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Summary: It's all about determination.....
Review: It's all about the determination of a girl to become something that her grandfather wants but can't have from a girl because of their tribes culture and sacred traditions. I found this movie to be heart warming and Keisha Castle-Hughes performance as a shunned young girl to becoming someone looked up to, to be among the best of 2003. The supporting actors and actresses did not come up short either. The music, although sometimes haunting had some high points like the ending called "Go Forward". Kudos to Lisa Gerrard.
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Summary: One of the best movies of 2003
Review: I purchased this DVD with very little knowledge about this movie. What I discovered was one of the best movies of 2003. Keisha Castle-Hughes' performance carries this movie and was deserving of much more than an Oscar nomination.
This movie is suitable for viewers of all ages.
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Summary: From the Ancients
Review: I thought this movie was amazing. I knew only a little about the Maori culture, and I learned a bit more about it from this film. Most people I know thought that the Maori traditions displayed in the film were 'funny', because the language and symbolism are something 'unusual' to most. I thought it to be beautiful, I understood how strong and important the spiritual traditions of the culture are. The way this film was directed and shot brought all of that out.All of the actors were moving, they were emotional, and it was all very heartfelt. The relationships in this film were loving, yet turbulent, and always interesting. From the simplicity of the characters lives, to the deep hearts of the people, this film was touching and beautiful.
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Summary: 2 hidden extras on the DVD!
Review: From the DVD's Main Menu go to the 'Special Features' and there select the 'TV Spots' menu entry. On the next submenu highlight the menu entry' Special Features' at the bottom of the screen and then press the 'Right' arrow key on your remote control. This will give you access to the original New Zealand theatrical trailer for the film.
Now go back to the 'Special Features' menu and highlight the 'Main Menu' entry at the bottom of the screen. Press the 'Left' arrow key on your remote control to get access to a 6-minute clip, which is eleven year-old Keisha Castle-Hughes's remarkable audition tape that won her the role of Paikea in the film. Despite having no previous acting experience, Keisha was chosen from thousands of girls in an extensive school-wide search. ENJOY!
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Summary: Family was NOT smoking crack.
Review: As a New Zealander I can relate to this movie. As to the review below about smoking crack, it was marijuana, and was a tiny scene in the movie. Welcome to the real world, those things do happen. I watched the movie again (for about the 5th time!) last night and this time watched it wtih Nickis commentary through it. Worth watching like that if you havent done it before. I think it was a great movie, very well acted (by Keisha and all the others). All the kids were local kids and not actors, and I think they did a wonderful job. First time acting not too bad! :-)
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Summary: Completely Unexpected Treasure
Review: I just watched this DVD and I could not believe how it moved me! I am NOT a watcher of "artsy-fartsy" movies and the only thing I really knew about this movie was that Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for an Oscar. This little girl was amazing. Her acting was flawless - actually, it didn't seem as though she WAS acting, which makes it all the better. The movie made me cry, laugh and learn quite a bit about a different culture. The relationship she has with her grandfather was facinating to me and the encouragement from her grandmother and rest of the family was heartwarming. I loved this movie. The soundtrack added such depth to the film, the scenery was beautiful. I would HIGHLY recommend this movie.
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Summary: Am I missing something?
Review: How on earth has THIS garnered so much critical acclaim? I must have been watching the wrong film. I wanted to like this. I really did. After reading so many great reviews in so many publications I was looking forward to a non-Hollywood uplifting tale. What I got was a slow and dull borefest. First of all, I cannot fathom how Keisha Castle-Hughes is nominated for an academy award. Her performance is minimal. Perhaps this is supposed to be her character but I have not seen a more monosyllabic display since Sylvester Stallone took on the role of John Rambo in First Blood. All she does is stand around, looking detached and sullen. Anybody can do that. I do admit that she did a good job crying during the scene with her speech. But big Arnie cried in End of Days and I don't see anyone handing him and Oscar. In regards to the rest of the cast, there is NO character development. There are some hints but nothing is ever explained. Like why does Pai love her grandfather so much when he is horrid towards her? What's the deal with her uncle smoking crack? Hardly the kind of thing appropriate for a family movie? What does being the leader of the tribe actually mean? According to her grandfather's 'leader lessons', being a tribe leader means nothing more than practicing for war. That's all he teaches. War, war, war. What's that got to do with sitting on the back of a whale and riding about the ocean? I don't know much about Maori tribes but I think that this is a completely outrageous representation of them. This could be intentional as the grandfather is supposed to be out of touch with his true tribal senses but nothing excuses the scene in which he tells a group of 10-year-old boys to place their severed enemy's heads on a stick as an example to others. I'm sorry but there is a word for that kind of behaviour. It's called 'WAR CRIMES'. Another thing I think is totally inappropriate for a family movie. And it's also pretty Xenophobic. What boggles the mind is how I've heard of so many people telling me they cried at this film. Cried at WHAT exactly? There is no major emotional revelation at any part of the film. The ending is totally inconclusive. Just a bunch of guys in a big boat, chanting. Why would I cry at this? And where are they going? I will give the film credit for having a few brief (very brief) atmospherical moments during the narration scenes. But nothing ever becomes of them. There is no complication or sophistication to this film at all. It builds and 'resolves' in the most simplistic and dull way. I would not recommend this as a family movie. I was hoping for something better than mass-produced rubbish such as 'Cheaper by the Dozen' and I did not get it. Don't be fooled or brainwashed by the inexplicably positive reviews this film has somehow garnered. That is my most crucial advice. The DVD is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen with a Dolby 5.1 soundtrack (that might as well be Mono for all it's worth).
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Summary: Niki Caro musted have been smoking weed when
Review: the movie came out. I will say that this is the worst movie ive ever seen. It's because Keisha Castle-Hughes looks like a hustler with lesbian formula. And this b***h called Niki looked like she died last week pale as f**k when she directed the movie.
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Summary: grabbed at me in a way no other movie has
Review: this is one of those magical films that you never want to end. I cant think of a person who woulnt be touched by this movie.
A little girl who was shunned growing up because being a first born child, the only survivor of a mother and a set of twins and shes a girl when her family was seeking the son to lead their tribe to salvation. Very Young Keisha Castle-Hughes starring as the little girl, Pai. Ive never seen acting quite like this, and certainly not from a child. If you only see one movie this year, youve gotta make it whale rider. Its one of those truly inspirational movies that you cant miss.
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Summary: Whale Doo Doo
Review: Yes ive seen this movie and it's pretty bad. The acting was annoying, the girl looks like a male, and why is the grandfather chinese or korean. So if you want to watch this movie rent it or watch it on oxy which is coming next monday.
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