Backbencher

Whale Rider (2002), directed by Niki Caro, is a very moving look at the Maori culture. Set in current day New Zealand, Whale Rider explores the rigid structure of Maori tradition. The movie starts with the birth of twins in which the mother and one of the twins dies. The surviving twin is the main character, Paikea. She was born into a Maori family of ancient lineage leading back to the warrior who first came to New Zealand on a whale as told by Maori tradition. As if her life wasn't off to a rough enough start, her father left after birth leaving her to be raised by her grandfather, Koro. Koro proved to be a loving and caring grandfather, but was infatuated with finding a warrior to lead the Maori race. Paikea unrelentingly tries to gain her grandfather's attention in his search for a warrior despite that she is a female striving for a male's role.


Many different aspects make Whale Rider a must watch movie. The superb acting and excellent cinematography compliments the intriguing plot. Keisha Castle-Hughes, the actress who played Paikea, was nominated for an Oscar for best actress for her role in Whale Rider. Also, the beauty of the New Zealand landscape is captured in nearly every panorama shot in the movie. Lastly, the movie sheds light on a struggling Maori society. Many of the ancient Maori traditions and their current situation of living near poverty levels bring comparisons to the Native American situation in the United States. Whale Rider fires on all cylinders, and comes highly recommended on my end.