My name is Paikea and I come from a long line of chiefs. 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.” A most convincing delivery during a school performance, specifically directed toward and honoring her Grandfather who is not present .
Whale Rider is a story of the quest for the new leader of an indigenous Maori tribe living on an island off the coast of New Zealand. We, the viewers, are able to see in an unobtrusive way how the tribe lived, what the customs and cultures were and how their traditions are carried from generation to generation. In this case, Paikea is one that is by her own determination to be the “chosen” one. Although she does her best to prove herself to her Grandfather, Koro, she does not in fact want the honor for herself alone but for her people. What is most sacred to her is the love and acceptance of her Grandfather.
The story begins when Paikea is born. She is one of a pair of twins, her brother, anticipated to be the new chief, dies during childbirth. Her Grandfather shuns her because she is not a male and is determined to never accept her. Instead he teaches the tribe’s young boys the customs and skills in the hopes of selecting a new chief. Despite Koro’s attitude, Paikea assumes every challenge that the tribal boys have, including beating and disgracing the top contender in a battle of the sticks. The ultimate challenge is when the Grandfather throws his precious whale tooth necklace in the water with expectations that one of the boys will retrieve it. None do. He is totally depressed and acts as if his life were over. Later, Paikea goes into the water and comes out with a live lobster in one hand and the lost necklace in the other. But upon the Grandmother’s, Nanny Flowers, advice, the necklace is not returned to Koro because she does not feel that he is ready to accept it.
Not long after, Paikea desperate to have Koro’s acceptance delivers her speech at school and comes home to sing her tribute song to the whales. Apparently the whales hear her and a number of them land themselves on the beach. The village, unable to save the whales, who don’t seem to be inclined to be saved, leave, exhausted and discouraged. Paikea, when all have given up hope, goes to the largest one and touches it on its barnacle. She has a very heartfelt connection with this creature and is quite connected. Paikea crawls on top, straddling, and the whale proceeds to flap its fin and goes deep into the water. She is atop the whale and holds her breath as long as she can and then floats up. The rest of the tribe is overwrought with grief and is afraid that she is lost forever.
The rest is to be experienced by you, the next viewer. I found this movie to be so unlike what I expected. My 7 year old son even enjoyed it, although quite different from what he would typically enjoy. What was most amazing and inspiring were the customs, the basic story of love, rejection, acceptance and triumph. Also truly captivating was the young girl, Keisha Castle-Hughes, who was nominated for awards, including best actress and most promising new performer. The film also earned a number of other awards for best picture.
The Screenplay was superb as was the soundtrack. Director Niki Caro treats her subject matter with genuine respect, curiosity and effortless grace. A few awards/nominations worth mentioning: Look for this new budding actress. She is only 11 years old! She had a cameo appearance in the Star Wars series-Revenge of the Sith. I am glad that I now have this movie in my collection. It is one that I will undoubtedly watch over again.