Review of Whale Rider (2003) by Ebony W — 28 Jan 2010

Whale Rider was a very exciting movie for me to watch. It begins with the death of a mother who had just given birth to a set of twins, one boy and one girl (Pai Apirana), however, the boy also passes. The boy would have grown up and been appointed as chieftain because the boy's father had already declined the role. Pai is then left with her grandmother and grandfather whom he actually cares more for his dead grandson than his granddaughter who is still alive. He claims that Pai is of no use to him because in the Maori culture, only men can become chieftain. He is also displeased that she will claim the name Paikea, because this is normally the name for first-born sons who will receive the crown. The grandfather eventually realizes that tradition is ending with him and begins to train another boy in the village to become chieftain however, Pai secretly peeks in on lessons and rituals. Pai eventually wins over her grandfather and overcomes the misgivings of her culture.

This movie relates very closely with World Religions. It shows animism, which is spiritual teachings and training. It shows alot of indigenous sacred ways and traditions such as riding the whale in to the island. Culture also plays a great deal in religions, and in the Maori culture, they believed their ancestry was from whales. Also, they believed only men could become cheifs and Pai proved them wrong. Also, the Maori people believe the whale to be a sacred animal. Like any other culture and religion, they have their ways and traditions.

H. Younts.