Whale Rider

Rating:
Summary: Coming of age in New Zealand
Review: This is another classic New Zealand film with amazing performances from all the cast. I dropped lucky with this movie, I got it for a dollar would you believe! Blockbusters was selling ex-rental copies to raise money for an appeal and I happened to be in the shop on that day, lucky or what?

The plot is not complex, the Whangara people have long believed their presence in New Zealand dates a millennium, what is more they can trace their origins to a single ancestor who was lucky enough to escape death when his canoe capsized in the ocean and he rode to shore on the back of a whale.

From that time on the Whangara chiefs, have been considered this man's direct descendants as their natural born tribal leader.

Jump forward to the 21st century and we meet Pai played by the understated Keisha Castle-Hughes, an 11-year-old girl who comes to believe she is destined to be the new chief.

However Pai's grouchy and somewhat bitter grandfather Koro, (Pai's male twin died at birth) played fantastically by Rawiri Paratene is bound by tradition to pick a male leader and he cannot see that Pai is in fact the next true leader of their tribe and it is his stubbornness and anger that just might lead to a terrible tragedy if he does not open his eyes before it is too late...

This is one of the best films to come out of the 21st century; the scenery is breath taking, the acting first class and the sound-track spot on. What more can you ask for?

One of the most wonderful scenes for me is when Pai takes to the sea on the back of whale, at that moment she knows she cannot change her Grandfather's mind so she gives herself to nature and rides on the back of a whale, letting it take her down into the depth of an ancient ocean.

A truly awesome film that that is worth watching over and over again just for that scene alone.

Rating:
Summary: A really great movie...
Review: I really enjoyed this movie. When I saw Keisha Castle-Hughes doing an interview on Jay Leno I just had to see the movie. She is such an amazing girl & she draws you right into the movie. I really enjoyed watching this little girl challenge her Grandfater & train to prove him wrong when he tells her that she can't be the leader because she is a girl. This little girl really knew her destiny & she wasn't going to let anybody stand in her way. She sure proves herself. This is a must see movie.

Rating:
Summary: Coming of age in wonderful New Zealand
Review: Despite the coming of age movie/anti-traditionalist genre not being incredibly new Whale Rider brings something new to the screen - a freshness we have not seen in a long time. Rejecting his granddaughter notwithstanding her repeated attempts to make an impression, Koro (Rawiri Paratene) searches for a new great chief among the first-born boys of the local neighborhood. In the meantime, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) sets about to outdo each of the boys with her advanced skills at stick-fighting (which she learns from her uncle), swimming, and pulling faces. She endeavors to show her grandfather that she too can be great; that she too can enthuse and guide those around her, and that she in addition is able of humbly carrying the family tradition - despite not being a boy. As mentioned previously, the idea of making a film about a gifted youngster spurned by a traditional family really is not new. In the tradition of Bend It Like Beckham and others I have to admit to having a soft spot for this genre. Who can resist such a gifted kid in the middle of the glorious waters of New Zealand - not I. Anyway, if just for the backdrop - the movie is full of scenery - Whale Rider is a wonderful and meaningful movie.
Whale Rider is, as the traditionalist reviewer will recount is the story of Pai, a young girl who disturbs her grandfather Koro simply by being born a girl. He wished instead for a grandson - one who would carry on the family name. Being of a proud line of Maori leader who, according to legend, went about riding on whales. Whale Rider is a engrossing film, gorgeous to gaze upon at and featuring probably the best child performance of the year from Castle-Hughes - who garnered a nominations at the 2004 76th Annual Academy Awards for "actress in a leading role," and the 2004 10th Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards for 'Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role' and was a winner at the 2004 BFCA Critics Choice Award for 'Best Young Actor.' If for that alone it should adorn every collection.

Miguel Llora

Rating:
Summary: Hope, love, struggle and life
Review: I had never heard of this movie until our daughter told us we needed to rent it for a school project. I am so glad we did. IN fact, I just purchased it from Amazon minutes ago...

Whale Rider is a tale of hope for a desperate and listless times. The old traditions, while stuck in their ways, still hold value. The future, however, brings change. This movie is about change, the merging of past,present and future.

I found it inspirational and beautifully acted, written and directed. This movie should have won many Oscars if it didn't...

Rating:
Summary: Whale of a tale
Review: Whale Rider is an exquisite movie. Eastern New Zealand lends itself to a sumptuous setting. Gentle winds from a blue sky blow over the waves of an even bluer sea. Pikea is the granddaughter of a Maori chief. She was born under tragic circumstances. She has the potential to be the leader of their community, but she faces tradition and her own grandfather's obstinate disposition. Keisha Castle-Hughes gives a starred performance. She has a lot of potential in the cinema world. This movie has a very touching soundtrack. It has a great girl power theme. Perhaps the thing I liked most is that Pikea instead of rebelling and fighting to make change, she uses tradition and works within the system to effect change.


Rating:
Summary: A great surprise!
Review: I did not think I would like this movie but I was blown away by how well the story works. Keisha Castle-Hughes pulls you in and before you know it you are totally in her grip. The story could have taken place in any number of marginalized communities and thus it universality. I recommend it to anyone!

Rating:
Summary: Grab the tissues
Review: This film is worth seeing. I cried on and off almost from beginning to end. Very touching story although a little slow.