Amazon.com says: "One of the most charming and critically acclaimed films of 2003, the New Zealand hit Whale Rider effectively combines Maori tribal tradition with the timely "girl power" of a vibrant new millennium."



Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes), an independent minded Maori girl, embarks on a quest to become the leader of her tribe with the the support of her grandmother, Nanny Flowers (Vicky Haughton), and the help of Uncle Rawiri (Grant Rao). Meanwhile, Koro (Rawiri Paratene), Paikea's hard-nosed traditionalist grandfather, tries to find the future leader amongst a crop of young boys, many of them frightened by what is expected of them. Paikea's conflict lies in the need to please Koro and, at the same time, satisfy the yearning within her heart. Adding to her burden is the fact that her father, Porourangi (Cliff Curtis), still mourning the death of his wife and Paikea's twin brother, has abandoned his people and taken up a life as an artist in Europe. He returns to their small village with news that he has found love with another woman and that she is carrying his child. Porourangi wants to take Paikea with him, so they can be together once and for all, but Paikea is pulled back to her home by the songs of the whales, the whales held sacred by her people, the whales that delivered the first of their tribe to their shores hundreds of years ago.

Anyone who likes to learn about other cultures and their various traditions.

The relationship between Koro and Paikea. The love they share is so obvious, but is painfully denied by Koro at every turn.



When the spark in Uncle Rawiri, a lazy pothead, is re-ignited by Paikea's interest in the traditions of her people. He starts to repair his broken life and even takes up jogging, much to Koro's amazement.



The lessons conducted by Koro were of particular interest to me. I learned quite a bit about the Maori culture.



The scenery was magnificent. Made me want to catch the first flight to New Zealand.

There were some stories that remained untold, like that of Hemi (Mana Taumaunu). You get a brief glimpse into his life when his father, an obvious thug, comes to see his son at the Maori school. His story seems to end there, though. We never get a chance to see more of his intriguing, hard-edged life.

Visit New Zealand and go swimming with the whales.

All measure of emotions. It's just a wonderfully written, wonderfully realized film.

Newcomer Keisha Castle-Hughes gives a dazzling tour de force performance that makes you wonder why so called stars are paid as much as they are for performances that don't even equal ½ of the power of the performance given by this talented little girl.



Rawiri Paratene, a well known actor in his own right, is absolutely mesmerizing as the gruff and stoic Koro.



Cliff Curtis, star of mega-flops "Virus" and "Collateral Damage" as well as surprise hits such as "Blow", "Bringing Out The Dead", "Training Day" and "Three Kings", gives a pitch perfect performance as a loving father plagued by regret and loss, a man with no direction to go but away.

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Created Dec 11, 2003 at 5:08pm • Submit your own review...