Whale Rider (2002)
Adult themes, Low level coarse language
Based on the novel of the same name by Maori writer Witi Ihimaera, Whale Rider is a unique family drama directed Niki Caro. On the eastern coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their ancestor Paikea was saved from drowning by riding home on the back of a whale. The tribal group has since granted leadership positions to the first-born males, believing them to be descendants of Paikea. This tradition is challenged when a young mother dies in childbirth along with her newborn male son. His twin sister manages to survive and the father (Cliff Curtis) runs off, overwhelmed with grief. The little girl, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), is brought up by stubborn grandfather Koro (Rawiri Paratene) and gentle grandmother Nanny (Vicky Haughton). Koro, the chief of their tribe, is disappointed because Pai's twin brother was supposed to be the next leader. Trying to find the proper successor, he attempts to organize a leadership group amongst the local boys while Pai enlists the help of her has-been uncle Rawiri (Grant Roa) to teach herself the art of chiefdom. She appears to possess a natural leadership ability and adventurous spirit that draws her to the proliferation of her faltering tribe.
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 97mins |
| Origin: | GERMANY |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 Enhanced |
| Run Time: | 97mins |
|---|---|
| File Size (Approx): | 0.9 GB |
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Member Reviews (121)
121 Member
Reviews
says
great movie i loved it !!
Zakgirl
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What I particulary liked about this movie was learning something more about the Maori people of New Zealand. The story was compelling and made plausible. The girl, Paikea Apirana, survives as the only living child in the line of the tribe's chiefly succession after the death of both her twin brother and mother at birth. Her story is picked up from around the age of 12. The tradition of these people suggests their leader should be the first-born SON not daughter and goes on to show if Paikea can become a chief or not ... and why. It's a good movie. It seemed pretty serious to me. Not an entertaining girly flick which I so often prefer to watch.
Cynthia
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Rather slow, but very moving. I don't know much about Maori traditions and heritage, but will appreciate them more now
Nigel W
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A young Maori girl struggles to win the support of her grandfather who still believes in a traditional culture that is male dominated. Another nicely observed NZ movie. 3.5 stars
K
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Best movie containg Maori culture I have seen.
beth
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A lovely family movie
BB
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Wonderful to see a positive movie about the Maori culture!
Bev
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A haunting story - beautifully captured by the actors.
Ekendra Dasa
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Brilliant movie in every regard. A must see for anyone with even the slightest appreciation for human culture.
If you are accustomed to the standard Hollywood uber-adrenaline rush then you might have to be patient with this one but it is worth it.
Beautiful story and brilliant acting.
Alfred S.
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I cannot understand how over rated this film is. Most reviews are overly positive but it is actually a very slow moving and totally unbelievable story. Apart from Keisha Castle-Hughes, the acting is very poor, so none of the characters are believable or likeable. Plods along for what seems like forever and guaranteed to put you to sleep.
the forty-first
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I was fully prepared to find this film a bit woosy, since it's internationally beloved by high school teachers, and the object of mirth in Seven Periods wilh Mr Gormsby. In fact, even with its mystical elements, it's a strong, well-made film which had this pakeha dreaming of a trip home...
Timothy C.
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Not as good as the reviews make out, but ultimately well worth seeing with the family (over 7 years). We almost turned it off halfway though as it became a little heavy and negative, but definitely worth persisting as the end makes it all worthwhile.
Peter R.
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An unpolished diamond. There are many areas where this tight budget film could have fallen ... however with stunning performances by the cast and geography, this one is a winner.
Alex H.
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The old fashioned laws of the Mouri are challenged by the grand daughter of the leader. She finally is given her rightful place at the head of her clan. The young girl is beautifully acted. A must see.
Anthony F.
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Lora W.
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very moving and thought provoking movie
Robert B.
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a wonderful story easily told. Also enjoyd by my kids.
Ashley K.
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Ignores much of Maori culture.
For instance, from what little I know, I can tell you that the little girl is supposed to live with her grandparents according to the Maori culture. She isn't being abandoned by her father as the film makes out.
The film neglects to mention this, and thus leaves a huge gap in our understanding of what is going on.
Also, by opting to be a sort of lefty-whitewing comment on Maori society, I found myself indignant for the sake of the film's subjects. I found it to be a bit like Lord Of War in that respect, where it's taking this very high-handed approach to 'those savages'. The gaps in the film's narrative, like the one mentioned above, serve to emphasise this.
If the film was more about the people than the the politics of the target audience, I might have been able to enjoy it more. As it was, I walked out and skipped the middle third, and came back when the story got underway again and the characters once again became more lifelike, instead of sounding like extras in a play by Ayn Rand.
Jodie C.
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Robyn P.
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I loved this movie, it reminds me of NZ and is great to watch for a culture experience.
Michele B.
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Jenny R.
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absolutely outstanding
Lindsay H.
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Real people, real situations, real life blends in beautifully with Maori myths and culture. Brilliant performance by the young star.
hoarie
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a feel good movie. I think the child actor and the grandmother played superb roles. It was the grandmother that held together what was somewhat of a nebulous plot. Just a good watch. I did not rate higher as I felt some politically correct bureacrats in the New Zealand film industry wanted to paint a picture which is far removed from reality. But all in all a feel good happy watch. Easy viewing.
Henk H.
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A good understanding of Maori culture.
tiborg
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Don't know anything about Maori culture, so this movie might or migh not be aunthetic. We still greatly enjoyed.Seems that not only us,but the Kiwis can make good movies too(sometime)
Anthony L.
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Good acting you will enjoy!
G Peter B.
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J G
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Great story about what it means to be a leader. Keisha Castle-Hughes is fantastic, as is the man playing her grandfather.
Linda C.
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A nice gentle movie that can will be appreciated by all Kiwis
Margaret B.
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An interesting and moving insight into Maori culture and traditional beliefs.
Paul G.
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Suprisingly a very good movie, very emotional. Would recommend.
Russell W.
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Excellent family movie showing how the past cultures need to change and mix with the modern ways.
Russell W.
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A beautiful, touching family movie.
Mary W.
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Claire G.
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Jose L.
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Hmm ok there was a story behind it but the acting leaves a lot to be desired and it really moved far to slowly!
Sue D.
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I saw this movie at cinemas and enjoyed watching the movie again on DVD.
Cat S.
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Simon Horobin
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Rebecca
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A nice film to watch - uplifting.
Christine Champion
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franksting
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Very interesting movie. Alsmost disney -esque, but not quite so twee
Katarina Felton
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Beautiful.
Brian Mckay
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Leanne Murray
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Spencer Gibson
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Robin Eynaud
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Brian Graham
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A wonderful tale of cultural diversity and challenges, in a stunning sea-side setting.
Valerie Noonan
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Anthony Lake
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Simon Slevin
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Paul Meisenhofen
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Very good acting by the young girl
Cathy Hearne
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Martine
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Michelle Dsouza
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Excellent! Why had I not seen it earlier!! Emotional, powerful, inspirational - a story of love, culture, tradition and spirit.
Anne Jope
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Robin Archer
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Merrilyn Eyre
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Ben Murray
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Deborah Tooker
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Great movie for all the family.
Craig Hill
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Excellent - great insight into Maori culture and the difference in attitudes between older and younger generation
Kerrie Stewart
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Awsome, unique, moving, fascinating!! MUST SEE!!!!
Michael Djuric
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Michelle
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A 'tissue' movie!
Julie Bishop
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Mystical, and lovely.
Christine Moss
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Slow and disappointing
Steven Cinquegrana
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What a great movie. Watch this with your young daughter and let her see for herself that she is as good as the boys. An excellent commentary on the roles of women and how we raise them as well as a wonderfully spiritual exploration of how dogma can corrupt faith. Great performances all round.
Jennifer Gibson
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Elizabeth Sheldshock
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A beautiful movie with excellent acting especially by Keisha Castle-Hughes. A touching story about Maori traditions battling modern life.
Denise Mcconnell
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Peter Kinowski
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Deanne Deluca
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It was ok, a bit hard to follow but the main actress was brilliant for her age.
Melissa Sinclair
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Moving story. Quite sad, but happy also. Definitely worth watching.
Ros
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Simplicity,gorgeous scenery, Maori culture, humour, natural people, lack of obvious 'slick commercialism', and a subtly promoted message of equality for women combine to make this film a memorable pleasure.
Jude
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A great film for girl power. It is good to see that girls can reach their true potential especially in a man's world.
Tim Brown
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Loui Soravia
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Natasha Cutbush
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An excellent, fantastic and totally captivating film.
Cheryl Ann Huggers
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Julie Alsop
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Worth watching
Tanya
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A great movie that takes you through a lot of emotions.. Sad, angry, then happy! The whole family loved this movie! 4 paws.
Nicola Rutzou
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Sally Courboules
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Definately worth watching if your interested in something different from the typical hollywood "blockbuster". Engaging storyline and great acting makes a very enjoyable movie.
Ivan Sharp
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Pat Hill
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Good film.
Helen Duckham
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Kathryn Ivey
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Carrid Tambakis
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Touching story, good acting by not so popular actors.
Trish
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Very well made and thought-provoking. Spectacular cinematography!! Keisha Cast-Hughes has a huge future ahead of her if she wants it!
Natalie Satchwill
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This is one of the best movies I have watched in ages. The little girl's acting is outstanding. Take the tissues though she will have you in tears.
Dale
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Very touching film about the old Maori ways. Loved it.
Kellie Medlock
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Ashley Barber
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An interesting portrayal of modern Maori culture in rural New Zealand. Excellent acting by all involved, particularly the young girl who deservedly was nominated for an Oscar.
Well worth watching as it tests all your emotions.
Carrie
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John
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good entertainment
Ken Cheong
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Michelle Rowlands
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Emma Burrage
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A beautiful, heartwrenching story of a young Maori girl trying to find her place in the world. A must see for all New Zealanders and other people alike.
Ian Greenwood
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Best movie i have seen in a long time.
Leonard Worsteling
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Ross Mcnaughton
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Robert
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Get up close to Maori culture.
Gwennyth Mills
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excellent family movie
Diane Dunlop
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Suitable for children probably over 8 years. The young lead female actor is amazing - don't forget to watch her audition tape on the extras.
Andrew
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Original and well worth watching!
Andrea Ryke
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A little slow but thought provoking. Interesting potrayal of cultural and generational differences.
Becksta
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A touching movie.
Amanda Peet
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Even the kids were bored. Some emotional moments and good acting, but pretty boring
Cinefile
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Lynette Curtis
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Worth watching, also good for kids.
Jennifer Zuber
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Bill Fordham
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Luke
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Sarah
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A fantastic and touching story. An excellent movie for family viewing.
Stephen
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Nigel
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Helen
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Suzanne
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Excellent viewing for viewers of any age. I was expecting a lot, and it was still better than I expected!
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