Review of Whale Rider (2003) by Joy H — 05 Sep 2008

The beginning of the movie was quite slow and a little confusing to me but as it continues it became interesting. I had never heard of this movie until my teacher gave us an assignment on it, needless to say I am very impressed and glad I watched it.

I always get so emotional with certain movies defiantly have to add this one to my list. The story was about the Whangara tribe who believed their ancestors were saved by the whales in the sea. The ?Whale Rider" is about a little Whangara girl named Pai, her mother and twin brother died during birth.

This left her father and grandfather devastated because her brother was the next in line to become the leader of their people. Her father became so depressed about his wife and son he moved away and began a new life.

Of course this left her to be raised by her grandparents ( Koro and Nanny). They both loved Pai but Koro resents her because she survived and not her brother. Pai tries very hard to prove to her grandfather she is the right person for the position to be chief.

However because of his old rules and regulations he is unable to be open minded to change. The grandfather opens a school in hopes he would find a leader to take over, all the first born males in the village attended.

Pai was determined to learn the things the boys did so her uncle helped train her. I really believe the best scene was when Pai was able to ride the biggest whale and the others followed this portrays that she is the leader, very powerful to me.

I also enjoyed the different scene and imagery. I think I am going to check the book out at the library and see if I get the same affect after reading it.