Whale Rider
© Jennifer A. Wickes
by Jennifer A. Wickes
copyright 2003
Whale Rider is a story of strength, courage and persistance. It tells us about Pai's plight. Her mother and twin brother die in child birth. Yet in her Maori tribe, it is the eldest grandson who will become the next tribal leader. With her twin brother dead, her grandfather holds his death against her, instead of realizing who Pai is to her tribe and family.
When it is clear that no tribal leader will be born into this family, the grandfather goes about searching for the next leader. He gathers together all the 12-year-old boys in the tribe and begins teaching them the ways of a tribal leader. He is hoping that during the training process the true leader will be revealed to him.
It is during this time, that Pai, his young granddaughter, develops a love of her family's heritage and a true belief of the Maori people. She even doles out advice to the smokers in the community at the ill-effects smoking has on their reproduction.
Despite her true calling being completely clear to her grandmother, her grandfather is still caught in the old belief system.
One day, Pai calls the whales to her. Her grandfather discovers numerous beached whales and believes that something has gone wrong. He believes that everything that has gone wrong in recent times is because Pai survived her birth, while her twin brother died. What is to happen, changes the history of this tribe, as a young girl discovers who she is, and is not afraid of her fate.
This story is a wonderful drama, of a modern Maori life in a new millenium, as well as how one child with a stronger belief in her own people, the courage to stand up to the elders and the persistence to continue to her calling can change life. This movie is very similar to the movie Bend It Like Beckham, but is shown to us in a more sensitive light.
The main actress, Keisha Castle-Hughes, starring as Pai, gives a very powerful performance and will soon be seen in Episode 3 of the Star Wars saga. She has a very promising future in acting.
Due to the fact that this movie does not contain violence, obscene language, or any other adult content themes, I strongly recommend Whale Rider to the young and old alike. This movie will help capture the hope for a brighter future for all, as well as stimulate you to follow your beliefs!
Go To Page: 1 2
