Girl power
- Whale Rider review by JD
2 previous reviewers saw this as a coming of age. I saw it as the rise of feminism against a background of entrenched chauvinism. The grandfather has blighted his entire family with his great desire to see a hero rise from one of the male members. He never considers the possibility of a heroine. In this regard the ending is fairly clear from a few minutes in. What carries the film is some exquisite dynamic within the rest of the family and some amazing New Zealand scenery.
2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Are there any other mvoies like this?
- Whale Rider review by CP Customer
if so, I would like to see some more!
The only 5 star movie so far for me.
It's a coming of age drama with a great performance from the young female lead.
Beautiful NZ scenery, strong storyline, moving and memorable. Watched it a second time before returning the DVD.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Watchable
- Whale Rider review by CP Customer
Pretty enjoyable overall if a little unbelievable.
0 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Superb - far more than a children's film
- Whale Rider review by RP
A coming of age film with a difference - a tremendous difference, since this is set in a small Maori costal settlement in present day New Zealand, and not (as almost all others are) in smalltown USA.
Beautifully photographed, it tells the tale of the chief Koro who has no first-born grandson to lead the tribe. Sadly, his grandson died at birth - but his twin sister Paikea survived. Koro has no time for girls - but Paikea is strong willed and the stuff of which leaders are made...
Young Keisha Castle-Hughes plays the role of Paikea to perfection and was Oscar nominated. Only 11 years old when the film was made, her performance is quite astonishing.
The film won the 2003 BAFTA Children's Best Feature Film Award - but it's far more than a children's film.
Superb stuff - 5/5 stars.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
A beautiful film
- Whale Rider review by CP Customer
I found the exploration of Maori culture fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed watching this. It is beautifully shot and the young girl who plays Pai is brilliant.
0 out of 1 members found this review helpful.