Review of Whale Rider (2003) by James C — 18 Nov 2013

This movie shares a wonderful story about Pai. She was named after her ancestor Paikea who was saved by a whale after his canoe capsized out in the ocean. The story has to do with her growing up in a tribe that believed in the first male born having a chance to become a chief for they're tribe. Her grandfather was the Chief and he searched very hard to find his new successor but never did he see it in his granddaughter because she was a girl and to him a girl's place is not to be a leader. It's to marry and make a family and take care of the home. He was the very meaning of keeping a thousand year old tradition alive and he made sure he worked hard to do that. In doing such, he tries his best to push Pai away from her beliefs because he didn't want her to do guy things. Pai was different though. She was strong and she showed it through the whole film by showing I'm not just a girl; I'm like you.... a human. She fought to be treated equally and not only for her but for the strength of the tribe. She also fought this while her father ran from his problems and responsibilities as a father.

In this film it depicts the struggles of women and how similar it is to some religious beliefs like Buddhist's who are not able to reach enlightenment if you're a women (only men). In most societies women are still fighting for equal opportunity. To be looked at not as women but as a human being someone who can also provide the same support and as any man can do. So many religions and cultures focus on the power and righteousness of men, but not so much for women.