Rating: 
Summary: A Classic!
Review: This was the heart-warming tale of a young Maori girl trying desperately to gain the acceptance of an old-fashioned grandfather and to prove herself worthy to lead her people back to their roots. It is a classic tale that crosses cultural boundaries; it shares age-old views on the clash between traditional and modern. Bolstered by wondeful acting, especially by the young Keisha Castle-Huges, this movie is one that will truly inspire you! It's one to watch again and again. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: I didn't see this film at the cinema since I thought it was a "kid's flic" or a "chic flic". When it came out on DVD, I rented it with some hesitation. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. I was captivated by the storyline, the music, the acting, and the scenery. This is one of my top FIVE movies for 2003. Heck, it might be my top movie because I can't remember the other four movies.
Rating: 
Summary: Rubbish
Review: A extremely boring movie with a very poor story and acting.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant movie.
Review: Outstanding movie. Enjoyed greatly by all in my household, ages 6 - 45. Intelligent writing, great storytelling and acting, beautiful message and flawless execution.
Rating:
Summary: not so good
Review: When I saw this movie I thought that this movie might be great. But as it turned out it was pretty bad. The whole entire movie was boring and had a bad plot as well as bad acting
Rating:
Summary: As good as they say....
Review: I was hesitant to watch Whale Rider. Usually films others rave about get a 'so-so' reaction from me. But I really loved Whale Rider. This is a classic tale that will appeal to young and old. Whale Rider is the story of a young Maori girl (Pai) who must overcome the difficulties faced between herself and an aging grandfather who insists that being a warrior is not a suitable occupation for a young girl, and indeed, that this is taboo. The granddaughter must overcome her hurt and her grandfather's old-fashioned customs to prove to him that she's the best person for the job. (And save a few whales in the process.). Overall, an excellent film filmed in New Zealand.
Rating:
Summary: Re-connect with your people
Review: Perhaps by chance, perhaps by fate, this movie came to me during a time of transitions and reached in and changed the way I perceive the world.
I am now closer to understanding my obligations to human society than I have ever been--for the first time I understand what the Lakota mean by their simple prayer, "all my relations".
May this emotionally and psychologically powerful film reach you as well.
Rating:
Summary: Winner Children's BAFTA Best Feature Film 2003
Review: Beautiful and thought provoking. A must see film for all the family. This film will surprise you with the strength of the emotions that it creates. DVD extras are also well produced.
Rating: 
Summary: Gosh-Wow good!
Review: "Whale Rider" is a wonderful film about a young girl, Paikea, named for, according to the legend of her Maori people, rode a whale to New Zealand, and is the father of all Maoris. Paikea was meant to have a twin brother, who would have been the firstborn boy in the family, but he, along with Pai's mother, died seconds after he was born. Pai's father leaves the hospital, and his family, leaving her sympathetic grandmother, and her disappointed grandfather, the current chief of the tribe, to take care of her. As Pai grows older, she becomes more and more interested in her roots, and believes that she is destined to become a leader. This becomes even more apparent to her when a visit from her father reveals that he is starting a new life and a new family in Germany. However Pai's grandfather, Koro, has very different plans in mind. Girls are not allowed to become Maori leaders. So he begins training young local boys to be cheifs, bringing an end to his family's reign as cheifs. But Pai continues to try and prove herself, ending with an amazing sequence that leaves you with the question "How on earth did they do that?" Despite the plot, "Whale Rider" is not necessarily a girl power film. Nor is it just a coming-of-age film. It is a story about the conflict between old traditions and modern development, and finding a compromise in which the two can meet. The score is really haunting and beautiful, and the filmmaking is seamless. Even the story is well developed, and very believable. And, if you really want to know the answer to the question "how on earth did they do that?" there is a wonderful behind the scenes segment on the DVD that will surely answer all the questions you can pose, and more. This is absolutely a film that cannot be missed. It warms the cockles of your heart, and will leave you cheering your lungs out for its gutsy, spunky heroine.
Rating:
Summary: The Power of Myth and Ritual
Review: Several things stayed in my mind after watching this film. One, the girl's father isn't much of a father, since he's essentially not there. Later, a boy's father leaves him crying, after leaving with his "mates," who are obviously worthless. The message? The loss of their culture--the myths and rituals--has turned some of the men into boys. Is there any wonder the grandfather is so harsh? He sees what is happening, and is trying to turn the boys into men. Unfortunately, he can't see the answer is before his eyes. This is a beautiful, evocative, mythic and poetic film, one that is very powerful, and at times will bring tears to your eyes.
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