Review of Whale Rider (2003) by Official C — 20 Nov 2013

The Whale Rider was a lot greater than I thought it would be and very emotional. This novel dealt with the Maori culture. It involved a mother whom was the wife of Koro's son who gave birth to both a baby boy and girl. During the birth both the mom and son passed away leaving the baby girl who name is Pai. This became a disappointment to grandfather Kori because he was hoping that the baby boy could continue the destiny of the Kahuti Te Rangi considering that his son who was next in line to become chief doesn't want to return home. Threw out the movie Pai tries so hard to form a relationship with her grandfather and tries to get him to see that she could be as good of a chief than anybody else but he's refuses to except that. Grandfather Koro believes that only a male could fulfill the role of a chief. She continues day after day proving that she is good enough if not better. In this movie grandfather Koro attempted to call his ancestors but there was no reply. Later that night Pai called the ancestor who appeared in the form of a whale on the sea shore. As grandfather began to walk the shore he noticed several whales on shore and ask himself who was responsible for this and the family then began to try and keep the whales wet so that they wouldn't die but unfortunately some did. Koro and the family tried and tried with the biggest whale but they were unsuccessful as well with him. Later on Pai came to shore and set on the whale begging him to return to water and the whale did taking her far out into the sea. While riding Pai didn't have a care in the world or even concern that she was going to die. The family watched her while in pain and fear until she was no longer visible, it appeared that Pai drowned.

One of the parts of the movie that I can relate to world religions is when she rides the whale far out into the ocean not being concerned with whether she lives or dies in order to protect and continue her families' traditions and beliefs. In religion this is what they call the Sacrificial Love or Sacrifice. In the world religion book on page 109 it talks about sacrifice and how the Hindu religion may use animals despite them being against killing and some may us fire both symbolizing an offering to a higher being like pai sacrificed her life for a greater cause. Pai drowning and later appearing in the hospital can also be viewed as rebirth and resurrection just like in the Christian religion symbolizing Jesus's rebirth after the crucifixion. Overall this movie has great meaning and spiritual views.