Moviola > Films > Whale Rider

Whale Rider  (PG)   101 mins

"One young girl dared to confront the past, change the present and determine the future"

In a small community in present day New Zealand, twins are born.  The boy and the mother die, and the father goes off to Europe, leaving the little girl to be raised by her grandparents.  The grandfather, Koro, is the chief of his tribe, and Pai grows up learning the legends and rituals of her people, and how their ancestor Paikea arrived in this place on the back of a whale.  By the time she is twelve she knows it is her destiny to become chief.  But Koro is adamant that only a male can take on this sacred calling.  Despite his great love for her he belittles her achievements and refuses to teach her.  Pai must find a way to convince him that she is the chosen one. 

Newcomer Keisha Castle Hughes was nominated for an Oscar for her luminous performance as Pai.
 

http://iconmovies.co.uk/whalerider/

Screenings of this film are supported by South West Screen.

Last modified: 20-Jun-2008

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