Rating: 
Summary: Small on the outside
Review: I am so glad I bought the DVD! The behind the scenes commentary is interesting all by itself. Keisha Castle-Hughes was chosen by the same person who chose Anna Paquin, and she does not disappoint. Whale Rider is, in part, about the struggle for acceptance and respect. Here is Pai, a small 12 year old girl, always trying to please her Grandfather. Yet she knows the story of her tribe. Her mother was to give birth to the next chief in the family. Instead, they got her. This story transcends the Maori culture, for every child strives to be accepted by their parents. Be it the first born, who has to live up to the parents expectations. The middle child, overshadowed by an older sibling. Or the youngest child, often overlooked for anything great. Pai, though often rejected, stayed strong to her intuition that she could be great. Her esteem, in the face of non-acceptance is what makes this film so worth seeing, for any young girl and boy, and adults as well. Whale Rider also has a beautiful score. Music of the ocean, of whales, haunting. Peaceful as the New Zealand landscape.
Rating: 
Summary: So what was the point?
Review: I hate to buck the tide and give this compelling film a low rating. I saw it because of the potentially endearing story line and the New Zealand locale, but found it shallow and boring. Sure, I respect any film that tells the story of a psychologically abused little girl who beats the odds and shows the older male chauvinist pigs that she can rescue the true meaning of her native tradition. Nevertheless, I thought that this film did not do justice to the story. The plot was unbelievable and predictable, the scenery could have come from anywhere, the film did little to enhance the Maori way of life, the ending was disappointing and unbelievable, and the movie seemed to combine the worst features of a Disneyesque storytelling with pseudorealism. Sorry, but I beg to differ with the crowd on this one.
Rating:
Summary: What girl power?
Review: This is not necessarily a "girl power" movie. (That's like saying "Lawrence of Arabia" is a "boy power" movie.) "Girl power" is a corny term. And this is no corny movie. Simply stated, this is a movie about a person who is, at birth, unwanted; who is told "no, you can't do that"; who is mocked and cajoled; but who nonetheless is loved and, through her own drive and compassion, takes on the role of a leader. Anyone can relate to this movie. Yes, it might have an almost unbelievable moment or two near the end, but if your disbelief is even just a little bit suspended, you won't have a problem with it. In fact, you'll be mesmerized. To disagree somewhat with another review, this IS a polished gem -- a near perfect movie. (It just doesn't have the special effects of gadgetry of many Hollywood films. But who needs that, anyway?) A word of advice: You can skip the deleted scenes on the DVD. They don't add much and, if anything, might alter your opinion of one of the characters. The "making of" portions of the DVD are interesting. But again, you can easily miss them -- helping you retain the magic of the movie as a whole.
Rating:
Summary: An unpolished gem
Review: This is a small film, without the slick styling of many bigger budget 'Hollywood' productions (no disrespect intended!), but if you let it, the delightful characters will draw you in. It is a slow-moving and some would say somewhat predictable story of self-discovery (though one set in an unusual cultural environ for most) but it's an absolute joy to follow the lead character on her journey none-the-less. Given the outstanding quality of her acting, there's no question you will be emotionally moved (probably to tears) before the end. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Not so typical girl power movie...
Review: Why only 2 stars with everyone else ranking it so highly? Well I liked the setting, loved the cinematography and acting and I think with a few alterations it would have made an excellent subject for an animated Disney feature film, but it has some major flaws. First there isn't enough back-story, we just know this grandfather (Rawiri Paratene) wants to begin teaching "the old ways" again and believes his grandson (who is dead) would have been the next chief. His granddaughter turns out to be that person, but we never know why he's just decided to start teaching the old ways again, we don't know what's going to happen except he wants to take a bunch of the youth (males only of course, no girls allowed) and train them in the ways of his ancestors (again without any given reason or goal), the focus shifts onto the lead character (granddaughter) Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and really from early on it becomes just another girl-power movie wrapped in a unique skin (a predictable one at that). To make it more abused we have the wales who Pai is apparently spiritually bound to (she can sing to them and they hear her there is also a hint of telekinesis ability). Again, would have worked great as an animated feature, with live actors it's too unbelievable for a movie clearly aimed at adults. If there is a moral to the story it's that "sometimes you have to break tradition", which is fine and all, but we're talking about ancient tribal acts that only exist to preserve the tradition, that's the main problem with the film. Once this tradition is broken there is no point to it, this shifts the whole point back to "girls have been mistreated for generations and we have to change that...", which we've heard a million times before.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely wonderful movie!
Review: I cannot say enough great things about this movie! Its combination of humor, drama, and mysticism make for a deeply moving and entertaining experience. Superb acting by the entire cast only makes the strong storyline even stronger. A thoroughly enjoyable experience! I highly recommend this movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Traditions must be living things
Review: This is a beautiful movie, and it has the kind of balance one finds in well written literature. Whale Rider could of easily fell into a politically correct trap -- with the Maori tribal traditions as partrichal as the Catholic Church, and, when frozen in the past, as close-minded. But the movie's approach is understated. It is also gentle and wise, suggesting that tradition does have a great deal to teach, but it is best understood when past, present, and future are equally considered when searching for wisdom. In other words, by maintaining a healthy tension between the three, only then can we hear the quiet voice that seeks to guide us, whether it be through whales, the Ancients, or God. There is a point in the movie when I felt a powerful, but tragic, ending could of been chosen. (You will know it when you see it.) And what follows that moment is to some extent a feel good ending (leaving me with a few questions as to How?). But that, in this case, is nitpicking. Whale Rider is truly about heart -- and hope, and not about cold art. Whale Rider is one of those rare movies that can teach lessons, and in the best way, with gentle nudges.
Rating:
Summary: ONLY FIVE STARS???!!!
Review: Whale Rider is a powerful and lovely film made by a insightful director, hard working cast, and a star-in-the-making, Keisha Castle-Hughes. Where has she been hiding?! I saw this movie three times within three weeks, once driving to Santa Monica (an hour trip) to see it with my sister and her two daughters. I suggest, no urge, anyone with daughters to see this movie. It is a strong, positive role model for women.
This movie affected me very deeply. Last summer, I seemed to be surrounded by blow'em up and kill'em movies, and I was waiting for a more hopeful film. I got it with Whale Rider. HOPE is the operative word. I'm reminded of Bloom County's dandelion break - remember the cartoon strip? - WR was the best dandelion break I've had in years!
The film is quite different than Witi's book, but very dramatic all the same. Especially interesting were the cultural scenes of the Maori. I found their tribal hall fascinating. The singing scenes were also haunting. What beautiful rituals!
Keisha Castle-Hughes was a wonder in front of the camera. Her debut no less! I was stunned. I have never seen a young performer so comfortable with her emotions. She had such a sense of presence in such a young person, it was almost scary to watch. You couldn't help but feel her despair, happiness, pride. She was so on, so believable! She will be a breakout star. All the cast members were also great. The ensemble cast worked seamlessly together. I fervently hope this film does well at the awards - then maybe someone will make more like this. The soundtrack CD is also good!
I can't say enough about this film without sounding like a blithering idiot. GO SEE IT, in the theater is best, but if not, on DVD or Video. Just see it! You will come away with a hopeful wish for all life.
Rating:
Summary: grrrl power ... Maori style
Review: Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) is the only grandchild of a Maori chief, and when he states that he will begin training the male first-born of the tribe to replace him, she doesn't accept this verdict, but quietly and confidently sets about learning the skills she will need and proving to everyone but him that she is the right person for the job. Will he eventually come around? Considering this is considered a "feel good" movie and "female empowerment" film, chances are he will, but how this comes about is worthwhile and entertaining. Castle-Hughes is outstanding at the head of a great cast. This is a great film for the family or anyone interested in other cultures. DVD extras include featurettes about filming, building the waka (ceremonial canoe) and the soundtrack; commentary with writer-director Niki Caro; 8 deleted scenes; trailer and tv spot; and stills. The film can be heard only in English but subtitled in English or Spanish.
Rating:
Summary: Myth and modern realities mixed defty in this lovely tale
Review: Set in a remote Maori village in New Zealand, a chief struggles with the death of his grandson and daughter-in-law. She's given birth to twins, died in childbirth, and the boy twin, first-born son of his first-born son, is dead along with his mother. The girl twin survives, but the grandfather practically blames her birth for the tragedy. Who will succeed him and carry on the traditions that stretch back through time? Now the sacred chain of sons of sons has been broken. The love-hate relations of the entire family, grandfather, grandmother, sons, granddaughter are heartrending and heart-warming at the same time. The fight to carry on the Maori traditions in the face of losing them in a modern world, and the struggle of a girl to ascend to chiefdom when girls are forbidden to do so makes for a mythical tale. The young actress who plays Paikea, named for the whale rider who arrived from Hawaaki to found their tribe, is so good, you won't believe this is her debut. Keisha Castle-Hughes is interviewed as an extra feature on this DVD; you will marvel at her brilliance and perception. The footage of whales used plus the models of whales for the most dramatic scene of a whale beaching are astonishingly real. This is one of the most enjoyable films I saw in 2003 and I recommend it highly.
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