Whale Rider (Special Edition)
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Movie Reviews of Whale Rider (Special Edition)
Movie Review: Worth watching even if somewhat flawed (not a plot rehash)
Summary: 5 Stars
When this film first came out, I bypassed it in favor of films with well-known casts and lots of marketing. When I eventually got the DVD (rental), I was disappointed -- in that I did not take the time to see it sooner. And while I've been told that the movie is quite different from the book, and that as a coming of age film, it rehashes over-used themes, it is still a film well-worth seeing.In presenting us with how a headstrong young girl tries to find her place in her Maori tribe against the wishes of her stubborn grandfather-chief, Whale Rider shows how tradition need not clash with modernity, but can meld with it to create new ways of living and being. And that change can bring hope and not necessarily calamity. The artful use of foreshadowing and juxtapositioning of the old and the new, of various motifs, to make this and other points is elegant. Take, for instance, the temporal symbols of transportation: the unfinished waka (an ancient maori boat) used by the ancients, the bicycle used by Pai and Koro (a mildy sophisticated invention), the tractor used by Uncle Rawiri (a deleted scene, but later it is used to try to free a beached whale), and Pai with her father in his (rental) Ford Focus (a symbol of modern 21st Century technological prowess). And there are a myriad of others. There is an underlying feminism here, too. The girl Pai (short for Paikea, a boy's name) striving to assume the role of tribal leader, a position reserved for the first-born males. And Nanny Flowers as the only woman who can say no to grouchy paternalistic Koro.
There are also subtle references to the social and economic plight of the Maori. A careful view of the film will easily reveal all the nuances and references to problems that the Maori -- like so many cultures face: of absentee fathers, of crime and jail (Hemi's dad), of the troubles of the working class versus the elite, of outmarriage, the abandonment of tradition, disrespect for elders, etc. (I later found that some of these points are spelled out in the deleted scenes, but the editors were wise to delete them. The subtleties in the plot and script say it all.)
In some ways, this film is a treatise on the tough choices that so many indigenous groups have to make: stick to their old ways and risk death, or adapt to the new, the different, -- and prosper and survive.
This, then, is a wonderful film, for both adults and children, engaging, witty, poignant, beautfully written and filmed. Hats off to all involved, especially Ms. Caro for the script and Ms. Castle-Hughes -- believable as Pai, an unbelievable feat for an 11-year old girl (now 13) with no prior acting experience.
If there are any flaws in the film, it would be that things go too well for Pai, that things are too predictable; but, perhaps, that is the beauty of this film, that, like fairy tales, happy endings usually are the norm.
And as others have stated before, don't miss the two hidden features of the DVD: Select SPECIAL FEATURES, and then when the MAIN MENU is highlighted on the bottom of the Special Features screen, press the right arrow to get the original New Zealand trailer for this film. Or press the left arrow to get and select *auditions*: 6-minutes of Keisha Castle-Hughes astounding audition.
Movie Review: Ride the whale
Summary: 5 Stars
"Whale Rider" is one of the best movies this year, and probably will be remembered as such at the end of 2003. It's full of haunting imagery, thought-provoking handling of universal themes, and family conflict. And there's a bit of the awe-inspiring and magical near the end as well.When Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes) was born, her mother and twin brother died. Her heartbroken father fled to Europe, leaving her in the care of her rigidly traditional grandfather Koro (Rawiri Paratene). Years later, Pai longs for her grandfather's approval, but he secretly blames her for the troubles plaguing the Maori -- especially since there is now no heir, as girls can't lead. Koro, we're told, wants a savior for the Maori tribe of Whangara-Mai-Tawhiti. Now Koro begins training young boys in how to be chiefs, and Pai secretly learns as well (against Koro's orders).
When the final test of the boys fails completely, the heartbroken Koro calls out to the Ancient Ones (whales), one of which, according to legend, brought the first person to New Zealand. But they don't come for the old chief. Pai calls them as well -- only to bring disaster when the whales beach themselves near her home. To save the Ancient Ones, an old teacher must learn to break traditions, and a young one learns her true place.
Though the lead of this movie is a child, there is no cuteness, no dumbness, no talking-down. The moviemakers clearly respect the cast, the people it represents, and the wealth of legend and myth behind them. It feels so real that you could reach through and touch them. But the content in it is universal -- sometimes traditions should bow to what is needed, and they need to change for the people who honor them to survive.
Neither Pai nor Koro will leave you untouched; Pai hurts Koro by breaking the rules, while he hurts her by treating her as unworthy. The scene where she makes a speech praising him and their culture is heartbreaking, as she struggles to speak through her tears. Similarly, the moment when Koro realizes that he was wrong about Pai is amazing. This careful attention to the characterization shows the care that went into "Whale Rider."
Direction is outstanding -- simple lines have great weight, dialogue is entirely believable, and the scenes are often carried just by the look on the actors' faces. There's a feeling of purity to the way it's directed, a freshness and beauty that shows in full near the finale. New Zealand is shown off at its best in wide scenic shots. And the climactic scene with the whales is nothing short of brilliant -- it will take your breath away.
Keisha Castle-Hughes is absolutely priceless; she has genuine talent, rather than the hamminess or woodenness that many young actors have. Rawiri Paratene is excellent as a man with a heavy burden who is getting more and more desperate; you won't like all he does, but he's an incredibly sympathetic character just the same. The supporting cast is also amazing, including Vicki Haughton as Pai's strong-willed grandmother and Cliff Curtis as her dad.
With remarkable performances, a simple, powerful message, and a brilliant storyline, "Whale Rider" is a film that should be seen again and again.
Movie Review: Lyrical, Enchanting Film Blends Tradition and Modern Life
Summary: 5 Stars
In a New Zealand coastal community, the long-awaited arrival of a Maori tribe's next leader is frustrated when the male grandchild of the Maori Chief dies in childbirth, along with his mother, leaving a surviving twin sister. The infant's father, Porourangi (Cliff Curtis) names the girl Paikea after the first Maori of legend who came to New Zealand on the back of a whale, the name intended for her deceased brother. Unable to face his father's expectations and tribal life after the death of his wife and son, Porourangi leaves New Zealand to pursue a career abroad and leaves his young daughter in the care of her grandparents, Koro (Rawiri Paratene), the tribe's Chief, and Nanny Flowers (Vicky Haughton). The precocious and fearless child, whom everyone calls Pai, wins the heart of her grandparents. But her grandfather still openly laments that Pai is not a boy who could inherit the responsibilities of chief, and he is anxious about his people's fate without a leader to guide them. When Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) is 12 years old, she begins to think that she might be that leader, in spite of her gender. And her refusal to yield to the traditions which prohibit her from assuming a leadership role threaten to irreparably damage her relationship with her grandfather."Whale Rider" is inspired by the children's novel of the same name by Maori novelist Witi Ihimaera. It was adapted for the screen and expertly directed by New Zealander Niki Caro. This is a very lyrical film that is perfectly paced, so the audience never has a chance to get bored. The characters are all down-to-earth people who are nevertheless not simplistic, and each is sympathetic in his or her own way. The beautiful imagery of the New Zealand coast and the Maori traditions are a pleasure to watch. But the film deals with the universal themes of the traditional coming into conflict with the new and the younger generation with the old. The entire cast is excellent. And newcomer Keisha Castle-Hughes is nothing short of astounding. Her portrayal of Pai is luminous and completely convincing. She pulls the audience into this story the minute she appears on screen. "Whale Rider" is an enchanting film which both children and adults will enjoy.
The DVD: Bonus features include: theatrical trailers, tv spots, deleted scenes, a "behind the scenes" documentary, a documentary of the construction of a Maori war canoe for the film, 5 tracks from the film's score, and a photo gallery. I recommend both documentaries. One is a "making of" sort of thing, with interviews with the film's director and cast. The other is called "Te Waka: Building the Canoe" and explains how artists used both traditional and modern methods to construct a ceremonial Maori war canoe for the film in less than a month. The 5 complete tracks from the film's score are also a very nice bonus and may help you decide if you want to purchase the film's original score by composer Lisa Gerrard.
Movie Review: Paikea struggle in a men's world
Summary: 5 Stars
Whale Rider is a great movie, well worth watching, it takes you in a magnificent journey with Paikea, a young Maori girl, as she learn the Maori traditional sacred way to become the next clan leader, a role reserved for men.
Paikea is the descendant of the Whale Rider, in their tribe the chief's first born son becomes the next leader, sadly Paikea twin brother, died during his birth. She now try to become the next tribe leader, a traditionally men role within their tribe, her grand-father (Rawiri Paratene), Koro who's currently the tribe leader, and who lives by the ancient ways does not agree. Koro then decide to open a cultural school in order to form the next tribe leader, and asks all the first born sons of the tribe to attend those lessons and forbid Paikea to participate. Hemi (Mana Taumaunu), a boy sympathetic toward Paikea and the most likely candidate to become next tribe leader, is caught teaching Paikea how to use the Taiaha, at this moment Koro starts to think that Paikea might be the reason for the tribe misfortune. Aware of Koro refusal to teach Paikea the old ways her grand-mother (Vicky Haughton) takes upon Paikea's learning of the old ways. Paikea then ask her uncle Riwiki (Grant Roa) to teach her how to perform the Haka, and how to use the Taiaha, a sacred weapon in the Maori culture. Paikea sneaks into the school to learn the sacred chants taught to the boys by Koro, chants that he will use later to call upon the Whale spirit to help his tribe. Seeing no answer from the spirits Paikea then use the chants to call upon the spirits herself. Getting ready to attend Paikea's school play Koro finds many whales on the beach, he is then convince that Paikea is the reason for the tribe misfortune. Seeing Paikea riding the biggest whale back to the ocean Koro then realize his mistake and acknowledge Paikea as the next tribe leader.
This movie contains many sacred ways from the Maori people that can also be found in many other indigenous cultures around the world. Such as the animal spirit who is often used as a guide is present in this movie as the whale, the initiation that the young boys must go through to become the next leader, the sacred chants used to pass down knowledge from generation to generation, the prayers to their ancestors and the dances present in many indigenous cultures.
Whale Rider directed by Niki Caro is a movie based on Witi Ihimaera book that will take you into a journey with Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes) the latest descendant of Paikea, the whale rider, he who rode the whale spiritual guide of their tribe from Hawaiki. Director Niki Caro did a magnificent job with the cast of this movie; we believe and feel Paikea joy, pain and sadness throughout the movie. He also gives us a glimpse look at the Maori sacred ways.
Movie Review: Great movie!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Summary:The small town Maori culture in New Zealand in which Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes), a strong-willed 12 year-old girl is being raised is dying. At least, that's the impression her grandfather, Koro (Rawiri Paratene) has. Koro is the leader of the town, which is made up primarily of Maori people, and he is troubled by a number of things, not the least of which is the fact that his oldest son, Porourangi (Cliff Curtis), who should be following in his place, is not. Also, Porourangi's first born son, Paikea's twin, died in childbirth, along with Porourangi's wife. Koro, who was expecting Porourangi's son to become the next leader of the town, has been in a slump ever since. But the real problem is Paikea, Koro's vivacious granddaughter who feels the burden of the fact that she lived when Koro really wanted a grandson. But Paikea isn't about to let her grandfather, who despite his initial lack of interest in her has now grown to love her, witness the decline of their culture. But Paikea is a girl, and girls have never lead the town. Thus, she has more to overcome than just learning the ways of the ancients, she also has to illustrate how she, as a female, can be a prophetess, lead the village, and get her grandfather to accept her role in the revitalization of the village.
Marshaling her Uncle Rawiri's (Grant Roa) talents and secretly supported by her grandmother, Nanny Flowers (Vicky Haughton), Paikea eventually teaches Koro a powerful lesson about the potential of women and the ways of the ancients.
My Comments:
This is an incredible movie! It uses a touching story to explore the clash between the old and new; between Westernization and Maori culture; between traditional patriarchy and gender egalitarianism.
The story is touching, convincing, and lucid. I may have found it hard to critique the story line because I am so unfamiliar with the Maori culture, but I really couldn't see anything wrong with this story.
As for the acting, it was stunning. I was absolutely astonished by the performance of Keisha Castle-Hughes. Maybe she was just being herself or maybe she has incredible potential. Either way, she was the perfect choice for this role and without her, this movie never would have worked. The rest of the cast is also excellent. I have absolutely no criticisms of the movie on this front; the acting is superb.
Everything about this movie draws you into the the world of the Maori people who, like many people around the world, are currently negotiating the clash of their culture with Western culture. I would highly recommend this movie for everyone.