Whale Rider" does, and to respect this, the humanity that is common to all of us. "Whale Rider" is moving, not sentimental. It is thought-provoking, without leaving one with the idea that she must forget as soon as the credits start rolling and the moviegoers make their way to their vehicles--forget about the lessons that she might have learned, or remembered, while watching the film. What I mean to say is, this film has captured on celluloid what it is to be human, strong, and loving, without reverting immediately back to the now seemingly instinctive societal check on our hearts, our souls. This movie inspires me to break free from any restraints that keep me from being true to myself, to others, to nature, and to God. Not every person believes in God, but I do like to think that inside every person wants peace and never stops seeking the truth. At least, I know that I wasn't the only person with tears streaming down tonight in the theater.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: this movie is pure beauty...Keisha is a wonderful little actress...
Rating:
Summary: Whale Rider
Review: I wanted to see this movie after hearing about it after the Sundance Film festival, but was disappointed to only see it listed in one theater 50 miles away. Luckily, the response was great enough that it finally made it to several mainstream theaters nearby and I was able to see it last week. I loved the movie - great story and characterization. It really draws you in and makes you want to see more - I can't wait for the DVD to become available!
Rating:
Summary: Whale Rider
Review: The tale of the Whale Rider is about courage, love and compassion. Though Paka (Pai's grandfather) may not have known at the time, for the person he was searching for his whole life was in front of him, he admits and recognizes his stubborness through his granddaughter (Pai). It is Pai who shows him and her community the way to live, love and grow stronger with each other. The scenery is beautiful and awesome. Maybe at times, the movie was a little slow, but does show the passage of time within the faces and actions of its characters. I recommend to read the book too! You'll understand more later after watching the movie. Will be getting the movie ASAP when it hits DVD! While watching the movie at the theaters, it hits home on some parts... very emotionally! Bring a tissue or a box of them!
Rating:
Summary: New Zealand proves a source of more wonder
Review: As an anthropology fan, a movie fan and a New Zealand fan this film won on all levels. I re-read the book and was again moved by the power of myth and storytelling. I will buy the video when it is issued. I've never met anyone who visited NZ who wouldn't go back for more and this film shows part of the reason for that.
Of course the film is not the book, but a book is not a live performance, nor a reading, nor a conversation. If you have not seen this movie, you have missed something. If you have seen it you have been introduced to myth, to characters, to storytelling, to the Maori people. It is a brief introduction. You will want to know them better. For reading try Whale Rider's author Witi Ihimaera and Maurice Shadbolt. Shadbolt's work includes the South Pacific version of America's westward expansion. His "Season of the Jew" about the Maori wars of the late 1800s is epic movie material.
Rating:
Summary: Best Movie I have seen in Years!
Review: This is perhaps the most touching movie I have ever seen. You will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: A film for the lover of great stories
Review: A wonderful film about culture and the struggle for generational change. A beautiful and suspensful tale with an inspirational end. Though it is rated PG13, this is a story to take your 10 year and up daughter (in particular).
Rating:
Summary: A great movie!
Review: Wow, this movie is awesome! It is about a girl named Pai, who thinks she can be the leader of her tribe. Her grandfather doesn't think so, he thinks the leader would have been her twin brother, who died when she was born. Pai then decides to try to become the leader anyway. This is a great movie, with a good message and awesome acting. I highly reccomend you see it!
Rating:
Summary: Stunning, beautiful movie
Review: Every now and then, a movie comes around that is absolutely perfect. "Whale Rider" is one of them. Not only do you get to see a glimpse of another culture, but you get to see a glimpse of your own. The heroic cycle in world mythology is followed pretty closely here, but in a different, even more triumphant way. A young girl overcomes gender stereotypes in her own culture (Maori), by ascending the social stratigraphy. The moral the movie teaches is GREAT for children, and also refreshing for adults such as myself. With all of the junk that is in the movie theaters these days (even in Art house theaters as of late), it is nice to see a movie such as this one. "Whale Rider" deserves AT LEAST a nomination for Picture of the Year, though it probably wont get it. The acting is superb, the directing is superb, and the visuals are breathtaking.
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