Whale Rider

Caro, Niki (Director). Whale Rider. (DVD). New Market Films, 2002. Running time 101 min.


Plot Summary
Paikea's birth is never remembered fondly because it was also the death of her twin brother and her mother. Paikea's grandfather had been counting on his grandson to be the new leader of the Maori tribe. Her grandfather forms a cultural school to teach the boys how to be leaders. Then he will select a leader for the tribe. On the first day of lessons, Paikea shows up, but her grandfather turns her away saying that only boys can study. Nonetheless, Paikea gets other members of the tribe to teach her things and she studies hard. While Paikea's grandmother and uncle can see that Paikea is a natural leader and devoted to the tribe, her grandfather refuses to acknowledge her. Paikea calls to the whales for help, but in the end, the whales washed ashore need the help of the tribe.

Critical evaluation
Just like real life, none of the characters are as simple as they seem. Even the grandfather, Koro, is deeply conflicted. He is distraught that his own son doesn't want to lead the son and rests his hopes on the grandson he may never have. Despite his resentment and frustration, Koro forms a bond with his granddaughter, who clearly adores him. Koro is downright mean to Paikea in his words, but his actions are more mixed. For example, he gives her a ride to school every day while the other kids ride the bus. Paikea is equally conflicted knowing that she doesn't deserve her grandfather's anger, but forgiving the anger just the same. The depth of the characters makes this film so touching.

Readers Annotations
Paikea comes from a long line of chiefs. Every first born son of a first born son has lead the Maori people. But the chief has no grandson, he only has Paikea- a granddaughter. Despite her grandfather's disapproval, Paikea studies to be a leader and to make her people proud.

Information About the Director
Niki Caro was born in Wellington, New Zealand. She recently finished the movie The Vitner's Luck,although it has not been released in the United States.

Genre
Realistic fiction

Curriculum Ties
none

Booktalking Ideas
Paikea's dreams for her tribe


Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 8+
Rated PG-13 for language and brief drug references

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas
none

Why Film Included
 After watching lots of fantasy and animated films, I wanted to see a realistic films that was nonetheless appropriate for tweens.