Throughout the festival I decided to concentrate on just what I was seeing there BUT something made me pick up Whale Rider one evening (only evening I didn't have a film). Not sure if it had anything to do with missing swimming and watching this story set by the sea made up for it or not.
Director and writer Niki Caro, set to direct the live adaptation of 'Mulan' adapted Whale Rider from the book of the same name by Witi Ihimaera about a young girl defying tradition as she tries to take her place in her tribe. Her Grandfather of her tribe believes that the true leader would be his first born grandson from his eldest son. But Paikea is born instead as her mother dies in child birth and her twon brother soon follows. Her father names her after their ancestor who was known as 'the Whale Rider' but her Grandfather dismisses her as a potential leader just because she is a girl. Even though Paikea proves herself time and time again, her Grandfather won't listen.
Begining with such tragic event, set ups the tone of the film as being about grief and hope. Koro, leader of the tribe and Paikea's Grandfather, he is blinded by tradition and belief that won't allow him to see and appreciatw what is in front of him. Small mindedness is what cripples the tribe as things becomes harder for everyone in the commnity. The whales beaching themselves near the end is the ultimate sign where Koro blames Paikea for the unrest, when really it is stubborn ways that hold the future back. Paikea is string willed and believes that she is the leader, going so far as to almost drown to prove she is worthy. This seems like a familiar story as it as been told in many ways by many people, where girls or women have to prove they are worthy of their destiny or title or talents. What's different about Whale Rider is that the story is told by a young girls from a very specific place in a country those film industry is not wide reaching. A Maori girl in a small community, who believes she can help everyone by becoming who she was meant to be, is both unique and universal.
Next up... check out all the films HERE
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