Whale Rider ***1/2
Directed By: Niki Caro
Written By: Niki Caro
Music By: Lisa Gerrard
Paikea "Pai" Apirana: Keisha Castle-Hughes
Koro Apirana: Rawiri Paratene
Nanny Flowers Apirana: Vicky Haughton
Porourangi Apirana: Cliff Curtis
Uncle Rawiri Apirana: Grant Roa
Hemi: Mana Taumaunu
Running Time: 1:41
Rated PG-13 (for brief language and a momentary drug reference)
Reviewed by: Michael J. Gold
Based one the novel by Witi Ihimaera and set in modern day New Zealand, “Whale Rider” opens with Koro Apirana (Rawiri Paratene), the Maori chief eagerly awaiting the birth of his grandson, who he is certain be the next chief of the tribe. Fate, however, deals Koro and his son Porourangi (Cliff Curtis) an awful blow. While giving birth to twins, Porourangi’s wife and newborn son die, leaving just his daughter, Paikea "Pai" Apirana (Keisha Castle-Hughes), to carry on the family traditions. Females, however, are not allowed to become chief of the Maori and Grandfather Koro never misses an opportunity to remind Pai of this.
Normally, the duty to become the next chief would fall to Koro’s son, however, Porourangi is not interested in the job and after the death of his wife leaves his country and daughter behind to pursue a career as an artist. Koro’s other son Rawiri (Grant Roa) is for some reason not eligible to become the next chief and therefore spends much of his time with his girlfriend and occasionally helping his father.
Rawiri Paratene gives a incredible performance as the grandfather and leader who is torn between his disappointment and duty and his love for his granddaughter. Often times, as it often will with men of great responsibility, allows his position to overly influence his decisions regarding his family and Rawiri expertly shows us a man driven by his desire to make certain that the traditions of his ancestors are passed on properly to a new generation.
Playing opposite Paratene, Keisha Castle-Hughes is completely genuine as the fiery young girl who regardless of her desire for her grandfather’s approval is determined to prove that she is capable to be their next chief. Castle-Hughes completely captures the essence of Pai and we can feel the pain, evident in her eyes, as her grandfather continually beats her down emotionally. She is clever and indomitable, however and when barred from learning to fight in the ways that the men do she enlists the aid of Uncle Rawiri who slyly asks her if Koro knows what she is up to. When she confesses that he doesn’t the uncle simply smiles as if delighting in breaking his father’s rules.
“Whale Rider” is a small independent foreign film in a year that is rich with these rarely heralded gems such as “Bend It Like Beckham” and “Irréversible”. Unlike those two films, however, “Whale Rider” is relatively innocent and tame by comparison. What makes this film special, however, is that it does not follow the typical cookie cutter pattern that something like “Bend It Like Beckham” does. The grandfather will not sacrifice his values and principles simply because of his love for his granddaughter. Like, “Irréversible”, this film dares to trail the more difficult path and thereby keeps its story fresh and new.
This is a wonderful film that is far more than just a coming of age tale. The brilliant performances of the actors involved manage to create characters that transcend the film and become real people. Those fantastic performances coupled with an inventive and innovative tale combine to make this a film that is well worth seeing.
Copyright 2004 by Michael J. Gold