“A small Maori village faces a crisis when the heir to the leadership of the Ngāti Konohi dies at hospital and is survived only by his twin sister, Pai. Although disregarded by her grandfather and shunned by the village people, twelve-year-old Pai remains certain of her calling and trains herself in the ways and customs of her people. With remarkable grace, Pai finds the strength to challenge her family and embraces a thousand years of tradition in order to fulfill her destiny” (South Pacific Pictures Productions, 2002). Whale Rider was based upon the book, with the same title, written by Witi Ihimaera (1987). The film was co-written and directed by New Zealand director, Niki Caro. It stars, the then youngest Oscar nominated actor, Keisha Castle-Hughes, as well as Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, and Grant Roa. The book had also won the 2003 Nielson BookData New Zealand Book Sellers’ Choice Award.
Movie quotes…
In the ways of the Ancients, she found a hope for the future…
Paikea: A long time ago, my ancestor Paikea came to this place on the back of a whale. Since then, in every generation of my family, the first born son has carried his name and become the leader of our tribe…until now.
One young girl dared to confront the past, change the present and determine the future…
A bit of Maori culture…
Paikea – is the name of the original whale rider. In the movie, the young female lead character, Pai is the direct descendant of the original whale rider. The Humpback Whale was believed to be the original type of whale that Pai’s ancestor, Paikea, rode. This was the whale ridden in the film. The Maori Iwi, Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Porou, are the tribes in which the original Paikea descended. The traditional Maori weapon, Taiaha, takes years to master. To see Taiaha, and other Maori weapons demonstrations, visit the following YouTube video: https://youtu.be/kvYeG-trZ6s.
Critical Analysis of Whale Rider 