Rating: 
Summary: "A Mystical Experience"
Review: I'm so grateful for the "telling" and "showing " of Whale Rider. I've been to see it twice and plan for a third trip. I felt, truly, as though I were "THERE" and never had such a good time. Hope to visit New Zealand and I congratulate the author and the actors of such a wonderful and inspiring story.
Rating:
Summary: Best movie I've seen so far this year.
Review: I cannot say enough good things about this film, which manages to be both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Keisha Castle-Hughes is a terrific young actress, and the message of the film, that fate can choose great things for you even if no one around you sees them coming, is incredibly touching.I've never seen anything like WHALE RIDER. And, wiping the tears from my eyes after the first viewing, I knew I'd want to share the experience with as many people as possible.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Miss This Wave
Review: I have wondered about one's destiny. I have pondered the power of our planet Earth. My questions have been answered. After being completely emerged in the film Whale Rider, I felt the intensity and beauty of life. Filmed in New Zealand, I was captivated by the characters, the story, and the culture. Don't miss the wave - if you didn't see it on the big screen, run as fast as you can to the nearest video store.
Rating:
Summary: Tremendous
Review: A moving story about tradition, stereotypes, love and heart.
Of all the movies I have seen this summer and that is quite a few, I left this film feeling as if I had received a beautiful gift.
Rating:
Summary: Whale Rider
Review: I am 64 years old and an avid movie fan -- Whale Rider is
the best movie I have seen in my life. I viewed this movie
on a Qantas flight from Australia home to the United States.
The first viewing I cried lika a baby and the young man across
the aisle from me said this movie touched his heart. On the
next leg of my flight I watched Whale Rider for the second time
--with the same result. This movie made in New Zealand touches
the heart.
Rating:
Summary: The ending really moves
Review: The ending really moves, don't leave your seat until
it is over.
Rating:
Summary: Not to be missed!
Review: I can't imagine a more engaging and generally uplifting movie. This film is a wonderful mixture of story, character, location and music that slowly lifts you to a sense of wonder and appreciation of the human spirit. One doesn't usually hear applause at the end of a non-animated movie, but our audience of thirty to sixty-something adults was thoroughly pleased, and spontaneously showed their gratitude for a terrific summer gift.
Rating:
Summary: Gorgeous: the best movie in a long time
Review: New Zealand has produced a movie of proportions that will stand the test of time. A tale that is close to the heart of the Maori people, but one that can easily get audiences all over the world hypnotized by its beauty. Director Niki Caro brings to the screen the story of Pai (played by young actress, Keisha Castle-Hughes -watch for the next Anna Paquin), a Maori girl that descends from a mythical lineage, and is determined to challenge some traditions that are deeply rooted by her tough grandpa, who is frustrated at the lack of a prophet to help his people out of their situation. In the process of telling the story of Pai and her indomitable spirit, the movie presents some of the most beautiful underwater and coastal landscapes, accompanied by the incredible music of Lisa Gerrard (ex-Dead Can Dance, and singer behind the music of Michael Mann's "The Insider" and "Gladiator"). All in all, I haven't seen a movie that has touched me in so many different ways in a very long time. I think the best movie I could compared it with would be "Big Blue" by Luc Besson, but not even that one has the mythical and cultural strength this one has. Enjoy...
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary
Review: I walked in the theater with no presumptions. I didn't have much of any idea what this movie was about. I was, quite simply, amazed. This film lives almost outside the realm of movies. It's more like an emotional life-milestone. I will always remember it.
Rating:
Summary: Ride the whale
Review: "Whale Rider" is one of the best movies this year, and probably will be remembered as such at the end of 2003. It's full of haunting imagery, thought-provoking handling of universal themes, and family conflict. And there's a bit of the awe-inspiring and magical near the end as well. When Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes) was born, her mother and twin brother died. Her heartbroken father fled to Europe, leaving her in the care of her rigidly traditional grandfather Koro (Rawiri Paratene). Years later, Pai longs for her grandfather's approval, but he secretly blames her for the troubles plaguing the Maori -- especially since there is now no heir, as girls can't lead. Koro, we're told, wants a savior for the Maori tribe of Whangara-Mai-Tawhiti. Now Koro begins training young boys in how to be chiefs, and Pai secretly learns as well (against Koro's orders). When the final test of the boys fails completely, the heartbroken Koro calls out to the Ancient Ones (whales), one of which, according to legend, brought the first person to New Zealand. But they don't come for the old chief. Pai calls them as well -- only to bring disaster when the whales beach themselves near her home. To save the Ancient Ones, an old teacher must learn to break traditions, and a young one learns her true place. Though the lead of this movie is a child, there is no cuteness, no dumbness, no talking-down. The moviemakers clearly respect the cast, the people it represents, and the wealth of legend and myth behind them. It feels so real that you could reach through and touch them. But the content in it is universal -- sometimes traditions should bow to what is needed, and they need to change for the people who honor them to survive. Neither Pai nor Koro will leave you untouched; Pai hurts Koro by breaking the rules, while he hurts her by treating her as unworthy. The scene where she makes a speech praising him and their culture is heartbreaking, as she struggles to speak through her tears. Similarly, the moment when Koro realizes that he was wrong about Pai is amazing. This careful attention to the characterization shows the care that went into "Whale Rider." Direction is outstanding -- simple lines have great weight, dialogue is entirely believable, and the scenes are often carried just by the look on the actors' faces. There's a feeling of purity to the way it's directed, a freshness and beauty that shows in full near the finale. New Zealand is shown off at its best in wide scenic shots. And the climactic scene with the whales is nothing short of brilliant -- it will take your breath away. Keisha Castle-Hughes is absolutely priceless; she has genuine talent, rather than the hamminess or woodenness that many young actors have. Rawiri Paratene is excellent as a man with a heavy burden who is getting more and more desperate; you won't like all he does, but he's an incredibly sympathetic character just the same. The supporting cast is also amazing, including Vicki Haughton as Pai's strong-willed grandmother and Cliff Curtis as her dad. With remarkable performances, a simple, powerful message, and a brilliant storyline, "Whale Rider" is a film that should be seen again and again.
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