Ask me three weeks ago what the Maori tribe is and I would have given you a blank Homer Simpson look. After seeing Niki Caro's beautiful film 'Whale Rider', I not only knew about this interesting little culture, but I knew I had just viewed a small masterpiece. A young Maori girl, Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and her twin brother are born, and their father, Porourangi (Cliff Curtis) is the heir apparent to be the chief of their tribe, so all attention is on the first-born male child. Unfortunately, the male child dies during childbirth along with his mother, leaving Paikea as the sole child. Paikea's grandfather Koro (Rawiri Paratene) refuses to acknowledge her, and even tries to talk his son into looking for someone else to marry and father a son with while he is grieving in the hospital hallway. This is how Paikea's life begins, and we next see her as a young pre-adolescent, living with her grandparents now, as her father has moved to Europe to seek his fortune as an artist. Her grandfather has softened toward her, but still looks on her as a disappointment, but the have a decent enough relationship, and she and her grandmother are close. When she learns the legend of the 'Whale Rider', and learns about the role her brother would have played in the tribe she becomes determined to buck all convention and take his place.

Obviously, the story is complicated and the strong emotions that are pervasive throughout the film only make it more so. The clear conflict that Koro is in, trying to find the new chief of the tribe is unwavering to the point of hurting everyone around him and making himself sick weighs most heavily on Paikea, who in reality is just an 11 year old girl who wants her grandfather to love her, but is also determined to be something she knows she traditionally can't be. I have rarely witnessed a scene that is more painful than the one in which Paikea, having been recognized for excellence in her school, is giving a speech she dedicated to her grandfather at a school recital, and, while staring at his empty chair, can barely speak because her pain and sorrow is so great.

Caro's screenplay and film are absolutely beautiful. I found myself riveted from the beginning, as the story unfolds itself to be a sort of fable, until the very end. The cinematography, music and script are fantastic. The most amazing thing about the film however is the performance of Keisha Castle-Hughes, who was nominated for her role in this film. I remember being surprised at this year's awards when I saw this little girl (who refreshingly looked and dressed like a little girl) being nominated for best lead actress. Her performance in 'Whale Rider' is astonishingly good, almost frighteningly so.

Some may not like 'Whale Rider' because it is truly original, and definitely not a mainstream film, but I very highly recommend giving it a try. It truly was an incredible film to experience. 8/10

Shelly

I've heard good things about 2002's "Whale Rider" for years and put off seeing it, likely because it appeared to be some type of trite Disney flick with a kid (or kids) winning at a competition against all odds, etc. (not that there's anything wrong with that), but that's not what this film's about at all. "Whale Rider" is a serious drama with a very spiritual & moving air and realistic tone.

THE PLOT: A small tribe of Maori in modern-day New Zealand believe their presence there dates back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. From then on chiefs of the Whangara tribe have been Paikea's direct descendants, always the first-born and always male. There is reoccurring evidence that Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal culture, is destined to be the new chief. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition and stubbornness and insists on choosing a male leader. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must convince him and fight a thousand years of tradition for her calling to come to pass.

"Whale Rider" is an independent film with none of the trappings of modern blockbusters; the story is dialogue-driven, slow and not all that eventful, which can of course throw off those used to a steady diet of the latter. Take note before watching.

I'll be perfectly honest with you, "Whale Rider" was a veritable religious experience for me. I had the DVD lying around for a few weeks and then one day I just knew the time was right: I put it in, not really intending to watch the entire film, and I was captivated from beginning to end (just over an hour and a half without credits). I was in a very spiritually-sensitive mode and literally cried through about 70% of it. The movie actually spoke to me in a sense, if you know what I mean, and I received clear direction in one area of searching/need. Don't dismiss this on the grounds that I'm some sentimental whack job; I'm just a regular dude.

The thematic clash of the film is not granddaughter against grandfather but rather truth v.s. traditionalism, spirit of the law v.s. letter of the law, and true calling v.s. stubborn opposition.

There's also an interesting sub-theme about a culture losing its identity and languishing in drugs/alcohol, crime and meaningless despondency. How can they, as individuals and as a people, escape this? They must know their identity -- who they ARE.

Some have criticized the film as too predictable, but I'd rather watch "Whale Rider" and it's predictable play-it-straight plot than moronic 'twist' films like "A Perfect Getaway" (2009) where the story is essentially a lie, leaving the viewer feeling hoodwinked and ripped-off. "Whale Rider" is refreshingly honest by comparison. Besides, 'twist' plots have become so common that playing it straight is now 'cutting edge.'

Keisha Castle-Hughes, who plays Pai, is precious.

The film was shot on the North Island of New Zealand (Whangara, Gisborne & Taupo, Waikato). It was directed/written by Niki Caro from Witi Ihimaera's book.

FINAL WORD: If what I've said piques your interest don't miss out on "Whale Rider." But wait for the right moment when you know you'll be receptive to such a reverent piece. It will move you and maybe even speak to you.

GRADE: A-

I want to avoid putting a knock on a family friendly movie but this picture didn't quite do it for me. If not for the resilience and determination of young Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes), I'm not sure there's much going on in the story to recommend it as family fare. Her grandfather Koro (Rawiri Paratene), if portrayed in an American film, would have been considered a classic male chauvinist, while her own father Porourangi (Cliff Curtis) demonstrated the utmost in cowardly behavior by fleeing the scene following the death of his wife in childbirth. Not to mention Koro's dismissive behavior in shunning the young boy Hemi (Mana Taumaunuwhen) because he was bested by Paikei in that stick contest. These were just a couple of horrible examples I would point out that don't deserve to be role modeled in a purportedly family picture.

The only other character besides Paikea I could positively relate to was Uncle Rawiri (Grant Roa), who took her under his roof and behaved in a manner befitting a responsible adult whenever he saw something amiss around him. As for the young Keisha Castle-Hughes, I thought she did a credible job in her role as Paikea, with a compassion and love for her grandfather that transcended his rude behavior and brought the story to a positive conclusion. However one has to interpret her ride on the whale as somewhat allegorical. It was not as mystical and fun filled in the way the movie's advance would make you suspect.