AppsScraps Movie Reviews

Jun 22, 2007

Whale Rider

Release date: 9 September 2002 (Canada - Toronto International Film Festival)

This film wasn't what I expected. I dunno, I thought it would be about some lass riding a whale alla-Free Willy. So, imagine my surprise to find it was all about Maori history and culture. I loved this film. Pai (played by Oscar-nominated, and deservedly so, Keisha Castle-Hughes) must overcome her grandfather and a thousand years of Whangara history to win the respect of her community and the love of her family. Whale Rider is wonderfully acted, beautifully-shot and may have you reaching for a tissue. The story here is one of love and acceptance and how our own cultural history often blinds us. Absolutely worth a rent.

My rating 9 out of 10.

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