The Maori people faces a crisis as the current leaders firstborn grandchild, a baby boy dies at birth while the second born twin, a baby girl survives. The girl grows up being certain of her calling to be the next tribe leader. For Jimmy and Roxane Henderson, though, it's what they do when their son Jordan plays hoops for Canisius College . By using these techniques Niki has created a film that is emotionally connected to the viewers., b. Bill Ashcroft, Gareth Griffiths and Helen Tiffin, Key Concepts in Post-Colonial Studies, London and New York, Routledge, 1998. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. The whole village comes together to save them, but they end up dying. The old Chief is convinced that the tribes misfortunes began at Pais birth, and calls for his people to bring their firstborn boys to him for training. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. In the film Whale Rider depicts a culture in transition. Koro is the chief of these people. This time, while no one is looking, Kahu jumps into the water and talks to the whales. Many centuries ago a legendary ancestor named Paikea brought there the Maori people, who still lives there. The film ends with the village, including Pais father, uncle, and grandparents, celebrating her status as leader, as the finished waka is hauled into the sea for its maiden voyage. The theme ofWhale Rideris female empowerment is not unique, but the context in which it is presented is very interesting and unusual. The movie, which takes place in the present day in New Zealand, begins with the birth of twins. Those who support this Festivals have been present in people's life for ages. The story then leaps forward 11 years, by which time Koro has developed a strong, (albeit slightly belligerent) affection for his granddaughter, who he only ever calls Pai, denying the true power and meaning of her full name. In the arena of urban international competitiveness, cities try to raise their profile by We use cookies to offer you the best experience. The summary of The Whale Rider is about a young girl, named Pai, who wants to be chief. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand tribe, believes she is destined to be the new chief. Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. The Whale Rider by Ihimaera, Witi at AbeBooks.co.uk - ISBN 10: 1439517193 - ISBN 13: 9781439517192 - 2008 . A special attention should be paid to a the concept of shadows in the story, as it has an important meaning. From then on, Whangara chiefs, always the first-born, always male, have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. Im not a prophet, but I know that our people will keep going forward, all together, with all of our strength. This helps to show that although the tradition was broken when she was born she is willing to be the new change and be the leader Maori has been waiting for. Whale Rider is the story of a girl, Pai, whose twin brother and mother die in child birth. One day Koro summons all of the young teenage boys of the village to a series of compulsory lessons on how to be a Maori, and the leader of Maoris. MAIN CHARACTERS: Pai: 12 year old girl who is the only living child in the line of the tribes chiefly succession Koro: Pais grandfather and current tribe leader. He explains to Nanny that his son can have another child. The Whale Rider starts a thousand years ago, with a pod of whales. In conclusion, Whale Rider is an accurate representation of modern Maori culture. Correct writing styles (it is advised to use correct citations) [Country: New Zealand, Germany. Koros high standards make him look stubborn and that is why he pushes Pai away from him. Would you like to have an original essay? As for Pai, all she wants to do is to earn Koros respect this point is brightly illustrated in the scene where she gives a speech dedicated to Koro. The notion of journey is apparent is Beneath Clouds by Ivan Sen, as well as in related texts Stand By Me by Rob Reiner and Bushwalking by Phillip Rush. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. The world premire was on September 2002, at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film Whale Rider tells the fictional story of Pai, a twelve-year-old girl living with her grandparents in the small community of Whangara on the coast of New Zealand. One night Paikea delivers a speech to the rest of the tribe that traces the history of her people and the significance of the Paikea legend, which she tearfully dedicates to her grandfather. Movie analysis The Whale Rider Together with Yavaraj Athur Raghuvir I watched the movie called The Whale Rider which deals with the issue of cultural restrains both as an individual and as a society. Whale rider scene analysis Introduction Whale Rider follows a little girl named Paikea (whose mother and twin brother died at birth and her father is in Germany) as she tries to find acceptance from her grandfather (Koro), who blames her for "all" their issues and is chastised multiple times by Koro. 1672. A nations culture resides in the heart and soul of its people- Mahatma Gandi and this culture is kept alive by what they do. However, Nanny tells Pai that her second son, Pais uncle, had won a taiaha tournament in his youth while he was still slim, so Pai secretly learns from him. $18.75 + $3.65 shipping. What does the myth of the whale rider explain to the Maori people? Instead, she spies on them and does everything the class does, except by herself. Janet Wilson, Re-representing Indigeneity: Approaches to History in recent New Zealand Australian Films, in Alistair Fox, Barry Keith Grant and Hilary Radner, (eds), New Zealand Cinema: Interpreting the Past, Bristol, Intellect, 2011, pp. Once deep within the ocean, a herd of whales was responding, and when the whales began stranding on the beach, this seemed to be a signal of an apocalyptic end to his tribe. The film opens with Porourangi, eldest son of Koro, the current chief, anxiously supporting his wife who is in labour. From then on, Whangara chiefs, always the first-born, always male, have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. Whale Rider Photo Credit: Everett Collection Character Analysis (Avoiding Spoilers) Growing Up without ever knowing her mother or twin brother. A film adaptation was made in 2002 that would go on to win several awards. Over the years family has been defined in many different ways through many perspectives. These texts show how the physical journey affects the travellers and causes a change in them., Niki Caro directed the film 'The Whale Rider'. The Maine Lobstermen's Association last September appealed a federal decision on some restrictions, and the case is now being heard in Washington. James K A Smith, Whos Afraid of Postmodernism? Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, and Whangaras citizens do their best to carry on their traditions in the modern day. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Free resources to assist you with your university studies! This shows how she has leadership, since the rope represents the ancestors and by her grandfather breaking the rope shows how the culture has been broken apart. They are the Sea Shepherds and they operate under the United Nations World Charter for Nature. Identity is not what race we are born into or the colour of our skin it is, For over 40 years, Massillon-Washington High School has continued a tradition of leasing a new tiger cub as a mascot every year for their football season. The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera 9,745 ratings, 3.84 average rating, 1,109 reviews The Whale Rider Quotes Showing 1-9 of 9 "He loved them deeply, but sometimes love becomes a power game between the ambitions that parents have for their children and the ambitions that children have for themselves." Witi Ihimaera, The Whale Rider 15 likes Like Pai states, My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs stretching all the way back to the whale rider. Paikea trains in secret, eavesdropping on Koros classes, determined to learn all she can of her ancestral customs. A Maori family, despite their beliefs or rituals, can be just like an American family, or any other one. 'The Whale Rider' tells the story of a girl destined to be a leader of her people. However she finds that she cannot bear to leave the sea as the whale seems to be calling her back, tells her father to turn the car back and returns home. The girl, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) survives. He gave them gifts, including the ability to communicate with animals and nature. Paikeas grandmother, Nanny Flowers, reveals that Rawiri was once a champion taiahi fighter, and asks him to tutor Pai. When she goes out to sea, Nanny Flowers shows Koro the whale tooth which Pai had previously recovered. She struggles to gain the approval of her grandfather and her people. Chapter 2 gives us the point of view of the whales. In the end everyone from the village is celebrating her status as a leader, and working together, the waka is finished and is taken into the sea. The culture has also become unhealthy for example, when Pai comes home and notices that the women playing cards at the dinner table have been smoking. All rights reserved. The Routledge Encyclopedia of Films, Edited by Sarah Barrow, Sabine Haenni and John White, first published in 2015. Cast: Keisha Castle-Hughes (Paikea), Rawiri Paratene (Koro), Cliff Curtis (Porourangi), Grant Roa (Rawiri).]. The movie seems headed for the ancient cliche of the auditorium door which opens at the last moment to reveal the person that the child onstage desperately hopes to see--but no, that's not what happens. berkeley Synopsis Her mother died giving birth, and her twin brother never had a chance. The main social issue that is brought up by the film is the function of the woman in a world controlled mostly by men. The other text that I have studied Bran Nue Dae is also a good example of this. By Hemis father leaving so soon Hemi feels upset because he really wanted to show his father what he has learned about his culture. Pride can be seen in both positive and negative ways. "Our Koro was like an old whale stranded in an alien present, but that was how it was supposed to be, because he also had his role in the pattern of things, in the tides of the future". The films plot follows the story of Paikea Apirana (Pai)[In the book, her name is Kahu, short for Kahutia Te Rangi], a 12-year-old girl who is the only living child in the line of the tribes chiefly succession following the death of her twin brother and mother when she was born. It is not just a family film, just an Australian film it is a film that can touch the hearts of millions. Supplemental understanding of the topic including revealing main issues described in the particular theme; To try and combat the cost increase of an e-bike versus an "analog" model, Denver launched a series of rebates for anyone looking to buy an electric bike last year. : hey you why are we walking trough? This film combines elements of history, traditions, depicting them from the point of view of a child, that sees the world not in black and white terms. Growing Up without ever knowing her mother or twin brother. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best Years later Koro is determined to find a leader and begins to teach and train the boys, in which Pai is not allowed to join because she is a girl. Also, the largest whale traditionally belongs to the legendary Paikea. : Taking Derrida, Lyotard, and Foucault to Church, MI, Baker Academic, 2006. As such, the film does not present a simple rejection of modernity, rather it is the recovery of tradition in modernity, and sometimes against identity, that makes possible the renewal of identity of Paikeas people (Smith 2006: 116). Three months after Kahu was born, her mother, Rehua, died. match. Pai shows the strengths of a leader through out the whole video but her grandfather does not notice it. Director Niki Caro Writers Niki Caro Witi Ihimaera (book "The Whale Rider") Stars Keisha Castle-Hughes Rawiri Paratene Vicky Haughton See production, box office & company info Watch on Freevee For generations, this tribe was always told that a man is to be the leader. By categorising different forms of literature into these three options, the meaning of journey can be easily derived and the techniques in which they are constructed can be more fully understood and appreciated. For example, Porourangi uses international travel to escape the pain of losing his loved ones, as well as the responsibility to produce a male son that Koro believes will lead his people out of the darkness. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. The conflict between him and Pai is caused by Koros refusal to acknowledge Pai as the inheritor of the tradition, Koro is blinded by prejudice, and nobody can convince him that Pai is the natural heir. This book is called The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Meet Kahu, a young Maori girl, and follow her journey as she contradicts the roles females are expected to play in her culture and develops a relationship with whales. But Koro always rejected Pai just because she's a girl. Which will talk about where she comes from. for only $16.05 $11/page. The story takes place in New Zealand where the Maori people of a small village claim descent from the Whale Rider, Paikea. Whale Rider (15th Anniversary Edition) [New Blu-ray] Shout Factory Select. Koros relationship with Pai erodes further when none of the boys succeed at the traditional task of recovering the rei puta (whale tooth) that he threw into the ocean this mission would prove one of them worthy of becoming leader. By continuing well At one point Paikea decides to leave with her father because her grandfather is mistreating her. While he does later form an affectionate bond with his granddaughter, carrying her to school every day on his bicycle, he also resents her and blames her for many of the troubles facing the tribe. The Maori, the native Polynesian people of New Zealand, are looking for a male descendant of Paikea the brave leader who escaped death on the back of a whale to lead them and restore the traditions. Her father, Porourangi, and Koro convinced Nanny Flowers that this was a good idea. Since the largest whale traditionally belongs to the legendary Paikea. On her journey to become the leader of the tribe, she comes across numerous amounts of challenges from her grandfather, Koro. Whale Rider is a 2002 New Zealand drama film written and directed by Niki Caro.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. First of all, because Paikea is a woman, she is not fit to be the Maori leader. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. This shows how Koro does not want anything to do with Pai. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand tribe, believes she is destined to be the new chief. At school, she is the most interested in Paikea culture and origins, unlike the other boys. Even the elder women of the community are shown playing cards and smoking. Upon accepting Rawiri undergoes a transformation, immediately feeling at one with his ancient tribal heritage: This artefact of tradition has an almost sacramental character and seems to immediately recall him to himself, to remind him of not only who he is but who is called to be. Registered office: Creative Tower, Fujairah, PO Box 4422, UAE. The whale leads the entire pod back into the sea; Paikea nearly drowns in the process. One of the students, Hemi, is also sympathetic towards her, but Koro is enraged when he finds out, particularly when she wins her taiaha fight against Hemi. But Pai has several surprises for her tradition-bound grandfather that will open his eyes and the rest of the tribe to her true destiny. She has used a number of cinematic techniques in this film to create atmosphere and sometimes show what the character is feeling. The opening sequence presents a powerful juxtaposition between contemporary culture and Maori heritage, with a modern hospital birth-scene intercut with mysterious shots of a whale and a female narrator recounting the Maori tale of Paikea: a mythical descendant of the Ngati Konohi tribe who discovered Whangara on the back of a humpback whale after his canoe had capsized off the coast of Hawaiki the ancient Maori homeland. WHAT ISM DID U SEE ILLUSTRATED SEXISM: stereotypical gender roles Women: makes food: Koro utters Women setup dinner are not to smoke: a child says: Women should not smoke has to sit in the back: Koro tells Pai to move from the front row to the back row when they have a meeting in Marae Men: are fighters: boys are traditionally taught to use the taiaha fix things: Koro is not pleased when Pai can fix the motor for the boat boys do not cry: Pai finds Hemi crying and he gets upset and tells her to go away . 10 of the best book quotes from The Whale Rider. There is a vast difference between movies for 12-year-old girls, and movies about 12-year-old girls, and "Whale Rider" proves it. Production Company: South Pacific Pictures, ApolloMedia Distribution, Pandora Filmproduktion. Only Koro had failed to turn up; distant cries had drawn him to the beach where a pod of whales lay dying. She understood my main topic well and follow the instruction accordingly. Koros eyes, mirrored in these events, portray a great sadness to the films audience. We've received widespread press coverage since 2003, Your UKEssays purchase is secure and we're rated 4.4/5 on reviews.co.uk. By the uncle being lazy he has gained weight and is not slim like before. *You can also browse our support articles here >. The 2003 movie Whale Rider is a wonderful story, aptly described in this IMDB plot summary: A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. She stands up for what she believes even in the face of the adults around her, and isnt afraid to take risks to do whats right. The biggest whale, the founder of Maori culture, has a special relationship with the whale rider, a young man who sits upon its back. Pai climbs onto the back of the whale and makes it re-enter the ocean. When Koro tries to look for another rope, Pai ties the rope together and starts the engine. The film was a coproduction between New . Koro explains to her about her ancestors and he uses a rope to demonstrate how the strings from the rope represent her ancestors. While the movie Whale Rider is set in New Zealand and reflects Mori traditions and culture, it's relatable to kids everywhere. Unbeknown to Koro, Rawiri later takes Pai out in the boat, who not only finds the necklace, but also manages to catch a lobster as a present for her grandfather. Whale Rider is a great example of the problems that many cultures and families are facing around the world. Indeed, as Ryan Mottesheard (2003) argues, the film should be understood less as anthropological study of the Maori people, than a universal story of female empowerment, thus highlighting the films global appeal. Whale Rider is a contemporary re-telling of the 1000-year-old legend about legendary first ancestor named Paikea. He left for New Zealand to pursue his art career, leaving Pai behind to be raised by her grandparents and aunts. The people from Maori have been waiting for so long that they have lost hope and flight of people. I highly recommend you use this site! She stands up to her grandfather in painful scenes, she finds dignity, and yet the next second she's running around the village like the kid she is. Porourangi would be next in line but has no interest in returning home. If your specific country is not listed, please select the UK version of the site, as this is best suited to international visitors. "Whale Rider" [ ] The families of Maori have also become ruptured for example, when Hemi goes up to present his father only stays for a little while to watch him then leaves with his friends. What is more, Porourangi has returned with his German fianc to finish his waka and celebrate with his people. The film gained much respect from critics, it went on in film festivals such as Sundance and Tribecca, and gained international recognition. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must fight him and a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny. However, Pai is female and technically cannot inherit the leadership. The myth about Paikea says that he was rescued by a whale, after his canoe was lost in the sea. Dont Give Up is an example of the theme because even though TJs dad turns to suicide and drugs in order to cope with the accident, he still decides to take that experience to help out children in need. It's not just an uplifting ending, but a transcendent one, inspired and inspiring, and we realize how special this movie really is. They attempt to move the largest bull whale using a tractor, but it is a problem that cannot be resolved by modern technology. To become the next chief., A journey is a physical or psychological adventure that takes from one place to another. convincing her grandfather, Koro, that even though shes a girl, shes still worthy to become leader of the tribe. The boy and the mother die. Whale Rider Quotes. Pai sympathises with Koro and prays to her ancestors for help, with a voice-over revealing, They heard me, initiating the films most iconic and emotional sequence. The film connects with universal themes of adolescence, and tackles topics like loss, courage, self-worth, and community. Something in a larger and more significant scale, that brings together all of the themes of the film into a magnificent final sequence. succeed. Koro was very upset when Kahu was born because she was a girl, and since then has ignored her, even though she loves him very much and wants his affection. Antonio Sison, World Cinema, Theology, and the Human: Humanity in Deep Focus, New York, Routledge, 2012. Koro, Pai's grandfather and leader of the Maori tribe, is devastated that their future leader has died.