Review of Whale Rider (2003) by Angelisha S — 08 Sep 2012

Whale rider is a heartfelt movie of a young girl named Paikia played by Keisha Castle-Hughes. She struggles to get the approval of her grandfather Koro, who beliefs are stronger than the love he has for his grandchild. His determination of raising a whale rider and teach him the ways of his ancestors of the "Maori Tribe" were tested when his son father a set of twins a boy and girl. Unfortunately, the baby boy died along with their mother. The father left in a tragic and heart breaking situation decided that his daughter whom he named "Paikia" after the original "Whale Rider". Her grandfather's determination of having a grandson was taken to a whole new level, even if it meant casting out his own granddaughter.

Growing up with her grandparents Pai learned the ways of her ancestors. She wanted to show her grandfather that she was capable of continuing with the traditions. She wanted to attend the "Sacred School" to learn how to become a warrior. She wanted to learn how she could become the "Whale Rider", but her grandfather only wanted the first born sons of the tribe to attend the school. This allowed him to be able to find the fearless one who would ride the whale. With the help of her uncle and sneaking to the school and practicing.

After, his endless struggles with the boys, Pai called the whales to shore, disappointing her grandfather to even more. She put her fears aside determined to have her grandfather's approval, Pai rode the whale back into the ocean. Her grandfather in amazement and disbelief still was not impressed until her grandmother revealed the Pai past a test that he put his boys thru previously in the movie that they didn't past. At this very moment her grandfather's eyes were wide open. He now sees that he was raising the "Whale Rider" all along despite all odds.

One world religion that the Maori tribe relates to is the Hinduism. In ancient India, the cow is considered as Devi (goddess), identified with Aditi (mother of the gods) herself. Hindus re-framed from eating meat because of spiritual reason as well as health reasons. Now today the Indian families keep one cow (strictly dairy) which is consider a gentle spirit as well as being treated as a member of the family. There are certain products of the cow that are used in puja worship: milk, curds, ghee butter, urine and dung. Once a year the cow is honored which is called Gopastami. On this day cows are washed, decorated in the temple, and given offerings in the hope that her gifts of life will continue. Even though they worship animals in different ways they still worship a creature of the earth.