Whale Rider (B+ or 3/4 stars)
A young girl finds hope for the future of her people in 'Whale Rider', a New Zealand drama directed by Niki Caro. A new leader of an indigenous Maori tribe is needed in coastal New Zealand. When 11 yr. old Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) is born into a long line of male chiefs, she is shunned by her disappointed grandfather. Her twin brother had died in childbirth (making her the blame). All she wants is her grandpa's love, but she'll need to earn it in any way humanly possible. This well-intentioned, slow-paced movie about this girl's rejection, her love & the hope of fulfilling her destiny is a quiet triumph.
The Whangara people believe their presence dates back to one big miraculous event. A male ancestor, Paikea, escaped certain death when his canoe capsized by riding ashore on the back of a whale! Ever since, a first-born 'male' has been believed to carry-on this unique legacy. Now, even though he despises the fact that his granddaughter may break the lineage of chiefs, Koro (Rawiri Paratene) knows he has to care for her. Her mom is dead and her father has bolted for Germany. He has the obligation. Another obligation? Teaching young boys how to be a chief (out of desperation). Believing she is the rightful descendant, & unconditionally loving Koro, she feels the need to impress him in other ways. It's a heart-wrenching journey, & one that could take her life ... all too impress grandpa.
'Whale Rider' does not trivialize the Maori people; it celebrates them. Their customs, their behaviors, their family traditions ... they're all quaint, respectful, & beautiful. It's refreshing to witness such a culture. Her quest to show Koro that she's worthy is more emotional than I anticipated. Even more unexpected is the mythological turn this takes in its climax. Within this film, I figured that a mythological turn-of-events would be necessary for her to achieve her feat; but I also wasn't expecting it because 98% of the film is grounded in such rural melodrama. In reflection, I love the mystical ending. But it was hard to swallow at first.
Why may some people miss the boat with 'Whale Rider'? Well, it isn't some brainless comedy or guilty pleasure action flick. Most of the film involves Pai trying over, and over, and over again to make Koro break his silence & accept her. It's not a long movie, but this storyline makes it slow moving. But slow-moving doesn't always mean it's boring. Also, it's not an incredibly involving film. You won't be whisked away. This is Pai's story to tell, you won't be able to relate to her. But that makes it unique, as well.
Keisha Castle-Hughes is astonishing in her untrained, yet credibly moving performance. The camera clearly loves her. And she deserves a Best Actress nomination at the Oscars. Aside from her, the film is straightforward, simple, but always intoxicating. It's a family folk tale. It's a fantasy film. It's a coming-of-age story. There are positive messages embedded in 'Whale Rider' (the challenges that face female authority, strength in family, asserting yourself in your beliefs, etc). It's a film that engages you, not while it's playing, but well after it's over. Dreamy is a word I'd use to encapsulate this film. 'Whale Rider' isn't mainstream. It won't be making millions of dollars at the box office. But it is very good, nevertheless. Why is it always these types of films which are so rarely seen?
The Whangara people believe their presence dates back to one big miraculous event. A male ancestor, Paikea, escaped certain death when his canoe capsized by riding ashore on the back of a whale! Ever since, a first-born 'male' has been believed to carry-on this unique legacy. Now, even though he despises the fact that his granddaughter may break the lineage of chiefs, Koro (Rawiri Paratene) knows he has to care for her. Her mom is dead and her father has bolted for Germany. He has the obligation. Another obligation? Teaching young boys how to be a chief (out of desperation). Believing she is the rightful descendant, & unconditionally loving Koro, she feels the need to impress him in other ways. It's a heart-wrenching journey, & one that could take her life ... all too impress grandpa.
'Whale Rider' does not trivialize the Maori people; it celebrates them. Their customs, their behaviors, their family traditions ... they're all quaint, respectful, & beautiful. It's refreshing to witness such a culture. Her quest to show Koro that she's worthy is more emotional than I anticipated. Even more unexpected is the mythological turn this takes in its climax. Within this film, I figured that a mythological turn-of-events would be necessary for her to achieve her feat; but I also wasn't expecting it because 98% of the film is grounded in such rural melodrama. In reflection, I love the mystical ending. But it was hard to swallow at first.
Why may some people miss the boat with 'Whale Rider'? Well, it isn't some brainless comedy or guilty pleasure action flick. Most of the film involves Pai trying over, and over, and over again to make Koro break his silence & accept her. It's not a long movie, but this storyline makes it slow moving. But slow-moving doesn't always mean it's boring. Also, it's not an incredibly involving film. You won't be whisked away. This is Pai's story to tell, you won't be able to relate to her. But that makes it unique, as well.
Keisha Castle-Hughes is astonishing in her untrained, yet credibly moving performance. The camera clearly loves her. And she deserves a Best Actress nomination at the Oscars. Aside from her, the film is straightforward, simple, but always intoxicating. It's a family folk tale. It's a fantasy film. It's a coming-of-age story. There are positive messages embedded in 'Whale Rider' (the challenges that face female authority, strength in family, asserting yourself in your beliefs, etc). It's a film that engages you, not while it's playing, but well after it's over. Dreamy is a word I'd use to encapsulate this film. 'Whale Rider' isn't mainstream. It won't be making millions of dollars at the box office. But it is very good, nevertheless. Why is it always these types of films which are so rarely seen?