Whale Rider (2002)

90% of critics liked it
(144 reviews)
87% of users liked it
(47,842 ratings)

Based on the novel of the same name by Maori writer Witi Ihimaera, Whale Rider is a unique family drama directed Niki Caro. On the eastern coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their ancestor Paikea was saved from drowning by riding home on the back of a whale. The tribal group has since… More Based on the novel of the same name by Maori writer Witi Ihimaera, Whale Rider is a unique family drama directed Niki Caro. On the eastern coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their ancestor Paikea was saved from drowning by riding home on the back of a whale. The tribal group has since granted leadership positions to the first-born males, believing them to be descendants of Paikea. This tradition is challenged when a young mother dies in childbirth along with her newborn male son. His twin sister manages to survive and the father (Cliff Curtis) runs off, overwhelmed with grief. The little girl, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), is brought up by stubborn grandfather Koro (Rawiri Paratene) and gentle grandmother Nanny (Vicky Haughton). Koro, the chief of their tribe, is disappointed because Pai's twin brother was supposed to be the next leader. Trying to find the proper successor, he attempts to organize a leadership group amongst the local boys while Pai enlists the help of her has-been uncle Rawiri (Grant Roa) to teach herself the art of chiefdom. She appears to possess a natural leadership ability and adventurous spirit that draws her to the proliferation of her faltering tribe. Whale Rider premiered at the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival and won the World Cinema Audience Award. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Niki Caro
Written By: Niki Caro
Genres: Drama, Romance

In Theaters: Jun 6, 2003 Limited
On DVD: Oct 28, 2003
Studio: Palm Pictures

Critic Reviews

Dennis Harvey, Variety
Newcomer Castle-Hughes' unaffected, confident turn makes it credible our heroine might retain her determination and self-worth despite serial setbacks.
David Ansen, Newsweek
The filmmaker knows how to seduce an audience without making it feel had. When a movie's this likable, it would take a very tough crowd not to be pleased.
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle
The most effective and moving female empowerment movie in awhile.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
[The story] is so simple that the audience gets ahead of it from the beginning.
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
The film is closer to a feminist tract. And, like all propaganda, it wants to do all of your thinking for you.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
A story that J.K. Rowling fans young and old will savor.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Excellent to watch and discuss as a family.
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
This is what a children's film should be like.
Mark Halverson, Sacramento News & Review
The movie's story is a sometimes clumsy but gradually involving coming-of-age story about courage, sexism, past customs vs. contemporary social values and a community and family at odds within themselves.
Robert Davis, Paste Magazine
The third act -- where all our predictions come true -- has a quiet dignity and, although it moves from A to B as expected, how it gets there is surprisingly mysterious.
, Time Out
Niki Caro roots her characters in a landscape equal parts mundane and boundless, incorporates tantalising sea photography and Lisa's Gerrard's ambient soundtrack, and lifts off into a sublime, Elysian ending.
Linda Cook, KWQC-TV (Iowa)
"Whale Rider" is a mystical, gentle movie that goes beyond the boundaries of the usual coming-of-age film.
Ethan Alter, NYC Film Critic
I can honestly say that there is not a single plot point or character arc depicted here that I have not seen a thousand times before.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
...an uncommonly intelligent, well-crafted movie that -- despite the curious PG-13 rating -- parents shouldn't hesitate to see with their kids.
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
The climactic revelation, when it comes, is something so ambitious that I never would have dreamed it would work convincingly. But it does.
Tony Medley, tonymedley.com
I was captivated and had intermittent tears in my eyes throughout this touching tale, although I would have ended it differently.
Mark Sells, Oregon Herald
Encapsulates the grace and beauty of international cinema.
Enrique Buchichio, Uruguay Total
No se queda en la mera descripción antropológica; es ante todo una fascinante historia sobre el coraje, la auto confianza, los vínculos familiares, las tradiciones...
Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews
Stirring story of Maori culture
Vanessa Sibbald, Zap2it.com
The key to "Whale Rider's" appeal is that the film doesn't force an opinion upon its viewers

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Robert C

It is not very often that I'm impressed with a child actor. I'm usually just greatful when they don't totally annoy me and/or cheapen the film. But every once and awhile, I am blown away (Victoire Thivisol - Ponette / Anna Paquin - The Piano / Christian Bale -… More
It is not very often that I'm impressed with a child actor. I'm usually just greatful when they don't totally annoy me and/or cheapen the film. But every once and awhile, I am blown away (Victoire Thivisol - Ponette / Anna Paquin - The Piano / Christian Bale - Empire Of The Sun) and Keisha Castle-Hughes performance here, is one of those rare ocassions. This film is not overly complex, but it is deeply moving and beautifully shot and told. The cast in general is exceptional, but also worth noting is Vicky Haughton as "Nanny Flowers". I didn't expect to be as moved by this film as I was, but it really touched me and that has everything to do with the performance of Castle-Hughes. She is completely engaging and totally bealievable in her role. A true "natural".
erika b

good plot. I like the fact that they put a really whale in this film.
Anthony L

A really touching film, Keisha Castle-Hughes should have won the Oscar in what was one of the greatest performances ever! The speech scene is just awesome cinema!
Lady D

Heard good things about this film and every word of it was true. Great storyline which gives the viewer some kind of insight into the culture and tradition of the group of Maori people in a coastal village in New Zealand.. A fantastic performance from Keisha Castle-Hughes.. This… More
Heard good things about this film and every word of it was true. Great storyline which gives the viewer some kind of insight into the culture and tradition of the group of Maori people in a coastal village in New Zealand.. A fantastic performance from Keisha Castle-Hughes.. This film totally held me from beginning to end and is very much about the storyline, one which is unique, full of emotion and not by any means a soft girly film, it?s a film of true spirit and loyalty and tradition.
Mike S

Quite touching story, set in the ever-beautiful New Zealand, about a young girl and her determined quest to furfil a special destiny. Great acting by Keisha Castle-Hughes, whose performance here was surely worthy of the Oscar-nomination she later received. Overall, however, this… More
Quite touching story, set in the ever-beautiful New Zealand, about a young girl and her determined quest to furfil a special destiny. Great acting by Keisha Castle-Hughes, whose performance here was surely worthy of the Oscar-nomination she later received. Overall, however, this wasn't really my cup of tea, as I was expecting something a bit more engaging and a little less draggy. It's not that it was bad in any way, it's just more of a movie made for the New Zealanders themselves, who may better relate to the Maori traditions upon which the story here is based.
Bruce B

A great movie for the whole family. The girls will love it, not sure about the boy's. Its one of those real rainny day movies when there's no sugar in the house and the X-box is broke, once they sit down and start watching it they will be glued to the TV. Adults will enjoy… More
A great movie for the whole family. The girls will love it, not sure about the boy's. Its one of those real rainny day movies when there's no sugar in the house and the X-box is broke, once they sit down and start watching it they will be glued to the TV. Adults will enjoy it also.
Michael S

Heartwarming.
Aaron N

Koro: When she was born, that's when things went wrong for us. This is a great movie about tradition and acceptance. It is set in New Zealand, revolving around a Maori tribe. In particular the life of a young girl played by Keisha Castle-Hughes. She is the youngest… More
Koro: When she was born, that's when things went wrong for us. This is a great movie about tradition and acceptance. It is set in New Zealand, revolving around a Maori tribe. In particular the life of a young girl played by Keisha Castle-Hughes. She is the youngest daughter in a family where the young male child is always the next in line to be chief. Unfortunately, the male has died, leaving a tension between the grandfather and the young girl. The story is so absorbing, slipping in and out of coming of age comedy and drama. There are a number of memorable moments, especially towards the end. All of the actors do what is needed. The film is well made, for a limited budget. The tone and pacing is well balanced. This is a wonderful little movie. Koro: If you have the tooth of a whale, you must have the jaw of a whale to yield it.
Jens S

The struggle of a native New Zealand girl for acceptance as the first born in the chief's family. The movie is rather slow, but very poetic and gives an interesting insight into this little known culture. While some parts are more entertaining than others, Keisha Castle-Hughes… More
The struggle of a native New Zealand girl for acceptance as the first born in the chief's family. The movie is rather slow, but very poetic and gives an interesting insight into this little known culture. While some parts are more entertaining than others, Keisha Castle-Hughes gives a heartwarming performance and the wonderful ending is pure movie magic.
Dean M

Impressive and emotional Kiwi movie.
Leigh R

Awesomely fantastic and mesmerizing.
Chihoe H

"My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs." 'Whale Rider' is a very poignant film about a girl overcoming the odds of inheriting the role of village chief, being female and partly blamed for the death of her twin brother, the supposed… More
"My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs." 'Whale Rider' is a very poignant film about a girl overcoming the odds of inheriting the role of village chief, being female and partly blamed for the death of her twin brother, the supposed next-in-line, and her mother during childbirth. Touching on the Maori tradition, integration and acceptance, it amazed me with powerful scenes, honest performances and beautiful cinematography done mostly in New Zealand. Keisha Castle-Hughes was definitely the star of the show, and her convincing expressiveness definitely deserved her Oscar nomination.
Dannielle A

It was actually better than I thought it would be.
Cinema F

An aura of enchanting beauty, this film is as poignant and as powerful as the Maori Legend. This is the story of 12-year-old Paikea "Pai" Apirana who, although a girl, is the spiritual heir to her Ngati Porou tribe. Yet her grandfather Koro, the local custodian of his… More
An aura of enchanting beauty, this film is as poignant and as powerful as the Maori Legend. This is the story of 12-year-old Paikea "Pai" Apirana who, although a girl, is the spiritual heir to her Ngati Porou tribe. Yet her grandfather Koro, the local custodian of his people's centuries and-old- culture, cannot see the truth that dances magically infront of him. He can't see how blessed he is to have such an extraordinary granddaughter. He, instead bequeaths his leadership to the son of another. Pai however, finds the strength to challenge her family and embraces a thousand years of tradition in order to fulfill her destiny--her calling for her Ngati Porou tribe--and hence, trains herself in the ways and customs of her people. Filmed quite naturally in and around the seaside village of Whangara, Whale Rider captures the very essence of the clash between traditional values and the modern world without ever using a heavy hand. Keisha Castle-Hughes as Pai is mesmerizing. Rawiri Paratene as Koro seems to personify the film's entire conflict in his weathered face. One of the most touching scene is when tears stream down Pai cheeks as she chokes trying to get all the words out correctly of the ancient Maori songs to impress her grandfather, as well as her songs of encouragement to the whales. She was so sure that he would be there, that he would come, but he hasn't... This is a brilliant film through and through.
Mike T

One of the best family films I have ever seen - absolutely stunning movie.
Juli R

Set in modern day New Zealand, this movie is about a twelve-year-old girl's relationship with her grandfather, who is the chief of his tribe.The grandfather is looking for his successor, and his granddaughter thinks *she* might be the one. Her grandfather disagrees, and this… More
Set in modern day New Zealand, this movie is about a twelve-year-old girl's relationship with her grandfather, who is the chief of his tribe.The grandfather is looking for his successor, and his granddaughter thinks *she* might be the one. Her grandfather disagrees, and this leads to a lot of heartache for young Pai. This is a feminist coming of age story, but it transcends your expectations and leaves you feeling hopeful.
Bill C

A universally applicable story that questions what do we owe the mythos and what does the mythos owe us. How does an individual accept or reject the load of adsorbing his or her cultural/familiar past and passing it forward. Do you accept that past as Dogma or do you meld it to the… More
A universally applicable story that questions what do we owe the mythos and what does the mythos owe us. How does an individual accept or reject the load of adsorbing his or her cultural/familiar past and passing it forward. Do you accept that past as Dogma or do you meld it to the current. I looked at the cover and the description and mistook this for a Disney-esque style antiseptic kids movie it is not this is more tribal myth style. Twins are born to the son of a New Zeeland Indian tribe chieftain. The male heir and mother die in child birth. The chieftain is blinded by a search for his 1st born male heir he ignores the sorrow of his son. The tribe was down trodden and the chieftain was waiting for a male heir to bring his tribe back to there center. The son names his daughter Paikea, a name set aside for the next 1st born male in the chieftain’s family line, the heir that would bring the tribe to prominence. The son leaves his daughter to the care of her grandmother and grandfather(the chieftain) and leaves the tribe to become a successful traveling artist. The movie jumps ahead to Paikea entering young adulthood. Her grandfather the chieftain develops a loving relationship with Paikea but has open contempt for Paikea’s interest in the training to be a chieftain. Like “The boy who wanted to be a Polar Bear” this movie stays true to a mythical theme. Not Mythical in the current vernacular but in the old stories told before movies and videos.
Nikki M

Here's to remembering our ancestor's and everything they stood and fought for!
Donna D

Amazing movie with an outstanding performance by young actress Keisha Castle-Hughes that earned her an Oscar nod portraying young Pi. Touching story and a tear jerker. ;) One of New Zealands best films.
deb .

It's a beautiful film that tells many stories, ancient and new. We follow Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), with her quiet confidence as she journeys through difficult times...with her family, her people, and her spirit. "A long time ago, my ancestor… More
It's a beautiful film that tells many stories, ancient and new. We follow Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), with her quiet confidence as she journeys through difficult times...with her family, her people, and her spirit. "A long time ago, my ancestor Paikea came to this place on the back of a whale. Since then, in every generation of my family, the first born son has carried his name and become the leader of our tribe... until now. "