Seeing a film like
"Whale Rider" reminds me why I love to go to the movies all the time. This heartwarming, gorgeous-looking family drama may have some old themes at it's core, but the story is still fresh and most original. The story seems to blend family conflicts with mystical beliefs to create an entertaining and most interesting film.
The most important part of the story deals with the relationship of 10yr old Pai and her grandfather Koro. We find out in the very beginning that Pai is the lone survivor of the birth of twins where in addition to her young baby brother dying at birth, her mother also encounters complications and die as well. Her grief-stricken father flees the island for Europe and leaves Pai in the care of his parents, Koro and Nanny Floweres. While Koro loves his little granddaughter, he is also bitterly disappointed because he realizes that his bloodline of hundreds of years has ended with the death of his grandson. He refuses to consider that Pai might just be the rightful chieftain, solely because she is not a male.
The story moves forward about ten years and we find that Pai spends much of her time trying to prove herself to her grandfather. Koro begins to teach all the first-born males in the village of all the sacred traditions and fighting skills to determine if one of them will come forth and show the strength and courage to lead the people. Koro refuses to let Pai join the group and she begins to learn the "ways" by herself and with the help of her uncle, who on the surface seems to be a lazy, underachiever. The climax of the film comes during a school recital when other events happen that I won't reveal here.
Anybody that won't be moved by the relationship between this little girl and her stubborn but wise grandfather just is void of emotion. Keisha Castle-Hughes as Pai is just wonderful in this role of a coming-of-age girl who must defy all odds to achieve what she must do. And Rawiri Paratene as Koro plays the part just perfect as the stubborn grandfather whose pride and sense of history seems to get in the way of making the best decisions. I would say that his coming-of-age is just as integral to the film as little Pai. There are many other characters in this film and all of the actors playing these parts are outstanding. I really liked the actress who played the grandmother who doesn't let Koro get away with his stern beliefs and controlling everybody.
There is some gorgeous photography in this film. Some of the landscapes with the green-blue ocean with whales swimming around is simply breath-taking. To blend this brilliant cinematography with a great story and great characters is what makes this a movie not to be missed. While there are many dramatic moments, there is also a lot of humor put in to keep the movie from getting too solemn and serious.
So, if you are growing tiresome of seeing Hollywood remakes and sequels this summer, go check out
"Whale Rider". You won't be disappointed. This film shows once again that you don't need cgi effects and car crashes to tell a good story on the screen.
