Whale Rider

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Cast

Keisha Castle-Hughes
as Paikea `Pai' Apirana

Rawiri Paratene
as Koro

Vicky Haughton
as Nanny Flowers

Cliff Curtis
as Porourangi

Grant Roa
as Uncle Rawiri

Mana Taumaunu
as Hemi

Rachel House
as Shilo

Taungaroa Emile
as Willie

Tammy Davis
as Dog

Mabel Wharekawa
as Maka

Rawinia Clarke
as Miro

Tahei Simpson
as Miss Parata

Roi Taimana
as Rewi

Elizabeth Skeen
as Rehua

Tyronne White
as Jake

Taupua Whakataka-Brightwell
as Ropata

Tenia McClutchie-Mita
as Wiremu

Peter Patuwai
as Bubba

Rutene Spooner
as Parekura

Riccardo Davis
as Maui

Apiata Whangaparita-Apanui
as Henare

John Sumner
as Obstetrician

Sam Woods
as Young Rawiri

Pura Tangira
as Driver

Jane O'Kane
as Anne

Heemi Taumaunu
as Fisherman

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News & Interviews for Whale Rider

Critic Reviews for Whale Rider

Audience Reviews for Whale Rider

• Sep 30, 2014

  The indie film Whale Rider is an engrossing character drama with an inspirational message. The story follows a 12-year-old Maori girl named Paikea Apirana who struggles to earn her grandfather's love and respect, but is neglected and belittled as he seeks to find a new chief to lead the Maori tribe. The relationship between Paikea and her grandfather is exceptionally well-written and feels remarkably real. But a lot of the credit has to go to newcomer Keisha Castle-Hughes, who gives an amazingly heartbreaking performance that's incredibly compelling. Touching and powerful, Whale Rider is extraordinarily well-crafted film.
  Dann M Super Reviewer
• Feb 07, 2013

  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. A small coastal community of Maoris deal daily with being New Zealanders while not being entirely so, particularly hard for a young pubescent lass ostracized because of her sex, despite that she offers hope of continuing traditions. Good performances by all the leads though the story worries around a barn door being open long, long after the horse has already gone.
  Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
• Jan 03, 2013

  So, it is the typical story of a young outsider making a moving film and then vanishing. Such is the case with Keisha Castle Hughes. The Kiwis have given us a few uplifting films involving their aboriginal peoples and this one is particularly memorable.
  

  John B Super Reviewer
• Apr 17, 2012

  A young girl might fulfill a prophecy in an indigenous New Zealand community. Though the film brims with authenticity, it is almost too authentic. 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 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. Overall, I liked <i>Whale Rider</i>, but I don't think I fully got it.
  Jim H Super Reviewer

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