Niki Caro’s 2002 film, “Whale Rider” could captivate any audience. Not only was it a film about a young girl dreaming of being a chief, but set in New Zealand, it showed Maori culture and traditions to the rest of the world. With Keisha Castle-Hughes making her film debut as Paikea and Cliff Curtis returning to the screen as her father, “Whale Rider” launched the careers of several actors with it’s story of the determination and courage of a young girl.
Paikea, the most recent descendent of the chief who led his Maori tribe to New Zealand on the back of a whale, is determined to prove to her narrow-minded grandfather (Rawiri Paratene), that she deserves to be the next chief. Her grandfather abides by the chief tradition, always first-born …show more content…
There were phenomenal shots throughout the film that gave me goosebumps, and the smooth editing of them together just made it even better. The film was cast perfectly, Keisha Castle-Hughes was Paikea, and when I say that, I mean she was perfect for the role, I couldn’t even tell she was acting. Niki Caro could not have chosen a young girl, better fit for the role; and this was the same for the other characters. The casting was excellent, to point where it seemed like this could have been a real Maori tribe. However, there were a few gaps in character development. For example, we are left wondering what happened to Paikea’s father from the beginning, but this is resolved later in the movie. Overall, the plot of the movie flowed well from beginning to end. With unexpected tragedy, tear jerking moments, and scenes that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats, this film is one that many will enjoy.
I would recommend this film to families with older children and teens, it is a perfect movie to teach lessons of perseverance and determination, as well as being able to face adversity, yet still achieve whatever you set your mind to. I would give “Whale Rider” a 9/10 and have already recommended several others to watch
Paikea, the most recent descendent of the chief who led his Maori tribe to New Zealand on the back of a whale, is determined to prove to her narrow-minded grandfather (Rawiri Paratene), that she deserves to be the next chief. Her grandfather abides by the chief tradition, always first-born …show more content…
There were phenomenal shots throughout the film that gave me goosebumps, and the smooth editing of them together just made it even better. The film was cast perfectly, Keisha Castle-Hughes was Paikea, and when I say that, I mean she was perfect for the role, I couldn’t even tell she was acting. Niki Caro could not have chosen a young girl, better fit for the role; and this was the same for the other characters. The casting was excellent, to point where it seemed like this could have been a real Maori tribe. However, there were a few gaps in character development. For example, we are left wondering what happened to Paikea’s father from the beginning, but this is resolved later in the movie. Overall, the plot of the movie flowed well from beginning to end. With unexpected tragedy, tear jerking moments, and scenes that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats, this film is one that many will enjoy.
I would recommend this film to families with older children and teens, it is a perfect movie to teach lessons of perseverance and determination, as well as being able to face adversity, yet still achieve whatever you set your mind to. I would give “Whale Rider” a 9/10 and have already recommended several others to watch