. The bull whale pulls itself onto shore and strands itself there, waiting for its death. The Maori were the first human beings to live in New Zealand and brought with them a highly evolved Stone Age culture. It is also possible to rent "Whale Rider" on Amazon Video, Alamo on Demand online and to download it on Alamo on Demand, Amazon . The focus shifts to a herd of whales. The many harms caused to victims of prejudice can be placed into two classes. The story is all about how the Maori people will hold on to their tradition while navigating the strange tides of modern times. Traditional myths and information about navigation are carved into the walls. Kahu Kahu is the chief protagonist of the story. HEMI: For us fellas, to teach us the old ways and that. Cinemark The Ta moko was predominately for males and among traditional Maori it was rare that a woman would have tattoos. Her koro Apirana believes that this is a role reserved for males only. For the boy who would be chief. You're almost there! Whale Rider streaming: where to watch online? Like most other indigenous cultures, Maori tribes were no match for the diseases and gun-based military prowess of the Europeans. He teaches the boys to use a taiaha (fighting stick), which is traditionally reserved for males. The Whale Rider Together with Yavaraj Athur Raghuvir I watched the movie called The Whale Rider which deals with the issue of cultural restrains both as an individual and as a society. The narrator of this time period is Rawiri, her uncle. This quote articulates the idea of Kahu's physical and spiritual connection to Whangara. Kahu finds Current time: coastal Maori village in New Zealand. 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. While some humans take advantage of these whales to harvest their meat and organs, most of the locals of Whangara attempt to organize a rescue attempt and deliver the whales back to sea. The film's plot follows the story of Paikea Apirana ("Pai"). Whale Rider introduces its protagonist, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), experiencing a trauma shared by countless other Disney heroines: her mother's death. As for Kahu, she has returned to stay with her father longer-term. The movie was based on the novel, The Whale Rider by Witi Tame Ihimaera. Another symbolic action in the scene occurs when Pai ties the rope and uses it to make the engine start. Kahu does not mind all this anger from Koro though, and she continues to fervently seek his love and acceptance. But we can learn. She leads a group of young girls in a traditional dance and also recites a speech she wrote in the Maori tongue. Keiko vs Porourangi (nobody knows vs. whale rider) Pais father is not around but Pai is growing up in the care of her . When Pai is found and brought to the hospital, Koro declares her the leader and asks for her forgiveness. There are several symbolic meanings in the scene that starts with Koro unsuccessfully trying to use a rope to start an engine. Cebeci, Ali. The movie, which takes place in the present day in New . What does this suggest about the tribes problems? 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. Not affiliated with Harvard College. For the film, see, Storylines Children's Literature Foundation of New Zealand Notable Books List, "The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera Read by Jay Lagaaia | Audiobook Review", "Reading Resolution: "The Whale Rider" by Witi Ihimaera", "The Most Translated Books From Every Country in the World", "Te Kaieke Tohor by Witi Ihimaera, n Tmoti Kretu i whakamori", "Remarkable Kiwis win the non-fiction Children's Choice award | Scoop News", "Film-making in the service of identity politics", "The God of Small Things to Shuggie Bain: the Queen's jubilee book list", "The Big Jubilee Read: Books from 1982 to 1991", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Whale_Rider&oldid=1088553471, This page was last edited on 18 May 2022, at 18:34. Give it a location, a full geography, a population and a myth that explains how the tribe arrived on the island and what traditions it follows. Whale Rider is a 2002 New Zealand drama film written and directed by Niki Caro. Click the card to flip . Copyright Fandango. He is sent with Rawiri to tie the rope around the ancient whale's tail in their effort to rescue the whale. Lesson plans based on movies & film clips! Her grandfather Koro believes that this is a role reserved for males only. PG-13 (Momentary Drug Reference|Brief Language), Kids & family, 9. Identify some of the scenes in which this struggle is shown. Unfortunately the boy dies while the girl lives, and resentful is the elder who blames the girl for the sons death since he was the last recent hope for the village to gain a chief. 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. Unknown to all, she had won an interschool speech contest with a touching dedication to Koro and the traditions of the village. In the time of the story he is in his early twenties. The website's critical consensus states, "An empowering and uplifting movie, with a wonderful performance by Castle-Hughes". The tribe founded by Paikea has always been led by the previous chief's firstborn son, in a line of descent stretching . However, he is unable to let go, and thoughts of returning to the place of his youth at whatever cost gnaw at his heart. ForEnglish Language Arts Classes, the movie offers an opportunity to explore theme and the literary devices of characterization, metaphor, symbol, and foil. Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Jurassic Park Movies Ranked By Tomatometer, The Most Anticipated TV & Streaming Shows of March 2023, Pokmon Detective Pikachu Sequel Finds Its Writer and Director, and More Movie News. The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth: Season 8, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 1, Link to Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Link to The Most Anticipated TV & Streaming Shows of March 2023. The bull whale is an ancient whale, about 65 feet long. Whale Rider [Maori title: Te Kaieke Tohora] is a 2002 film based on the book The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Touching and powerful, Whale Rider is extraordinarily well-crafted film. Pai is intelligent, patient, and fun. In revenge, Rua-Tapu decided to kill all of his half-brothers, including Paikea. 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. 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. At this point, fearing Pai is lost, Nanny reveals to Koro that his granddaughter found the rei puta, and Koro is stunned into realizing the error of his ways. Synopsis. In voiceover, Pai declares, "My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs stretching all the way back to the Whale Rider. These scenes include those that show Maori families as dysfunctional or Maori people abusing alcohol. So, it is the typical story of a young outsider making a moving film and then vanishing. The rope breaks and Koro leaves to find another. Watch Whale Rider: The Descendants Of Paikea, Watch Whale Rider: Pai Dives Into The Water. This custom died out by the end of the 1800s, although Maori continued tattooing other parts of their bodies. 2. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. Koro tries to maintain order. Teachers can modify the worksheets to fit the needs of each class. Whale Rider is a film directed by Niki Caro (2002). It was waiting. This will increase their appreciation for the movie. Coming Soon. Pai, the protagonist, briefly explains the story of Paikeia, the legendary Whale Rider who founded Maori civilization. Although the young New Zealand girl dreams of . The Whale Rider study guide contains a biography of author Witi Ihimaera, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. The women carry on with their lives accepting the men, yet criticizing the mens thinking. It was shot on location in Whangara, the setting of the novel. The story follows a 12-year-old Maori girl named Paikea Apirana who struggles to earn her . Later during the taiaha lesson, and when he and Paikea. This highlights Paikeas decision to struggle against the fate that would have been hers had she not become Chief. But her Grandfather, Koro Apirana, wanted a male chief for his tradition. "[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. This 10-digit number is your confirmation number. ", The film had budget of NZ$9,235,000. What is revealed about Pai and her uncle in this episode? See also Discussion questions numbered 3, 8 and 10. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. Links to the Internet It was assembled from parts of previous supercontinents by the Late Precambrian time, some 600 million years ago. Students can then be asked to take a deeper look and research questions that have been discussed in class. Ultimately, all the dedicated efforts of Rawiri, his friends, Nanny, and all the other locals fail and all of the whales perish on the beach. Terms and Policies The whale has to balance between current responsibilities as leader of the herd on one hand, and nostalgia for past times on the other. However, Pais father, the next in line, has declined to accept the role. Encourage students to discuss what was happening in. "Not you, Hemi.". Moral-Ethical Emphasis This is called hongi, a gesture that is the social equivalent of a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks. director of photography Film Editing by David Coulson Casting By Diana Rowan Production Design by Grant Major Reremoana is Rawiri's cousin living in Australia, she has--according to Rawiri--changed her name and appearance and has assimilated into the big city culture of Sydney. Select imprint on 22 August 2017. An empowering and uplifting movie, with a wonderful performance by Castle-Hughes. Pai feels that she can become the leader (although no woman has ever done so) and is determined to succeed. subsistance is based on. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. See Questions Suitable for Any Film That is a Work of Fiction. 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. All of the problems with prejudice are shown in this film. A man to lead a new people. 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. 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. The brief introduction suggested below will orient students to the film and provide background about Maori culture. Paikea Apiranas grandfather is the Chief of a small Maori tribe in modern-day New Zealand. Jeff then invites Rawiri to accompany him as he returns to help his parents on their plantation in Papua New Guinea. The film earned $41.4 million[3] on a NZ$9,235,000 budget. . 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. Possible Problems All of the main characters are impacted by the dynamic between tradition and modernity. [2] Additional financing came from ApolloMedia, Filmstiftung NRW, the New Zealand Film Commission and NZ On Air. 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." 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. 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. Possible Problems Adapt the presentation to the needs of particular classes. Despite their best efforts, they are not able to do so and Koro returns dejected. Coming Soon, Regal 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. Although Pai works hard to earn Koros respect, she is rebuffed each time she tries to master an activity traditionally reserved for males. 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. He needs to find individuals who will be able to carry the burden of leadership and navigate the Maori people through the chaotic waters of modernity. Paikea: And he came on the back of a whale. 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. [5], The Whale Rider has been a worldwide bestseller, and is the most-translated work by a New Zealand author. Plot Summary of Whale Rider 1. What important aspects of character are shown at the films end? The symbol is that even with everyone in the tribe pulling together, the purpose cannot be accomplished without the proper leader. [4] Casting director Diana Rowan visited numerous schools to find an actress to play Pai. Discussion Questions Bridges to Reading There is a vast difference between movies for 12-year-old girls, and movies about 12-year-old girls, and "Whale Rider" proves it. Pai is originally born a twin, but her twin brother and her mother died during childbirth. 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. Instead, Nanny Flowers, Koros wife and Kahus great-grandmother, must enlist the aid of Rawiri and some friends to help her bury it herself in the town center. 8. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. Maori consciousness is shaped by reverence for ancestors and the past. The indie film Whale Rider is an engrossing character drama with an inspirational message. The Girl Who Could Every culture has principles that create a foundation for its belief system, and changing these principles is disdained. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter 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. She respects and loves both her grandfather and Maori tribal traditions. Expectations and disappointments. Kahu herself plays a prominent role in the ceremony. 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. Nanny orders Rawiri not to tell Koro of this strange incident, as he is not yet ready to accept Kahus special status. 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 story begins with a focus on the ancient days, when nature and all wildlife were excitedly waiting for the coming of man. 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. 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. The Whale Rider Quotes and Analysis. This is an echo of the earlier symbol of the rope. Selected Awards & Cast, Using the Movie in the Classroom Cinemark Pai wanted to show Koro how strong she was so he could love her. Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for the 2004 Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. This conflict can be seen in Native American cultures today and is often the source of individual as well as tribal difficulties. The movie won many awards at film festivals. Back home, Rawiri notes that Koro has become even more obsessed in his mission of finding a male successor. However, if you can relate the situation of Paikea or the grandfather to a struggle being waged by someone your child knows, it would be worthwhile to highlight the connection with a comment. 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. Porourangi later tells his daughter that the old man is looking for something that no longer exists. However, the great tragedy of the event is that Koro never shows up. 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. Whale Rider On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their presence there dates back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. She bears a deep love for her mate and thus is concerned about his growing desire to return to the islands of his youth. uneven distributions of wealth. 2. 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. The Whale Rider is a 1987 novel by New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. "The Whale Rider Summary". The villagers desperately try to help the whales, pulling together as implied by the tribal custom, becoming the living image of the strands that make up the rope of a united village.

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