Whale Rider

Niki Caro, New Zealand / Germany, 2002, 101 minutes

Once in a while, a film comes along of such warmth and heart that you can't help but be drawn in and moved by the characters and events before you on the screen. Whale Rider is such a film.

Based on the novel by Witi Ihimaera, the film tells the story of Pai, a young Maori girl born into the line of chiefs of the Iwi tribe of Whangara on New Zealand's North Island. After her mother and twin brother die at her birth, the family is left to deal not only with the terrible personal tragedy but also with the future of the tribe's chiefs, as the line of males has now been broken. The current chief, Pai's grandfather Koro, cannot bring himself to fully love Pai as he is forever thinking of the tribe and its future. However as Pai grows older she desperately seeks Koro's love and in doing so proves to him that her gender should not affect her destiny.

Whilst a synopsis gives the impression that this a tale of female empowerment, it is by no means a bombastic feminist piece and Koro's inability to accept Pai is understated considering its integral importance to the story. The other themes of the film are all interwoven to create a tale that deals with real issues as well as telling a heartwarming story.

The acting and direction are excellent, with Oscar-nominated newcomer Keisha Castle-Hughes filling the role of Paikea with immense depth. Rawiri Paratene as Koro provides an excellent foil conveying not only how the years of responsibility have created a rough exterior but also the crushing effect the pressure has on him.

Overall the film provides both a beautiful tale as well as an insight into many issues in modern society and Maori culture. I cannot recommend strongly enough that you come and see it for the first, second or twelfth time. Consider it food for the soul.

Review by Pete Thompson
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2004