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. However, Koro was late, and as he was walking to the school, he notices that numerous southern right whales are beached near Pai's home. Maori culture was male-dominated, with women generally serving in subordinate roles. " Women, like men, should try to do the impossible, and when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others."-. This highlights Paikeas decision to struggle against the fate that would have been hers had she not become Chief. The Whale Rider essays are academic essays for citation. The indie film Whale Rider is an engrossing character drama with an inspirational message. Before Europeans arrived, the Maori language was not written. A man to lead a new people. See Assignments, Projects & Activities. In modern times, the interior rooms of Maori meeting houses are places sacred to the ancestors. She is a young girl with a strong and determined temperament and a soft and innocent heart. 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. Plan and present a debate on the elimination of gender roles in society. Her deepest wish is to please her great-grandfather, Koro--a struggle which spans the length of the book--and she remains dedicated to her Maori heritage and culture. Another symbolic action in the scene occurs when Pai ties the rope and uses it to make the engine start. comes - then goes off so soon with his mates. He said of Castle-Hughes: "This is a movie star. Moral-Ethical Emphasis, Assignments and Projects A small coastal community of Maoris deal daily with being New Zealanders while not being entirely so, particularly hard for a young pubescent lass ostracized because of her sex, despite that she offers hope of continuing traditions. "[7] The whale beaching was depicted using full-scale models created by Auckland-based Glasshammer Visual Effects. 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. She clearly asserts that tradition can hinder progress. But her Grandfather, Koro Apirana, wanted a male chief for his tradition. He can spare only a few minutes to watch his son at the ceremony and is then off with his friends. The karanga occurs in the first 60 seconds of the segment. Whale Rider transmisin en espaol. The bull whale is leading his herd through the frozen waters of Antarctica. Returning to Kahus tale, Rawiri narrates that he decided to see a bit of the world when Kahu was in her fourth year. Film Study Worksheet for ELA Classes; and. Whale Rider [Maori title: Te Kaieke Tohora] is a 2002 film based on the book The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Describe the symbols shown by this scene. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news! 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. The story is all about how the Maori people will hold on to their tradition while navigating the strange tides of modern times. But now we were waiting for the firstborn of the new generation, for the descendant of the whale rider. Back home he cracks under all the pressure and weeps. Hemi makes a joke out of it by purposely farting. When Pai is found and brought to the hospital, Koro declares her the leader and asks for her forgiveness. Maori tattoos are famous for their intricate designs, size, and beauty. I know, I know, I still need to get the cast names in there and I'll be eternally tweaking it, so if you have any corrections, feel free to drop me a . He admonishes Pai against touching the largest whale because she has "done enough" damage with her presumption. The Maori were the first human beings to live in New Zealand and brought with them a highly evolved Stone Age culture. Activities. Rawiri accompanies him but eventually leaves due to the increasingly apparent racism ofRawiri's family (especially coming from his mother). However, when Paikea climbs atop the whale it responds to her and leads the other whales back to the sea. Part II begins with another short focus on the whale herd. [9] By comparison, Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 top reviews from mainstream critics, calculated an average score of 79, based on 31 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". His chief worry is that he will not be able to pass on the legacy and heritage that he learned so many years ago from his elders. He invited them, 70 in some versions and 140 in others, for a trip in a beautiful ocean-going canoe that he had built. Part I begins by refocusing on the herd of whales. The film earned $41.4 million[3] on a NZ$9,235,000 budget. "'Never mind girl,' she said to baby Kahu. 1 / 20. 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. Billy is a close friend of Rawiri's and a member of the same biker gang. His death prompts Rawiri to accept the tensions between him and Jeff's family, pushing him to leave Papua New Guinea and return to Whangara. In this story, the Taiaha, the ability to fight with war sticks is a symbol. Jeff is a once-close friend of Rawiri's; they meet in Australia, where they share an apartment and become good friends. [6] Producer John Barnett said "This novel was set in Whangara and it would almost have been heresy to shoot anywhere else. Paikea Apiranas grandfather is the Chief of a small Maori tribe in modern-day New Zealand. 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. What is revealed about Pai and her uncle in this episode? However, he wants to be an artist and this causes conflict which he resolves by moving to Germany. "Not you, Hemi.". See Questions Suitable for Any Film That is a Work of Fiction. The bull whale pulls itself onto shore and strands itself there, waiting for its death. Though the film brims with authenticity, it is almost too authentic. Please click the link below to receive your verification email. [4] Plot [ edit] Carving of Paikea at Whangara 's marae HEMI: For us fellas, to teach us the old ways and that. The story follows a 12-year-old Maori girl named Paikea Apirana who struggles to earn her . In every generation for more than one thousand years, a male heir born to the Chief succeeds to the title. Nanny does not think Koro is ready to accept this and does not tell him. Nanny is the wife of Koro and the motherly figure for most of the other main characters. with updates on movies, TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more. Then the story shifts back to Kahu, whose mother dies within a year of Kahus birth. 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. He notes that when all of the threads are woven together they make a strong rope. 2. 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. Cebeci, Ali. The symbolic meaning stated by Koro is that each strand of the rope represents an ancestor with the rope being the tribe. All of the problems with prejudice are shown in this film. She asks Rawiri not to tell their grandparents about her current condition and how her identity has changed. Additional questions are set out below. We can learn and if the knowledge is given to everyone then we can have lots of leaders, and soon everyone will be strong not just the ones that have been chosen because sometimes even if you're the leader and you need to be strong you can get tired. 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. Discussion questions and suggested responses are provided below. Cinemark By creating an account, you agree to the Lesson plans based on movies & film clips! [10] Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton of The Movie Show both gave the film four out of five stars. 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. Suduiko, Aaron ed. The many harms caused to victims of prejudice can be placed into two classes. Coming Soon. Each time she comes she expresses love for her family there, but special deep love for Koro her great-grandfather. This is a symbol for her ability to lead the tribe in a way that Koro cannot. Amelia Earhart. After students have seen the film, engage the class in a discussion about the themes of the story. He drops a rock in the sea and once it has sunk to the depths, he tells the boys they must retrieve it as a test of their endurance and strength and ability to lead. However, as they are driving away, she finds that she cannot bear to leave the sea as the whale seems to be calling her back. (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.) It wasnt anybodys fault, it just happened. [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. This is called hongi, a gesture that is the social equivalent of a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks. And if knowledge is given to everyone, we can have lots of leaders. However, unlike Paikea, Uncle Rawiri accepts his fate, becoming overweight and escaping into alcohol and drugs. Kahu does not mind all this anger from Koro though, and she continues to fervently seek his love and acceptance. Astraightforward man who seems to have acquired his wealth through hard work and determination. She is attuned to the traditional Mori way of life, and may have inherited the ability to speak to whales. There are very physical things that are described in the book the sweep of the bay, the island that looks like a whale, the meeting houses, the number of houses that are present and of course, the people whose legend we were telling. Regal 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. Drama, Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR, All Upcoming Disney Movies: New Disney Live-Action, Animation, Pixar, Marvel, 20th Century, And Searchlight, Filmmaker Selects: Gina Prince-Bythewoods 10 Movies For Womens History Month, 87 Fearless Women Movie Heroes Who Inspire Us. The Ta moko was predominately for males and among traditional Maori it was rare that a woman would have tattoos. See Example #1 and Example #2. Thus out of disdain for the girl, Koro refuses to show any love towards her and even refuses to conduct the traditional burial of the birth cord. Rawiri and his biker gang work with the police and rangers to keep whale butchers fro coming near the whales, while the navy is called in to attempt to pull the whales back out to sea. Kahu finds Current time: coastal Maori village in New Zealand. Which of the evils of prejudice are shown operating in this movie? resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. Many have been born, but for the village elder all have been disappointments. Your AMC Ticket Confirmation# can be found in your order confirmation email. One relationship in particular -- that between the whale rider and his giant whale -- was exemplaryof a symbiotic connection. He is also skilled in the art of fighting with war sticks, which in the movie is a symbol for being able to be a Maori chief. I'm not a prophet, but I know that our people will keep going forward, all together, with all of our strength. Later during the taiaha lesson, and when he and Paikea. This only upsets Koro more, as he was hoping for a male descendent. He needs to get far away to fully develop as an individual and as an artist. Factory released a 15th anniversary Blu-ray of Whale Rider on their Shout! The film's plot follows the story of Paikea Apirana ("Pai"). Titre original: Whale Rider Popularit: 14.114 Dure: 97 Minutes Slogan: Dans les voies des anciens, elle a trouv un espoir pour l'avenir. If Porourangi had tried to stay in New Zealand, he would have had to constantly face Koros disapproval. Moments later, the drapes are back up in place and hanging perfectly straight, without enough time for him to re-hang the drapes. A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. 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. Assignments and Projects 8. 5. After the death of his wife and despite overwhelming pressure from Koro, Pai's father refuses to assume traditional leadership or finish the waka that he had started building for the baby son; instead, he moves to Germany to pursue a career as an artist. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter Invent a fictitious island inhabited by a tribe you create. The importance of myth and stories which shape the lives of traditional people will become clear to viewers and will offer the perspective necessary to look at their own myths and stories. Like many indigenous people, Porourangi is torn between two civilizations. The eldest grandson of Koro and the elder brother of Rawiri, Porourangi is the chosen successor for his generation. This is clearly shown in the scene in which he rallies the tribe to try to save the whales. In addition to websites which linked in the Guide and selected film reviews listed on the Movie Review Query Engine, the following resources were consulted in the preparation of this Learning Guide: This Learning Guide was written by Mary RedClay and James Frieden. Whale Rider also provides an occasion for research, oral presentations, and essay writing required skills in most ELA curricula. Pa : l'lue d'un peuple nouveau regarder . Koro calls a meeting of the local Maori people and impresses upon them the spiritual significance of this event. Back home, Rawiri notes that Koro has become even more obsessed in his mission of finding a male successor. Some of the symbolic meanings in the scene are stated by Koro while others can be recognized by the viewer. Then man arrived from the east, and the relationship between nature and man throve. Overall, I liked Whale Rider, but I don't think I fully got it. The tribe founded by Paikea has always been led by the previous chief's firstborn son, in a line of descent stretching . Then man arrived from the east, and the relationship between nature and man throve. Towards the end of the year, Kahu invites her family to a school ceremony that will include cultural presentations. The introduction will also lead to aha! moments as students recognize aspects of Maori culture described in the lecture while watching the film. Her speech expresses her utmost desire to please her great-grandfather and to uphold the Maori culture. He remains dedicated in his mission to find a suitable successor, and he is doing all he can as leader of the Whangara Maori community to preserve the Maori culture for future generations in a time of spreading modernity. The Whale Rider essays are academic essays for citation. Part 3 begins, as usual, by focusing on the whale herd. When Rua-Tapu tried to use a sacred comb belonging to one of his high-born brothers, he was humiliated by the Chief who made it clear that Rua-Tapu was of a lower caste than his siblings. 9. [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. This script is a transcript that was painstakingly transcribed using the screenplay and/or viewings of Whale Rider. We wont be able to verify your ticket today, but its great to know for the future. Her grandfather Koro believes that this is a role reserved for males only. 3. Whale Rider offers young people the opportunity to learn about a different culture and to examine the difficulties that many traditional groups experience in facing change. For activities specific to this film, divide the class into small groups and ask students to research one of the following topics for an oral presentation using the technology available in the classroom. The whale leads the entire pod back into the sea; Pai submerges completely underwater before being thrown off the whale's back by the tide, and the spectators fear she has drowned. Voila! The website's critical consensus states, "An empowering and uplifting movie, with a wonderful performance by Castle-Hughes". Term. [5] The film was shot in Whangara, Te Tai Rwhiti, and in Auckland. Throughout the book, symbols in his environment cause him to contemplate his morals and true beliefs. The bull whale eventually agrees and they return Kahu, now unconscious, to Whangara. By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and 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. Cinemark Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Rawiri is the primary narrator of the story. 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. Review at least five different creation myths; 7. compare and contrast gender roles in a variety of cultures and seek to explain what purpose is served in adhering to a strict set of traditions in regard to these roles; and. The relationship between Paikea and her grandfather is exceptionally well-written and feels remarkably real. [11][12], This article is about the novel. Prejudiced societies also lack a fundamental sense of justice and fairness. The village leader should be the first-born son, a direct patrilineal descendant of Paikea, the Whale Rider, he who rode on top of a whale (Tohora) from Hawaiki. Koro is devastated when none of the boys succeeds at the traditional task of recovering the rei puta (whale tooth) that he threw into the ocean, the mission that would prove one of them worthy of becoming leader. What idea in this speech offers the solution to the problem faced by both Koro and the Maori as a whole? The movie was based on the novel, The Whale Rider by Witi Tame Ihimaera. She is a stubborn, determined, and brave women not afraid to stand up to her husband. 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. In the film Whale Rider depicts a culture in transition. and the Selected Awards & Cast, Using the Movie in the Classroom The film contains music by Lisa Gerrard, released on the album Whalerider on 7 July 2003. 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. Using the Movie in the Classroom Whale Rider - Full Cast & Crew. The story begins with a focus on the ancient days, when nature and all wildlife were excitedly waiting for the coming of man. He is the grandson of Koro and thus the uncle of Kahu. The plants and animals in New Zealand have evolved into forms that are slightly different from those on the other land masses. Whale Rider (also known as The Whale Rider) is a 2002 New Zealand-German family drama film directed by Niki Caro, based on the novel of the same name by Witi Ihimaera.The film stars Keisha Castle-Hughes as Kahu Paikea Apirana, a twelve-year-old Maori girl who wants to become the chief of the tribe. 11. There are voice overs explaining the culture in which the film is set, but I spent some of the film lost about the relationship between the protagonist and the legend she's supposed to fulfill. He is influenced by the symbols of the unfolding world around him. 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 . Living in the village or even in New Zealand would have reminded him of this loss. 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. This conflict can be seen in Native American cultures today and is often the source of individual as well as tribal difficulties. When Pai is born, her mother and twin brother both die. Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association: New Zealand filmmaker Jonathan Brough made the documentary film Riding the Wave: The Whale Rider Story, as well as short documentary clips about Whale Rider, to accompany the DVD.[20]. Select imprint on 22 August 2017. 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. Porourangi later tells his daughter that the old man is looking for something that no longer exists. The Girl Who Could Every culture has principles that create a foundation for its belief system, and changing these principles is disdained. The indie film Whale Rider is an engrossing character drama with an inspirational message. Whale Rider [Maori title: Te Kaieke Tohora] is a 2002 film . Koro is the current leader of the Maori people of Whangara. Pa : l'lue d'un peuple nouveau Voir film streaming complet vf en gratuit. You will never be lost to us.'". Sep 30, 2014. Look at the problem from the standpoint of the victim, the perpetrator, and society as a whole. He teaches the boys to use a taiaha (fighting stick), which is traditionally reserved for males. 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. Pai is originally born a twin, but her twin brother and her mother died during childbirth. "[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." The women carry on with their lives accepting the men, yet criticizing the mens thinking. For example, Koro calls Porourangis art souvenirs. The old man blames Porourangi for not producing a son and heir to the chieftainship. This quote articulates the idea of Kahu's physical and spiritual connection to Whangara. She bears a deep love for her mate and thus is concerned about his growing desire to return to the islands of his youth. He ran his plantation until being struck by a debilitating injury, and now relies on his son to take care of their land. The problem in Koros mind, however, is that Porourangis eldest child is now Kahu, whobecause she is femaleis not fit to lead according to Koro. Possible Problems Most Promising Performer (Keisha Castle-Hughes, Best Screenplay Adapted (Niki Caro, lost to, Best Supporting Actress (Keisha Castle-Hughes, lost to, Bar One (International Observer) Loaded Sounds , This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 09:45. One day, Koro takes some of his star pupils out to sea. Parenting Points They will soon die if they are not pushed back to sea. As a result, Rawiri becomes overweight and escapes into alcohol or other drugs. . When the prejudice is gone, they can fully enjoy Paikea. Bibliography. Individual genealogy was remembered through the he rakau wakapapa-paranga, a board with a notch for each name and a blank space to denote when a male line of descent died out. Discussion Questions Relating to Ethical Issues will facilitate the use of this film to teach ethical principles and critical viewing. It also won the 2003 BAFTA Childrens Award. 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. 2. 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. Castle-Hughes impressed Caro in the resulting workshop and was cast as Pai. The tribe and the Maori families are breaking apart because the men are leaving. During Rawiris absence, Porourangi remarried and his wife had a child: another baby girl. Pai learns how to use the war sticks, the Taiaha, from Uncle Rawiri. He has opened his mind and abandoned his rigid adherence to the old rules. Kahu agrees to come with the herd in the hopes that she will thus save them and save her own people. 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. Many Maori carvings show fierce faces with stuck out tongues. It was assembled from parts of previous supercontinents by the Late Precambrian time, some 600 million years ago. This custom died out by the end of the 1800s, although Maori continued tattooing other parts of their bodies. [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. Read critic reviews. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. See Discussion questions numbered 2, 8 and 10. Waiting for someone to love it. Paikeas uncle, Rawiri, is a nurturing man and a leader in the community just by the force of his personality.