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Whale Rider (2003)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted: 137
Fresh: 123
Rotten:14
Average Rating: 7.7/10
Consensus: An empowering and uplifting movie, with a wonderful performance by Castle-Hughes.
Rated: PG-13 [See Full Rating] for brief language and a momentary drug reference
Runtime: 1 hr 45 mins
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:Jun 6, 2003 Limited
Box Office: $20,661,128
Synopsis:
In a small New Zealand coastal village, Maori claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. In every generation for more than 1000 years, a male heir born to the Chief succeeds to the title.
The...
In a small New Zealand coastal village, Maori claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. In every generation for more than 1000 years, a male heir born to the Chief succeeds to the title.
The time is now. The Chief's eldest son, Porourangi, fathers twins - a boy and a girl. But the boy and his mother die in childbirth. The surviving girl is named Pai.
Grief-stricken, her father leaves her to be raised by her grandparents. Koro, her grandfather who is the Chief, refuses to acknowledge Pai as the inheritor of the tradition and claims she is of no use to him. But her grandmother, Flowers, sees more than a broken line, she sees a child in desperate need of love.
And Koro learns to love the child. When Pai's father, Porourangi, now a feted international artist, returns home after twelve years, Koro hopes everything is resolved and Porourangi will to accept destiny and become his successor.
But Porourangi has no intention of becoming Chief. He has moved away from his people both physically and emotionally. After a bitter argument with Koro he leaves, suggesting to Pai that she come with him. She starts the journey but quickly returns, claiming her grandfather needs her.
Koro is blinded by prejudice and even Flowers cannot convince him that Pai is the natural heir. The old Chief is convinced that the tribe's misfortunes began at Pai's birth and calls for his people to bring their 12-year-old boys to him for training.
He is certain that through a gruelling process of teaching the ancient chants, tribal lore and warrior techniques, the future leader of their tribe will be revealed to him.
Meanwhile, deep within the ocean, a massive herd of whales is responding, drawn towards Pai and their twin destinies.
When the whales become stranded on the beach, Koro is sure this signals an apocalyptic end to his tribe. Until one person prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the people. The Whale Rider. -- © Newmarket Capital Group
Starring: Vicky Haughton, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Cliff Curtis
Starring: Vicky Haughton, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Cliff Curtis, Grant Roa, Mana Taumaunu
Director: Niki Caro
Director: Niki Caro
Screenwriter: Niki Caro
Producer: John Barnett, Tim Sanders, Frank Hubner
Studio: Newmarket Films
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Reviews for Whale Rider
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.
“Whale Rider” is a mystical, gentle movie that goes beyond the boundaries of the usual coming-of-age film.
...an uncommonly intelligent, well-crafted movie that -- despite the curious PG-13 rating -- parents shouldn't hesitate to see with their kids.
The climactic revelation, when it comes, is something so ambitious that I never would have dreamed it would work convincingly. But it does.
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...
The key to "Whale Rider's" appeal is that the film doesn't force an opinion upon its viewers
Young Keisha Castle-Hughes is a Down Under wonder in the lead as Pai, a spunky little Maori girl who could.
'Niki Caro's striking visual images match her elegant, understated prose creating an uplifting story.'
The movie is smart with its storytelling and delivers several powerful scenes.
Simpático e bem-humorado, o filme é imensamente beneficiado pela brilhante atuação de sua jovem protagonista, Keisha Castle-Hughes.
Latest News for Whale Rider
November 30, 2006:
Box Office Guru Preview: "Nativity" Leads Trio of New Releases
The post-turkey blues will kick in as the North American box office should slump this weekend following a busy Thanksgiving holiday frame. More...
October 06, 2006:
16-Year-Old "Whale Rider" Star To Be A Mommy
Young Oscar-nominated actress Keisha Castle-Hughes, who starred in the lauded New Zealand drama "Whale Rider" at the tender age of 12, has announced that she's... More...
August 24, 2005:
Danny Boyle's "Sun" Begins to Shine
Thanks to ComingSoon.net for sharing a press release from Fox Searchlight regarding Danny Boyle's "Sunshine" -- and the fact that it began shooting yesterday. More...
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