Whale Rider

New Zealand 2003, 101 minutes
Dir. Niki Caro
In English, Te Reo with English subtitles
Rating: [PG]
Genres: Drama, Family / Girl-centric

Topics: Indigenous & Minority Cultures.

Feat. Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, Grant Roa

Aroview: A stirring, widely-acclaimed adaptation of Witi Ihimaera’s novel about a young girl’s struggle to win the approval of her patriarchal grandfather and fulfil her destiny as a tribal leader in a small community on the East Coast of the North Island.

Weaving a contemporary story with Maori myth, faith and heritage to demonstrate how the past impacts on the present and the path ahead, this is a film hand-crafted with aroha and a fine quality cast supporting the stunning child performance of Keisha Castle-Hughes. Casting its net to reach the widest possible audience, it might sacrifice subtlety in the final reel, but can still take pride of place among that select group of special films from Aotearoa.

Member Reviews

Average rating (Very Good). Showing 1-3 of 7 member reviews.

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5 stars (Exceptional) Deeply moving cultural tale of Pai, grand-daughter of local Maori chief Koro, who he rejects as the tribe's future leader because of ancient tradition. But he under-estimates the head-strong child as she fights to fulfil her destiny. One of a kind. ~GenXGirl
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4 stars (Very Good) The sweet tale of Pai, in her struggle to make a place for herself in her family and society. A wonderful insight to a deep culture, and a moving tale. ~Tom H
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4 stars (Very Good) Beautiful story reminds me of people in my own whanau - courageous, extraordinary, full of potential. ~Anon