Back in Whangara, big events soon take place. Social-Emotional Learning TWM has not read the book. Other songs heard in the film include:[21], This article is about the film. Pai Ihimaera's The Whale Rider The summary of The Whale Rider is about a young girl, named Pai, who wants to be chief. Pai tells her father to return her home. Moral-Ethical Emphasis [2] [3] In 2002 it was adapted into a film, Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro. Like most other indigenous cultures, Maori tribes were no match for the diseases and gun-based military prowess of the Europeans. The next evening an even bigger event occurs, this time witnessed not by everyone but just by the small Maori community within the town. This is especially harmful to children who grow up as second-class citizens in a society that condones prejudice. When Koro walks away, Pai climbs onto the back of the largest whale (traditionally said to belong to the legendary Paikea) on the beach and coaxes it to re-enter the ocean. Like many indigenous people, Porourangi is torn between two civilizations. They organize all available vehicles and manpower down on the beach and attempt all sorts of measures to get the bull whale back to sea, but the giant creature stubbornly resists and continues to wait for itself to die on the shore. His anguish is now doubled as he must accept that he has been so harsh to the very person he needed so badly this whole time. Her leadership qualities, knowledge of Maori culture, and skill with the Taiaha cannot gain for her what they would had she been a firstborn son. As in many cultures, the value of ancestors and a reverence for the past shape Maori consciousness. The traditional Maori greeting is to press noses. As for Kahu, she has returned to stay with her father longer-term. The relationship between Paikea and her grandfather is exceptionally well-written and feels remarkably real. He is the grandson of Koro and thus the uncle of Kahu. Part I begins by refocusing on the herd of whales. What is revealed about Pai and her uncle in this episode? Whale Rider. Pai feels that she can become the leader (although no woman has ever done so) and is determined to succeed. He needs to find individuals who will be able to carry the burden of leadership and navigate the Maori people through the chaotic waters of modernity. It is leading its herd in search of safer waters, but at the same time it struggles to come to terms with its deep love for the ancient whale rider, now long dead, who once had been its dearest companion. Teachers can modify the worksheets to fit the needs of each class. SUBJECTS New Zealand; ELA, including characterization, symbol, and foil; SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING Breaking Out; Female Role Model; AGE: 12+; MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief language and a momentary drug reference; Benefits of the Movie Moral-Ethical Emphasis, Assignments and Projects Koro is enraged when he finds out, particularly when she wins a taiaha fight against Hemi. We wont be able to verify your ticket today, but its great to know for the future. Voila! Paikeas uncle, skilled in the art of fighting with war sticks, is not considered fit for the role of Chief because he is the second son. At this point, even Koro understands that a leader may emerge, not from tradition, but in the form of a young girl who has the character, skill and desire to be chief. Pai argues on behalf of egalitarian leadership, asserting that anyone with knowledge can be of value to the tribe and that strength can be found in having several types of leaders rather than one. The film received critical acclaim upon its release. Uncle Rawiri is an interesting character and in many ways a foil for Paikea. This love remains unreciprocated, as Koro actively pushes her away. 4. Overjoyed, the whale returns to sea and it descends back into the water with the rest of the herd and Kahu in tow. Parenting Points Whale Rider watch online free. Links to the Internet Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! The story follows a 12-year-old Maori girl named Paikea Apirana who struggles to earn her grandfather's love and respect, but is neglected and belittled as he seeks to find a new chief to lead the Maori tribe. She is a young girl with a strong and determined temperament and a soft and innocent heart. This highlights Paikeas decision to struggle against the fate that would have been hers had she not become Chief. Finally, the tribe would not have had a leader that it needed, had the prejudice against having a female chief been maintained. Drama Family A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. However, this canoe was designed to have a hole that Rua-Tapu kept sealed with the heel of his foot. The Whale Rider Quotes and Analysis. He needs to get far away to fully develop as an individual and as an artist. There are several symbolic meanings in the scene that starts with Koro unsuccessfully trying to use a rope to start an engine. Called Ta moko,, they consist of important symbols that help individuals express their unique identities. New Zealand separated from the Antarctic portion of Gondwana about 82 million years ago, becoming geographically isolated. Thus, sending Porourangi to Germany advances the plot. Koro recognizes in this event a spiritual warning to him and his people; their test is to return this ancient whale back to sea because they are so connected to this supernatural whale herd that if it lives they live and f it dies they die. fight. He notes that when all of the threads are woven together they make a strong rope. Coming Soon. When found by humans, Kahu is brought to the hospital to recover and there she is near to Nanny, who collapsed in shock after her dear great-granddaughter left with the whale her Three days have passed since then and Koro and Rawiri have been taking care of the two of them. When Pai is found and brought to the hospital, Koro declares her the leader and asks for her forgiveness. The father and grandfather argue after the slide show, and the father goes to pull down the white sheet that was hung over some drapes to act as a screen. The symbol is that even with everyone in the tribe pulling together, the purpose cannot be accomplished without the proper leader. One of the students, Hemi, is also sympathetic towards her. Gondwana, also called Gondwanaland, was an ancient supercontinent that incorporated present-day New Zealand, Australia, Antarctica, South America, Africa, Arabia, Madagascar, and India. Nanny does not think Koro is ready to accept this and does not tell him. The movie, which takes place in the present day in New . However, the great tragedy of the event is that Koro never shows up. The Chief's eldest son, Porourangi, fathers twins - a boy and a girl, but the boy and his . with updates on movies, TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more. Bridges to Reading [2] Additional financing came from ApolloMedia, Filmstiftung NRW, the New Zealand Film Commission and NZ On Air. Kahu finds Current time: coastal Maori village in New Zealand. The Maori now number about 650,000 people, 15% of the population of New Zealand. Whale Rider is a film directed by Niki Caro (2002). The karanga occurs in the first 60 seconds of the segment. Other characters have disappointments too, e.g. [2][3] In 2002 it was adapted into a film, Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro.[4]. See if you can list at least four. Rawiri thus spends two years in that country with Jeff; they attempt to cultivate the land. (Note that Koro deems the boy Hemi to be unsuitable for leadership because Paikea, a mere girl, bests him in a contest using war sticks.) However, he is unable to let go, and thoughts of returning to the place of his youth at whatever cost gnaw at his heart. ", The film had budget of NZ$9,235,000. This is clearly shown in the scene in which he rallies the tribe to try to save the whales. Kahu does not mind all this anger from Koro though, and she continues to fervently seek his love and acceptance. If Porourangi had tried to stay in New Zealand, he would have had to constantly face Koros disapproval. She respects and loves both her grandfather and Maori tribal traditions. Bridges to Reading Kahu finds Current time: coastal Maori village in New Zealand. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. The tribe founded by Paikea has always been led by the previous chief's firstborn son, in a line of descent stretching . Her koro Apirana believes that this is a role reserved for males only. Based on 155 reviews collected by Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an overall approval rating from critics of 91%, with an average score of 7.77 as of October 2020. TALKING AND PLAYING WITH MOVIES: AGES 3-8, FILM ADAPTATIONS OF NOVELS, SHORT STORIES, OR PLAYS, FICTION (SOAPS, DRAMAS, AND REALITY/SURVIVAL SHOW), Worksheet for Cinematic and Theatrical Elements and Their Effects, Te Ika a Maui: or, New Zealand and its inhabitants, by RR Taylor, p. 379; and. Prejudice limits the ability of the victims to the live the lives they want and to live and to enjoy their inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In addition, in societies in which prejudice dominates, the victims can internalize the prejudice against them and come to believe that they and their group are, in fact, inferior. The tribe founded by Paikea has always been led by the previous chief's firstborn son, in a line of descent stretching . How do the women in the film deal with the sexism of their tribe? Throughout the film she struggles to try to become the leader causing a heap of conflict. However, he is a nurturing man and a leader in the community just by force of his winning personality. TV Shows. This ancient custom is upset when the child selected to be the next chief dies at birth. The Maori were fierce warriors and would, at times, dine on their conquered enemies. "[11] Roger Ebert gave the film four out of four stars and said, "The genius of the movie is the way it sidesteps all of the obvious cliches of the underlying story and makes itself fresh, observant, tough and genuinely moving." Enjoy this movie with your children. Watch Whale Rider: The Descendants Of Paikea, Watch Whale Rider: Pai Dives Into The Water. At their head is a great bull whale with an ancient sacred Maori tattoo. Eventually this racism, combined with Rawiris desire to see home again impel him to leave Papua New Guinea and head back to Whangara, New Zealand. Bless Me Ultima is a mystical realism novel in which 6 year old protagonist, Antonio Marez, begins the journey of discovering himself on the path of adolescence. Kahu is the eldest great-grandchild of chieftain Koro Apirana; had she been a boy, she would have been the natural future leader of the tribe. 'Your birth cord is here. "The Whale Rider Characters". Pai forgives him, of course, and says later that she is no prophet and that she knows the Maori people will keep going forward all together with all of our strength. Here she shows the value of humility. The genius of the movie is the way is sidesteps all of the obvious cliches of the underlying story and makes itself fresh, observant, tough and genuinely moving. Whale Rider [Maori title: Te Kaieke Tohora] is a 2002 film . Pai is intelligent, patient, and fun. Despite their best efforts, they are not able to do so and Koro returns dejected. She leads to him the conclusion that she is Kahutias descendent, and she is the spear he cast into the future and thus she must be returned to her people so she can bring them life-giving benefit and guide them through these troubled times. The website's critical consensus states, "An empowering and uplifting movie, with a wonderful performance by Castle-Hughes". Pais father needed to distance himself from the place where he lived with his wife and where he lost both his wife and his son. Plan and present a debate on the elimination of gender roles in society. Her grandfather Koro believes that this is a role reserved for males only. Keisha Castle-Hughes as Paikea; Rawiri Paratene as Koro; Vicky Haughton as Nanny Flowers; Cliff Curtis as Porourangi; Grant Roa as Uncle Rawiri; and Mana Taumaunu as Hemi. See Drawing of Maori Face Tattoo and Modern Day Face Tattoos. Her speech expresses her utmost desire to please her great-grandfather and to uphold the Maori culture. The story describes the efforts of an indigenous group living within modern Western society to continue their traditions while assimilating some aspects of the dominant culture. Benefits of the Movie The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth: Season 8, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 1, Link to Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Link to The Most Anticipated TV & Streaming Shows of March 2023. Which of the evils of prejudice are shown operating in this movie? The film ends with Pai's father, grandparents, and uncle coming together to celebrate her status as the new leader, as the finished waka is hauled into the sea for its maiden voyage. Koro leads a cultural school for the village's first-born boys, hoping to find a new leader. He admonishes Pai against touching the largest whale because she has "done enough" damage with her presumption. In the film Whale Rider depicts a culture in transition. She asks Rawiri not to tell their grandparents about her current condition and how her identity has changed. Instead, Nanny Flowers, Koros wife and Kahus great-grandmother, must enlist the aid of Rawiri and some friends to help her bury it herself in the town center. Jeff's mother lives on a plantation in Papua New Guinea with her husband. By the time the Europeans arrived in the late 1700s, the Maori were well-established. Pai ties the rope together and then easily starts the engine. It is possible that Hawaiiki was one of the Hawaiian islands. The tribe and the Maori families are breaking apart because the men are leaving. So, it is the typical story of a young outsider making a moving film and then vanishing. For the boy who would be chief. But her Grandfather, Koro Apirana, wanted a male chief for his tradition. Selected Awards & Cast, Using the Movie in the Classroom Before starting the introduction, on a globe or map of the world, show students the locations of New Zealand and Germany in relation to each other and to the community in which they live. Two additional interesting assignments are: A. The narrator of this time period is Rawiri, her uncle. Rawiri is the primary narrator of the story. At one point, Paikea decides to live with her father because her grandfather says he doesn't want her. Whale Rider introduces its protagonist, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), experiencing a trauma shared by countless other Disney heroines: her mother's death. By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and She never lets her anger get the best of her. My twin brother died, and took our mother with him. Pais father can be his own person in Germany, away from the restraints of his father, the tribe, and Maori culture. When Jeff is called back to his parents plantation in Papua New Guinea, he asks Rawiri to accompany him and so the two leave Australia for Papua New Guinea. The introduction will also lead to aha! moments as students recognize aspects of Maori culture described in the lecture while watching the film. In the time of the story he is in his early twenties. He pulls it down, along with the rod and orange drapes that the sheet was hanging from. Expectations and disappointments. They will soon die if they are not pushed back to sea. Billy is a close friend of Rawiri's and a member of the same biker gang. Whale Rider is a 2002 New Zealand drama film written and directed by Niki Caro. All of the main characters are impacted by the dynamic between tradition and modernity. ForEnglish Language Arts Classes, the movie offers an opportunity to explore theme and the literary devices of characterization, metaphor, symbol, and foil. Click here for a still picture of two women calling a karanga. Because sometimes, even if youre the leader and you need to be strong, you can get tired like our ancestor Paikea when he was lost at sea and he couldnt find the land and he probably wanted to die. "[10], In 2022, The Whale Rider was included on the Big Jubilee Read, a list of 70 books by Commonwealth authors produced to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. During the night, Rawiri, Koro, Kahu and Nanny hear a booming sound coming from the sea, as if a great door has just opened, and then they witness a large group of huge whales emerge from the bottom of the sea. Based on the 1987 novel The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera, the film stars Keisha Castle-Hughes as Kahu Paikea Apirana, a twelve-year-old Mori girl whose ambition is to become the chief of the tribe. [8][9], On the World Socialist Web Site, John Braddock criticised The Whale Rider for its reactionary focus on identity politics, noting that "Whale Rider presents Maori as one people. Cinemark The movie was based on the novel, The Whale Rider by Witi Tame Ihimaera. A young girl might fulfill a prophecy in an indigenous New Zealand community. Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". Cebeci, Ali. Maori Meeting Houses In and Over Time by Toon Van Meijl, Chapter 8; in Inside Austronesian Houses Perspective on Domestic Designs for Living; ANU E Press, 2006. Pai's Opening Voice-Over PAI (narrating): In the old days the land felt a great emptiness that was waiting, waiting to be filled up, waiting . Our ancestor, Paikea. subsistance is based on. As demonstrated throughout the movie, all People share the same type of emotions: they get upset, angry, sad, happy, indiffeent and happy. 9. Later on, Kahu goes out to sea with Nanny and Rawiri, and when they reach the spot above the stone, Kahu dives into the sea and retrieves the stone. Part II begins with another short focus on the whale herd. Porourangi, the girls father, is his eldest grandson so he is the successor for that generation. The plants and animals in New Zealand have evolved into forms that are slightly different from those on the other land masses. It was shot on location in Whangara, the setting of the novel. Whale Rider stream Whale Rider online for free | Watch online movies through best free 1080p HD videos on desktop, laptop, notebook, tablet, iPhone, iPad, Mac Pro and more. The story is all about how the Maori people will hold on to their tradition while navigating the strange tides of modern times. Their way of life is being put to the test: they can either save the whale or fail and fall into ruin. It is also possible to rent "Whale Rider" on Amazon Video, Alamo on Demand online and to download it on Alamo on Demand, Amazon . This symbol can also be seen as representing his inability to see the strengths of Pais character and to foresee the best path for the tribe to take in the future. The film contains music by Lisa Gerrard, released on the album Whalerider on 7 July 2003. This will increase their appreciation for the movie. As a result, Rawiri becomes overweight and escapes into alcohol or other drugs. The story begins with a focus on the ancient days, when nature and all wildlife were excitedly waiting for the coming of man. Nanny is connected in lineage to Muriwai, a brave, independent ancestress, famous for her strength. In the 1700s, when Europeans first arrived in New Zealand, it was common for Maori to have tattoos covering their entire face. In the film "Whale Rider" directed by Niki Caro, in a small town in New Zealand called Whangara a innocent young girl called Paikea is born and she is everything Koro didn't want in the future chief/leader. Traditional myths and information about navigation are carved into the walls. [7] In 2006 a picture book version illustrated by Bruce Potter was listed as one of the Storylines Children's Literature Foundation of New Zealand Notable Books List. and that The Whale Rider is emblematic of "An emerging middle-class layer of tribal leaders and youth, radicalised in the late 1960s, [who] intervened to abort the development of a unified class consciousness within the working class as a whole. At age 12, she enlists the help of her grandmother (Vicky Haughton) and the training of her uncle (Grant Roa) to claim her birthright. Pais grandmother can be highly critical of Koro, yet she tolerates him using humor. He ran his plantation until being struck by a debilitating injury, and now relies on his son to take care of their land. " Women, like men, should try to do the impossible, and when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others."-. Although Pais grandfather, Koro, loves his granddaughter, he is determined to find a male to serve as his successor. This will presage a scene in the film. There are several possible ways to express this. "The Whale Rider Summary". The Whale Rider Summary The story begins with a focus on the ancient days, when nature and all wildlife were excitedly waiting for the coming of man. HEMI: For us fellas, to teach us the old ways and that. The whales in the movie are a combination of footage of real whales, life size models (some with humans creating movement) and CGI. He chooses to take them down the paths leading back to the seas of his youth, a decision that causes dismay among the elder mothers because they know his nostalgia for the past is clouding his present judgment. Her grandmother, Nanny, tells Pai that her second son, Pai's uncle, had won a taiaha tournament in his youth while he was still slim and so Pai secretly learns from him. The time is now. Read the Study Guide for The Whale Rider, Tradition as a Tool for Oppressing Women in Witi Ihimaeras The Whale Rider, The Influence of Beliefs on Individual Life in Witi Ihimaeras The Whale Rider., View Wikipedia Entries for The Whale Rider. All rights reserved. Encourage students to discuss what was happening in. Kahu is the chief protagonist of the story. After each presentation, engage in a discussion of the information presented and how it relates to the concepts that can be found in Whale Rider. The students will begin to see the sophistication of the film once they thoroughly investigate any of the topics suggested for research. Though the film brims with authenticity, it is almost too authentic. The story is all about how the Maori people will hold on to their tradition while navigating the strange tides of modern times. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. This is an echo of the earlier symbol of the rope. Most are now extinct. Whangara, New Zealand. Paikea: There was no gladness when I was born. The Whale Rider is a 1987 novel by New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. The Whale Rider study guide contains a biography of author Witi Ihimaera, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Whale Rider Quotes. What idea is conveyed by this scene? Then a pod of whales, an animal revered by the Maori, beaches itself on the sand near the tribes home. Nanny is the wife of Koro and the motherly figure for most of the other main characters. [11][12], This article is about the novel. In recent years, tattooing has become common for both men and women. But Koro always rejected Pai just because she's a girl. It was waiting. At age 13, Keisha Castle-Hughes became the youngest nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actress before she was surpassed by Quvenzhan Wallis, at age 9, for Beasts of the Southern Wild, in 2012, less than a decade later. His mother says that this stems from the fact that he is a second born son and therefor, according to Maori tradition, he can never become chief. Additional questions are set out below. She does so by doing what Nanny and Rawiri find extremely amazing: Kahu appears to communicate with dolphins and other sea creatures, and through their aid she is able to retrieve the stone. For the novel, see, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association, "Glasshammer visual effects production photos", "Haunting 'Whale Rider' revisits a timeless legend", The Whale Road: Transitioning from Spiritual Links, to Whaling, to Whale Watching in Aotearoa New Zealand, "New Zealand Film "Whale Rider" is Surprise Winner of the Sundance Film Festival World Cinema Audience Award", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Whale_Rider&oldid=1142250139, Mabel Wharekawa as Maka (as Mabel Wharekawa-Burt), Roi Taimana as Hemi's Dad (as Roimata Taimana), the World Cinema Audience award at the January 2003, Best Actress (Keisha Castle-Hughes, lost to, Most Promising Filmmaker (Niki Caro, lost to. Viewers also learn that Uncle Rawiri was once a champion with this traditional Maori way of fighting, although now he appears to be lazy, fat, and a user of drugs and alcohol. See Discussion questions numbered 2, 8 and 10. The many harms caused to victims of prejudice can be placed into two classes. While she does love him, she is not blind to his faults, and recognizes that his nostalgia can lead the herd into trouble and can lead him to commit significant mistakes. The Question and Answer section for The Whale Rider is a great While her grandfather, Koro, later forms an affectionate bond with his granddaughter, carrying her to school every day on his bicycle, he also condemns her and blames her for conflicts within the tribe. The world premiere was on 9 September 2002, at the Toronto International Film Festival. See also Discussion questions numbered 3, 8 and 10. Waiting for a leader. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter She thinks that this will be the last time she will ever see her home and family and that accompanying the herd means losing all that she holds dear, but she sacrifices herself nonetheless and chooses to remain as the whale rider. These scenes include those that show Maori families as dysfunctional or Maori people abusing alcohol. One traditional function of Maori women was the karanga, an exchange of calls that forms part of the Maori welcoming ceremony. She demonstrates racist tendencies when Rawiri comes to help them maintain their plantation. Copyright Fandango. This part concludes with another momentous event. Discussion Questions Towards the end of the year, Kahu invites her family to a school ceremony that will include cultural presentations. The Whale Rider The revered figure of Whangara's Maori people and Kahu's direct ancestor, the whale rider develops an extremely close bond with a whale. The message is clear and requires no discussion. [4] Plot [ edit] Carving of Paikea at Whangara 's marae 7. Prejudiced societies also lack a fundamental sense of justice and fairness. Then the story ends with Kahu telling her dear great-grandfather that she can still hear the singing of the whales. Describe the attributes of this character, how they relate to the themes of the film, and how Uncle Rawiri is a foil for his niece. The research topics are: 1. the history of the Maori people, including controversies and the current effort to seek redress for land confiscation; 2. the lives of whales, including the effect of the whaling industry on the species; 3. the art of tattoo, including cultural traditions as well as artistic or social customs associated with this form of body art; 4. culture conflict as it is experienced today by indigenous people, including efforts to transcend the social barriers that preclude full assimilation and any efforts of indigenous people to remain autonomous; 5. what it means to be Polynesian, including the common qualities and unique variations of the cultures of the various Polynesian Islands, paying special attention to the history and culture of Polynesians in the Hawaiian Islands; 6. myths that explain the origin and existence of a people. A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. Please click the link below to receive your verification email. Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for the 2004 Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. [14] The Los Angeles Times's Kenneth Turan praised Caro for her "willingness to let this story tell itself in its own time and the ability to create emotion that is intense without being cloying or dishonest. It also won the 2003 BAFTA Childrens Award. He teaches the boys to use a taiaha (fighting stick), which is traditionally reserved for males. Hemis father comes to see his son for a brief part of the ceremony at the school and then leaves with his friends. Maori culture was male-dominated, with women generally serving in subordinate roles. The patriarchal structure of the family provides grounding to the story, and the interactions between the characters are interesting, but the grand metaphysical puzzle that dominates this film isn't clear to one who is unfamiliar with the film's cultural backdrop.