Rating: 
Summary: I HEARD THE WHALE CALL MY NAME
Review: A magnificant little odyssey that will warm the heart with genuine sentiment and delight the senses with gorgeous New Zealand oceanic scenes. Thankfully, this 'feel-good-movie' accomplishes just that through a compelling simple story, wonderful performances, and a high regard for the indigenuous peoples of New Zealand. Keisha Castle-Hughes is brilliant as the young girl, even a tear-jerking speech in an emotion packed scene is delivered with great deft and restraint and she has a beautiful singing voice, bringing much clarity and exposure to indigenuous tribal songs. So real was the traumatic beached whales scene that I was scrambling through the end credits to insure no actual whales were harmed, and of course it was all a brilliant special effect. For fans of this film, the DVD offers a "Making of Whale Rider" documentary in which cast and crew deservedly talk about the wonder of this beautiful film.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth watching even if somewhat flawed (not a plot rehash)
Review: When this film first came out, I bypassed it in favor of films with well-known casts and lots of marketing. When I eventually got the DVD (rental), I was disappointed -- in that I did not take the time to see it sooner. And while I've been told that the movie is quite different from the book, and that as a coming of age film, it rehashes over-used themes, it is still a film well-worth seeing.In presenting us with how a headstrong young girl tries to find her place in her Maori tribe against the wishes of her stubborn grandfather-chief, Whale Rider shows how tradition need not clash with modernity, but can meld with it to create new ways of living and being. And that change can bring hope and not necessarily calamity. The artful use of foreshadowing and juxtapositioning of the old and the new, of various motifs, to make this and other points is elegant. Take, for instance, the temporal symbols of transportation: the unfinished waka (an ancient maori boat) used by the ancients, the bicycle used by Pai and Koro (a mildy sophisticated invention), the tractor used by Uncle Rawiri (a deleted scene, but later it is used to try to free a beached whale), and Pai with her father in his (rental) Ford Focus (a symbol of modern 21st Century technological prowess). And there are a myriad of others. There is an underlying feminism here, too. The girl Pai (short for Paikea, a boy's name) striving to assume the role of tribal leader, a position reserved for the first-born males. And Nanny Flowers as the only woman who can say no to grouchy paternalistic Koro. There are also subtle references to the social and economic plight of the Maori. A careful view of the film will easily reveal all the nuances and references to problems that the Maori -- like so many cultures face: of absentee fathers, of crime and jail (Hemi's dad), of the troubles of the working class versus the elite, of outmarriage, the abandonment of tradition, disrespect for elders, etc. (I later found that some of these points are spelled out in the deleted scenes, but the editors were wise to delete them. The subtleties in the plot and script say it all.) In some ways, this film is a treatise on the tough choices that so many indigenous groups have to make: stick to their old ways and risk death, or adapt to the new, the different, -- and prosper and survive. This, then, is a wonderful film, for both adults and children, engaging, witty, poignant, beautfully written and filmed. Hats off to all involved, especially Ms. Caro for the script and Ms. Castle-Hughes -- believable as Pai, an unbelievable feat for an 11-year old girl (now 13) with no prior acting experience. If there are any flaws in the film, it would be that things go too well for Pai, that things are too predictable; but, perhaps, that is the beauty of this film, that, like fairy tales, happy endings usually are the norm. And as others have stated before, don't miss the two hidden features of the DVD: Select SPECIAL FEATURES, and then when the MAIN MENU is highlighted on the bottom of the Special Features screen, press the right arrow to get the original New Zealand trailer for this film. Or press the left arrow to get and select *auditions*: 6-minutes of Keisha Castle-Hughes astounding audition.
Rating:
Summary: A tribute to the Maori people combining myth and folklore
Review: This film is wholly dedicated to the Maori people, serving as a tribute to their culture and combining myth, folklore and the current status of its people; also the (fruitless?) effort to preserve the Maori culture for the future. I finally understood the "sticking of the tongue" act of war, and not only that. I think that on a broader scale the film deals with what seems to be the main problem of the Maori, the conflict of the past and modern times and the next generation trying to find its place in the world.
However, first and foremost the film deals with the issue of the successor. Who is a true successor? Is it destiny that decides or can one prove himself fitting? According to tradition the male son born to the Maori leader will continue its ways. The girl, Pai, although fitting by nature cannot take its place until she proves herself right through hardships and pain and the aid of some supernatural forces. I was bothered by the fact that in this film there is the same problem as other movies or stories dealing with a "different" child (slow, handicapped, etc.) which cannot be accepted by society until he does something extraordinary - saves the day in some way.
Only after an act of great courage and sacrifice does the different child (or girl in this story) can be accepted for what she is. Here the "accepting" needs to be done by Kuru, the grandfather as she is only a girl and he is fighting so hard to preserve the culture. Contrary to other viewers, I do not think that Pai was totally rejected by her grandfather. It seems that he has been spoiling her for years (the bicycle scene) and thus has given her a very confident nature. At a certain phase (after his eldest son leaves) he seems to reach a decision to harden his heart and "do the right thing" according to his belief (train a male heir). At least this is the way I understood the movie and I felt it does a good job in delivering Kuru's torn heart.
Several problems are briefly hinted about but not really dealt with: Rawiri, the second son grows fat and lazy over the years. Movie shows that his life style includes lots of drinking and billiard playing. His mother explanation to his deterioration is the fact that he is the second son. Is this enough? On the other hand his father says to him on another occasion: "The people will do this for you" hinting that Rawiri does have leadership qualities. This is not further investigated and Rawiri (contrary to Pai) does not fight for his place. Another issue is one of the first sons (Heime?) that seems to be "marked" by Kuru as his successor however is rejected at a certain stage (before the necklace picking test) why? I did not understand (is it his father? The fact that he liked Pai?. Another issue is the husband-wife relation: "I have my ways over him" says the strong opinionated grandmother but this too is not fully materialized. All in all a very interesting film to watch with landscapes and tastes of a faraway place.
Rating:
Summary: In my top 10 list
Review: "Whale Rider" is one of the best movies I've ever seen in my life. Perfectly written, perfectly acted, perfectly filmed, I wouldn't change a thing about it. The actors on the screen ARE the characters. They aren't acting, and when you watch this movie it's as if you were watching real people who aren't aware of the camera. The story is just amazing, powerful. And the soundtrack score is so perfectly matched and subtle that one barely knows it's there (reminds me of the soundtrack to "Monster's Ball"). I highly recommend this inspiring and emotional movie for everyone. If there is justice at the Oscars, it'll get best foreign film.
Rating:
Summary: Emotional, other-wordly, exceptional!
Review: This film is captivating on a soul level. The haunting soundtrack, and the cinematography, along with the incredible acting just took my breath away! This is one of my favorite movies ever!
Rating:
Summary: What a moving and realistic film! Oscar-worthy!
Review: Man - let me tell you, I have never seen such a moving and realistic movie like this before! The acting was excellent for the Maori characters' played in this movie, especially from "Nanny Flowers", Pai's Grand mother! The story was basic and may be seen as slow and a bit strange (compared to Hollywood movies')- but I think it had to, because it was a story about a foreign (to American viewers') culture/tribe trying to survive by selecting a new chief. It is a shame that come oscar time this little film will get ignored, and white americans' will dominate these awards'. Because of this I wish it future sucess!
Rating:
Summary: There was no joy when I was born.
Review: I am sure there are many levels & cultural themes to this rich movie that I am missing. However, what struck me powerfully was Pai's (the main character) courage & fraility as she faced a life of blame for something she had no control over. Her grandfather, leader of the Maori tribe in New Zealand, was waiting for a first-born male to lead his people out of poverty & discouragement and into the glory the culture once had. His first-born son refused this role, and so he awaited his first-born grandson. However, this grandson died at birth, as did the mother. Pai - the twin sister - survived. And while she had enough spirit to win over her grandfather's affection & love, she could never erase his blame & disappointment that she was the one that lived. The ultimat triumph in the movie leaves a lasting sense of hope & healing. This movie does an amazing job at showing how complex & dangerous & necessary love, pain, hope and expectations are.
Rating:
Summary: A Compelling And Inspirational FIlm!
Review: Based on the novel by Witi Ihimaera, Whale Rider is an intelligent independent film by director Niki Caro. This is a poignant and powerful coming of age tale and also the story of a people who are struggling to maintain their identity and the old ways. There are strong mythical components to the film. The underwater shots of whales, and a young girl who seems to sense their presence and commune with them, are mystical and breathtaking. And the scenes of Maori dance and the narration of their mythology are extraordinary. The film is set on the eastern coast of New Zealand, which is inhabited by an ancient people, the Whangara. The narrator is a wonderfully expressive young actress, Keisha Castle-Hughes. She gives a riveting performance as Paikea, (called Pai), a twelve year-old Maori girl with the blood of royalty in her veins and the heart of a warrior in her chest. The movie opens with Pai narrating a Whangara myth. Legend has it that the native people came to New Zealand following their leader, Paikea, (who Pai is named for), a boy who heroically rode on the back of a whale. Traditionally, tribal leadership has always gone to the direct descendants of that first leader and always to the first born male of the noble line. Tragedy occurs, however, when fraternal twins are born into that line, a boy and a girl. The girl lives, the boy does not, and the mother perishes along with her son as a result of a difficult birthing. The chain of leadership is broken with their demise. Pai's father, an artist, can not come to grips with the deaths of his wife and son and so he leaves New Zealand, and Pai, who is cared for by her paternal grandparents. Years pass and Pai, at age twelve, has absorbed as much Maori knowledge as she is able from her grandfather Koro, (Rawiri Paratene), who is disapproving of his granddaughter's seemingly insatiable appetite to become a Maori leader. He has never quite forgiven her for being born a female, nor for living while her brother died. She exudes a true warrior's spirit and courage, which her grandfather refuses to see. Koro is desperately searching for a prophet - someone to lead his people "out of the darkness and who will make everything all right again." When Koro starts a school for young boys, all first-born, to teach the old traditions, Pai is forbidden to attend. She desperately wants her grandfather's love and has some pretty tough abandonment issues to deal with - her father, who left her when she was an infant and her beloved grandfather who is emotional unavailable to her. I will not spoil the plot by revealing more. This film is must-see. The photography and landscapes, both underwater and above, are absolutely magnificent. The acting is marvelous and from the heart. Pai's and Koro's love-hate relationship, the tension between them, is nothing short of powerful. And I guarantee you will need a pack of Kleenex at the film's end.
JANA
Rating:
Summary: Great movie!!!
Review: Summary:
The small town Maori culture in New Zealand in which Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes), a strong-willed 12 year-old girl is being raised is dying. At least, that's the impression her grandfather, Koro (Rawiri Paratene) has. Koro is the leader of the town, which is made up primarily of Maori people, and he is troubled by a number of things, not the least of which is the fact that his oldest son, Porourangi (Cliff Curtis), who should be following in his place, is not. Also, Porourangi's first born son, Paikea's twin, died in childbirth, along with Porourangi's wife. Koro, who was expecting Porourangi's son to become the next leader of the town, has been in a slump ever since. But the real problem is Paikea, Koro's vivacious granddaughter who feels the burden of the fact that she lived when Koro really wanted a grandson. But Paikea isn't about to let her grandfather, who despite his initial lack of interest in her has now grown to love her, witness the decline of their culture. But Paikea is a girl, and girls have never lead the town. Thus, she has more to overcome than just learning the ways of the ancients, she also has to illustrate how she, as a female, can be a prophetess, lead the village, and get her grandfather to accept her role in the revitalization of the village. Marshaling her Uncle Rawiri's (Grant Roa) talents and secretly supported by her grandmother, Nanny Flowers (Vicky Haughton), Paikea eventually teaches Koro a powerful lesson about the potential of women and the ways of the ancients. My Comments:
This is an incredible movie! It uses a touching story to explore the clash between the old and new; between Westernization and Maori culture; between traditional patriarchy and gender egalitarianism. The story is touching, convincing, and lucid. I may have found it hard to critique the story line because I am so unfamiliar with the Maori culture, but I really couldn't see anything wrong with this story. As for the acting, it was stunning. I was absolutely astonished by the performance of Keisha Castle-Hughes. Maybe she was just being herself or maybe she has incredible potential. Either way, she was the perfect choice for this role and without her, this movie never would have worked. The rest of the cast is also excellent. I have absolutely no criticisms of the movie on this front; the acting is superb. Everything about this movie draws you into the the world of the Maori people who, like many people around the world, are currently negotiating the clash of their culture with Western culture. I would highly recommend this movie for everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Movie, One for your DVD Collection
Review: I first saw this movie on Pay Per View recommended by someone I met at the doctors office. She seemed really passionate about liking this movie. So, my daughters and I bought the movie and fell in love. It is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. The actress that plays the little girl in the movie should have won an Oscar for her portrayal. She was so believable that you almost wonder if the story is true and that you were just watching a documentary about her life. I am going to buy this and watch it over and over.
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