He ran his plantation until being struck by a debilitating injury, and now relies on his son to take care of their land. "The Whale Rider Summary". Because of his status as eldest, he is the default choice for leadership after Koro passes away. Bibliography. 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. Another symbolic action in the scene occurs when Pai ties the rope and uses it to make the engine start. The characters struggle with several issues faced by indigenous people all over the globe as they seek to integrate what remains of their traditional ways into modern society. This love remains unreciprocated, as Koro actively pushes her away. But he knew the ancient ones were there for him so he called out to them to lift him up and give him strength. Not only is this the land of her father's family, but it is also . Despite their joint efforts, the rope breaks and they walk away exhausted. 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 late mother of Kahu and wife of Porourangi, Rehua has the same connection to Muriwai as Nanny Flowers, and demonstrates her own sort of independence by naming her daughter after a male hero of the Whangara people. "[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. He is the father of Kahu, thus making Kahu the eldest child of the successor -- a fact which eventually forces Koro to question his opposition to female leadership in the group. Social-Emotional Learning Whale Rider is a 2002 New Zealand drama film written and directed by Niki Caro. Although Pai works hard to earn Koros respect, she is rebuffed each time she tries to master an activity traditionally reserved for males. The Maori now number about 650,000 people, 15% of the population of New Zealand. 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. [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. Students can then be asked to take a deeper look and research questions that have been discussed in class. 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. This brings Kahu to tears. and the Synopsis. Other songs heard in the film include:[21], This article is about the film. Cebeci, Ali. Whale Rider Ver Pelcula completa en espanol gratis. In an attempt to help, Pai also calls out to them and they hear her call. The film Whale Rider harnesses the power of its character Paikea, her elders, and other film techniques to show a huge transition from traditional principles to modern ones, while still adhering to the cultural significance of the Whale Rider. . The Maori were fierce warriors and would, at times, dine on their conquered enemies. 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. Which of the evils of prejudice are shown operating in this movie? Hemis father is another. The Kiwis have given us a few uplifting films involving their aboriginal peoples and this one is particularly memorable. 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. Coming Soon. BENEFITS OF THE MOVIE "[16], The film has also been discussed and praised widely within academia. For the boy who would be chief." Pai: "My name is Paikea Apirana and I come from a long line of chiefs, stretching all the way back to the Whale Rider" Pai: "There was no gladness when I was born. (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.) Koros reaction to what Pai had done is yet another symbol. Hemis father comes to see his son for a brief part of the ceremony at the school and then leaves with his friends. And if knowledge is given to everyone, we can have lots of leaders. Pai ties the rope together and then easily starts the engine. Currently you are able to watch "Whale Rider" streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Hoopla or for free with ads on Peacock, Peacock Premium, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, Freevee. It is based on the novel by Witi Ihimaera. A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize.A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize.A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. There are many harms caused by any prejudice, including racism and sexism. Moral-Ethical Emphasis Rawiri is the primary narrator of the story. They will soon die if they are not pushed back to sea. It also won the 2003 BAFTA Childrens Award. The Whale Rider Quotes and Analysis. This symbolizes his inability to lead the tribe. Astraightforward man who seems to have acquired his wealth through hard work and determination. Then he is excluded from the boat. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. The relationship between Paikea and her grandfather is exceptionally well-written and feels remarkably real. The story follows a 12-year-old Maori girl named Paikea Apirana who struggles to earn her . He can spare only a few minutes to watch his son at the ceremony and is then off with his friends. In modern times, the interior rooms of Maori meeting houses are places sacred to the ancestors. However, this canoe was designed to have a hole that Rua-Tapu kept sealed with the heel of his foot. Look at the problem from the standpoint of the victim, the perpetrator, and society as a whole. This can be seen when the women play cards and joke about the men. She is a stubborn, determined, and brave women not afraid to stand up to her husband. Pai is originally born a twin, but her twin brother and her mother died during childbirth. In recent years, tattooing has become common for both men and women. This ancient custom is upset when the child selected to be the next chief dies at birth. The bull whale eventually agrees and they return Kahu, now unconscious, to Whangara. [2] [3] In 2002 it was adapted into a film, Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro. Some Important Scenes & Quotations from Whale Rider 1. 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. Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified. A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. Whale Rider Quotes. Paikea became the ruler of the people who lived on the islands. It was shot on location in Whangara, the setting of the novel. Rawiri's cousin living in Papua New Guinea. In the novel . She clearly asserts that tradition can hinder progress. 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. A young man who lives in the present but maintains a deep connection to his past heritage, Rawiri is both an active member of a biker gang and a devoted student of Maori language and culture. Towards the end of the year, Kahu invites her family to a school ceremony that will include cultural presentations. Cinemark Copyright Fandango. Koro calls a meeting of the local Maori people and impresses upon them the spiritual significance of this event. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Her speech expresses her utmost desire to please her great-grandfather and to uphold the Maori culture. Returning to Kahus tale, Rawiri narrates that he decided to see a bit of the world when Kahu was in her fourth year. 8. investigate the sexism found in modern societies and recent changes in gender roles. 4. Social-Emotional Learning 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. In 2005, the film was named on the BFI List of the 50 Films You Should See By the Age of 14. Nanny does not think Koro is ready to accept this and does not tell him. Discussion Questions By what name was Whale Rider (2002) officially released in India in English? Whale Rider (2002) Mana Taumaunu as Hemi. Jeff is a once-close friend of Rawiri's; they meet in Australia, where they share an apartment and become good friends. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. During Rawiris absence, Porourangi remarried and his wife had a child: another baby girl. This is a symbol for her ability to lead the tribe in a way that Koro cannot. However, no matter how many leadership qualities Rawiri may possess, he can never be chief because he is a second-born son. Despite their best efforts, they are not able to do so and Koro returns dejected. [6] In 1995 it was translated into Mori by Tmoti Kretu, as Te kaieke tohor. He travels to Sydney, Australia, where he meets several of his cousins and notes that they seem to have drifted away from Maori cultural traditions and have fully embraced the lifestyle of the big city. The is shown by the last scene in which Pais grandfather, now fully accepting the idea that she will be Chief, smiles lovingly at his granddaughter. See Questions Suitable for Any Film That is a Work of Fiction. 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. 6. However, he wants to be an artist and this causes conflict which he resolves by moving to Germany. But now we were waiting for the firstborn of the new generation, for the descendant of the whale rider. She never lets her anger get the best of her. The whale mothers look over their young while the single leader whalethe bull whalereminisces about his own youth so long ago, and the precious time he spent with the whale rider. See production, box office & company info. He is the grandson of Koro and thus the uncle of Kahu. The many harms caused to victims of prejudice can be placed into two classes. By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and The bull whale is an ancient whale, about 65 feet long. However, unlike Paikea, Uncle Rawiri accepts his fate, becoming overweight and escaping into alcohol and drugs. Mana Taumana as Hemi; FILM SYNOPSIS In a small New Zealand coastal village, Maori claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. 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. And soon everyone will be strong, not just the ones that have been chosen. Discussion questions and suggested responses are provided below. According to myth, Paikea was the founder of the Maori people. B. Possible Problems The Whale Rider is a 1987 novel by New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. The tribe founded by Paikea has always been led by the previous chief's firstborn son, in a line of descent stretching . This is clearly shown in the scene in which he rallies the tribe to try to save the whales. No matter where you may go, you will always return. The film contains music by Lisa Gerrard, released on the album Whalerider on 7 July 2003. 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. A rope is seen in the episode in which the villagers try to help the beached whales return to the sea. Thus, sending Porourangi to Germany advances the plot. 1 / 20. a tribe. Coming Soon. Throughout the film she struggles to try to become the leader causing a heap of conflict. Anthropologist A. Asbjrn Jn discussed a range of Maori tribal traditions that resonate within the film, while noting links between the release of Whale Rider and increases in both New Zealand's whale watching tourism industry and conservation efforts. Worksheet for Cinematic and Theatrical Elements and Their Effects. 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. As a visiting group moves into the formal meeting area, they are welcomed by a call from a woman of the household or village. What is revealed about Pai and her uncle in this episode? The oldest of the matrons of the whale herd, this whale is the bull whale's dearest companion. There is no reason he should not be chief. The brief introduction suggested below will orient students to the film and provide background about Maori culture. Two additional interesting assignments are: A. Though the film brims with authenticity, it is almost too authentic. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. Maori consciousness is shaped by reverence for ancestors and the past. GradeSaver, 6 April 2015 Web. 545 Words3 Pages. When he tells Pai that he cannot be what Koro wants, Pai says, Me neither. Two other reasons are worth mentioning. An empowering and uplifting movie, with a wonderful performance by Castle-Hughes. Their future is conceived in an entirely utopian manneras the rediscovery of tribal roots and assertion of cultural traditions and spiritualityseparated entirely from that of the working class." Now, so many years after their separation, the nostalgia for their time spent together cuts away at the old bull whale. Why does Porourangi, Koros first born son and Pais father, leave home and live in faraway Germany? "[7] The whale beaching was depicted using full-scale models created by Auckland-based Glasshammer Visual Effects. A present day New Zealand community of Maori tribe people is waiting for the sign of a new chief to be born and lead the village and it's community to greatness. Dont worry, it wont take long. A poetic look into a different culture that really isn't too different, simply remembering that it was at one time and wanting to hold that memory. They may want to freeze-frame a moment in the film to illustrate a point on cinematography or use the internet to present visuals in support of the history of a culture or a concept. Koro decides to begin a language school to teach the future generations the threatened Maori language, and he also beings culture classes for similar purposes. director of photography Film Editing by David Coulson Casting By Diana Rowan Production Design by Grant Major But we can learn. This custom died out by the end of the 1800s, although Maori continued tattooing other parts of their bodies. All of the problems with prejudice are shown in this film. He pulls it down, along with the rod and orange drapes that the sheet was hanging from. Paikea Apiranas grandfather is the Chief of a small Maori tribe in modern-day New Zealand. My twin brother died, and took our mother with him. Her Grandfather and other sexist men would not have allowed themselves to see Pais full personhood and ability. 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. Maori tradition provides that only first born sons can be chief. He needs to get far away to fully develop as an individual and as an artist. [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. However, he is unable to let go, and thoughts of returning to the place of his youth at whatever cost gnaw at his heart. Pomeranz said "Niki Caro has directed this uplifting story with great sensitivity, eliciting affecting performances from a sterling cast, and a wonderful one from newcomer Keisha Castle-Hughes. 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. 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. [5], The Whale Rider has been a worldwide bestseller, and is the most-translated work by a New Zealand author. She asks Rawiri not to tell their grandparents about her current condition and how her identity has changed. Rawiri thus spends two years in that country with Jeff; they attempt to cultivate the land. 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. Bridges to Reading Whale Rider also provides an occasion for research, oral presentations, and essay writing required skills in most ELA curricula. All of the main characters are impacted by the dynamic between tradition and modernity. How do the women in the film deal with the sexism of their tribe? Nanny is connected in lineage to Muriwai, a brave, independent ancestress, famous for her strength. Porourangi, the girls father, is his eldest grandson so he is the successor for that generation. Kahu is taken by her mothers family and raised away from Whangarathe setting of the story, a small town in New Zealand populated by the Maori people. Finally, the Whale Rider script is here for all you quotes spouting fans of the Niki Caro movie with Keisha Castle-Hughes. A collapsing of the ice there and the life-threatening nature of this collapse forces him to make a snap decision in guiding his herd. 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. This is especially harmful to children who grow up as second-class citizens in a society that condones prejudice. Discussion Questions Relating to Ethical Issues will facilitate the use of this film to teach ethical principles and critical viewing. The epilogue narrates that the oldest mother whale notices Kahu and realizes that her husband, the bull whale, has mistaken this little girl for her ancestor. . 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. One day, Koro takes some of his star pupils out to sea. 8. It was waiting. The book "The Whale Rider" by Witi Ihimaera is about a girl named Kahu and is in line to becoming chief in her tribe but greatly discouraged by her grandfather . Maori tattoos are famous for their intricate designs, size, and beauty. Rawiri, Porourangi and Nanny all attend, but the seat marked reserved next to Nannya measure Kahu herself had taken to guarantee a spot for Kororemains conspicuously empty throughout the ceremony. 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. His response to the strong ties that he feels to Maori culture and the pressure to be chief is to make a clean break. Please click the link below to receive your verification email. The beginning of the movie starts out with the birth of 2 fraternal twins, with the grandfather patiently awaiting the birth of the son. Back home he cracks under all the pressure and weeps. 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. They are forced to travel to other havens as this long-time home for them has become too inhospitable to live in. Possible Problems 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. 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 The movie was based on the novel, The Whale Rider by Witi Tame Ihimaera. One traditional function of Maori women was the karanga, an exchange of calls that forms part of the Maori welcoming ceremony. Part II begins with another short focus on the whale herd. 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. He has opened his mind and abandoned his rigid adherence to the old rules. Using the Movie in the Classroom Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Main character and the new 'whale rider' Born into a line of chiefs Has all the qualities of a leader Struggles against gender stereotypes and Koro Koro Chief Pai's grandfather; loves Pai but clashes with her He raises Pai after her mother dies during childbirth and her father (Porourangi) leaves to go overseas Nanny Flowers . The Question and Answer section for The Whale Rider is a great Additional questions are set out below. It was assembled from parts of previous supercontinents by the Late Precambrian time, some 600 million years ago. Plot Summary of Whale Rider 1. Enjoy this movie with your children. Read critic reviews. "Not you, Hemi.". Koro sees that as a sign of his failure and despairs further. Nanny tells Pai that her uncle, Rawiri, knows some things worth knowing . with updates on movies, TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more. A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. Pai is female and so technically cannot inherit the leadership. But a lot of the credit has to go to newcomer Keisha Castle-Hughes, who gives an amazingly heartbreaking performance that's incredibly compelling. Jeff's mother lives on a plantation in Papua New Guinea with her husband. What idea in this speech offers the solution to the problem faced by both Koro and the Maori as a whole? When Koro returns from a trip he had been on during the ordeal, he remarks with great anguish that this is a sign for them. Whangara, New Zealand. 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. He is influenced by the symbols of the unfolding world around him. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. Some of the symbolic meanings in the scene are stated by Koro while others can be recognized by the viewer. 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. Pai tells her father to return her home. When Pai is 12, Koro establishes a school to teach adolescent boys the ancient customs and to develop the skills to enable one of them to become the tribal leader. 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. A few years pass in this way. 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. Links to the Internet Then a pod of whales, an animal revered by the Maori, beaches itself on the sand near the tribes home. Pai confidently declares she'll find it and dives into the water. She demonstrates racist tendencies when Rawiri comes to help them maintain their plantation. Gondwana, also called Gondwanaland, was an ancient supercontinent that incorporated present-day New Zealand, Australia, Antarctica, South America, Africa, Arabia, Madagascar, and India. The women carry on with their lives accepting the men, yet criticizing the mens thinking. This shows that he thinks Pais leadership would be dangerous to the tribe, despite the fact that she can do what he cannot. I'm not a prophet, but I know that our people will keep going forward, all together, with all of our strength. But to break with convention, she'll have to do the impossible: win over her ultra-traditional grandfather (Rawiri Paratene). See Hongi Example #1 for an image of the traditional Maori greeting. 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. In every generation for more than one thousand years, a male heir born to the Chief succeeds to the title. By the time the Europeans arrived in the late 1700s, the Maori were well-established. She held the record until 2012 when Quvenzhan Wallis (at the age of 9) was nominated for that category for the film Beasts of the Southern Wild. Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! [5] The film was shot in Whangara, Te Tai Rwhiti, and in Auckland. Whale Rider streaming: where to watch online? The film received critical acclaim and Castle-Hughes's performance won rave reviews. In desperation, Kahu swims out to the whale and climbs up its back after communicating with it. When Koro is cruel and refuses to respect her as a human being to be evaluated based on her character and abilities, she forgives him for his intransigence. When Pai is found and brought to the hospital, Koro declares her the leader and asks for her forgiveness. 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. When Koro returns he admonishes his granddaughter, telling her that what she has done is dangerous and that she should never do it again. What idea is conveyed by this scene?