Review of Whale Rider (2003) by Tim D — 30 Jan 2011

The Whale Rider began when Paikea was born as a twin to her brother. Her brother died during birth, and he was meant to be the chief of their village. Koro, the current chief and Paikea's grandfather, did not want Paikea because she was a girl. Koro embarked on a search for a new chief by training all the boys of the village. Paikea would hide and watch as her grandfather was training the boys. Paikea knew her destiny, which was to be the new chief of the village. After whales were found on the beaches of their village, the people were unable to help the whales get back into the water. Paikea got on the biggest whale and rode the whale back into the ocean, and the rest followed. Her grandfather then knew that she was destined to be the new chief.

The story of the Whale Rider shows us the beliefs, values, and norms of Indigenous religions. The religion of the Maori people was very similar to those of Indigenous religions. Although I am not sure, but the Maori people could be practicing Indigenous religious beliefs. The film shows us that the Maori people have a chief of the village just like those of Indigenous religions. The film shows us how male domination takes priority by Koro looking for a male chief, as it does in Indigenous religions. The Maori people are very close to nature, such as the ocean and whales, as are those of Indigenous religions. The Maori people practice their religion by calling on spirits, with stories and chants, just like those of Indigenous religions. As you can see the beliefs of the Maori people a very related to those of Indigenous religious practices.

Source:

Whale Rider. Dir. Niki Caro. Perf. Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, and Vicky Haughton. Newmarket Film Group, 2002. DVD.