But her Grandfather, Koro Apirana, wanted a male chief for his tradition. While her grandfather, Koro, later forms an affectionate bond with his granddaughter, carrying her to school every day on his bicycle, he also condemns her and blames her for conflicts within the tribe. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. She respects and loves both her grandfather and Maori tribal traditions. When the canoe was far out to sea, he moved his foot and all aboard drowned except for Rua-Tapu and Paikea, the latter being saved by a whale who took him to New Zealand. He is influenced by the symbols of the unfolding world around him. The film received critical acclaim and Castle-Hughes's performance won rave reviews. " Women, like men, should try to do the impossible, and when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others."-. There is no attempt to concretely examine, from a critical perspective, the social system and class oppression that determine the daily realities of ordinary Maori. Before Europeans arrived, the Maori language was not written. This conflict can be seen in Native American cultures today and is often the source of individual as well as tribal difficulties. 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. Back home, Rawiri notes that Koro has become even more obsessed in his mission of finding a male successor. But to break with convention, she'll have to do the impossible: win over her ultra-traditional grandfather (Rawiri Paratene). 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. Possible Problems The waka was given to the Whangara community after filming concluded.[5]. Koro acknowledges that Paikea will succeed him as Chief of the tribe. Worksheet for Cinematic and Theatrical Elements and Their Effects. Factory released a 15th anniversary Blu-ray of Whale Rider on their Shout! I know, I know, I still need to get the cast names in there and I'll be eternally tweaking it, so if you have any corrections, feel free to drop me a . 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. We wont be able to verify your ticket today, but its great to know for the future. Waiting to be filled up. However, this canoe was designed to have a hole that Rua-Tapu kept sealed with the heel of his foot. Best Actress nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes stars in this moving coming-of-age story, set in a modern-day Maori village. 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. The Maori were fierce warriors and would, at times, dine on their conquered enemies. The image is an example of a ticket confirmation email that AMC sent you when you purchased your ticket. (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.) The Whale Rider essays are academic essays for citation. A man so old that he now has great-grandchildren, Koro is weighed down with the task of finding the right successors to his chieftaincy. Nanny is the wife of Koro and the motherly figure for most of the other main characters. Waiting for someone to love it. Like many indigenous people, Porourangi is torn between two civilizations. When the prejudice is gone, they can fully enjoy Paikea. Amelia Earhart. He tells her that what she did was dangerous. By creating an account, you agree to the 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. Suduiko, Aaron ed. At age 12, she enlists the help of her grandmother (Vicky Haughton) and the training of her uncle (Grant Roa) to claim her birthright. Another symbolic action in the scene occurs when Pai ties the rope and uses it to make the engine start. Had Pai not been able to save the whales, she would not have been able to be Chief and pursue the life she wanted. At age 13, Keisha Castle-Hughes became the youngest nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actress before she was surpassed by Quvenzhan Wallis, at age 9, for Beasts of the Southern Wild, in 2012, less than a decade later. This part concludes with another momentous event. See production, box office & company info. Whale Rider (2002) Full Cast & Crew See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Directed by Niki Caro Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) verified as complete Produced by Music by Lisa Gerrard Cinematography by Leon Narbey . Read the Study Guide for The Whale Rider, Tradition as a Tool for Oppressing Women in Witi Ihimaeras The Whale Rider, The Influence of Beliefs on Individual Life in Witi Ihimaeras The Whale Rider., View Wikipedia Entries for The Whale Rider. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter She never lets her anger get the best of her. Overjoyed, the whale returns to sea and it descends back into the water with the rest of the herd and Kahu in tow. Please click the link below to receive your verification email. Discussion Questions Returning to Kahus tale, Rawiri narrates that he decided to see a bit of the world when Kahu was in her fourth year. Although Pais grandfather, Koro, loves his granddaughter, he is determined to find a male to serve as his successor. 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. 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. This is called hongi, a gesture that is the social equivalent of a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks. Though the film brims with authenticity, it is almost too authentic. ----- 6. ForEnglish Language Arts Classes, the movie offers an opportunity to explore theme and the literary devices of characterization, metaphor, symbol, and foil. He is the grandson of Koro and thus the uncle of Kahu. Called Ta moko,, they consist of important symbols that help individuals express their unique identities. They head towards a sea trench that used to provide them bounty and shelter but they find there an inhospitable and radioactive place. Plan and present a debate on the elimination of gender roles in society. This will presage a scene in the film. There is no reason he should not be chief. 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. After the death of his wife and despite overwhelming pressure from Koro, Pai's father refuses to assume traditional leadership or finish the waka that he had started building for the baby son; instead, he moves to Germany to pursue a career as an artist. The rope breaks and Koro leaves to find another. In desperation, Kahu swims out to the whale and climbs up its back after communicating with it. [4] Plot [ edit] Carving of Paikea at Whangara 's marae The problem in Koros mind, however, is that Porourangis eldest child is now Kahu, whobecause she is femaleis not fit to lead according to Koro. He is sent with Rawiri to tie the rope around the ancient whale's tail in their effort to rescue the whale. It is the present day, but the director has been careful not to be specific. Nanny is connected in lineage to Muriwai, a brave, independent ancestress, famous for her strength. Her grandfather Koro believes that this is a role reserved for males only. [5], The Whale Rider has been a worldwide bestseller, and is the most-translated work by a New Zealand author. The father and grandfather argue after the slide show, and the father goes to pull down the white sheet that was hung over some drapes to act as a screen. Not only is this the land of her father's family, but it is also . All rights reserved. What does it symbolize? The symbol is that even with everyone in the tribe pulling together, the purpose cannot be accomplished without the proper leader. Unknown to all, she had won an interschool speech contest with a touching dedication to Koro and the traditions of the village. Set in the 1980s in Whangara, a Mori community on the eastern edge of New Zealand's North Island, the novel is a retelling of the myth of Paikea. What idea in this speech offers the solution to the problem faced by both Koro and the Maori as a whole? Her koro Apirana believes that this is a role reserved for males only. Terms and Policies The Ta moko was predominately for males and among traditional Maori it was rare that a woman would have tattoos. All the whales of a herd come and to the beach and strand themselves there. Keiko vs Porourangi (nobody knows vs. whale rider) Pais father is not around but Pai is growing up in the care of her . resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. In 2005, the film was named on the BFI List of the 50 Films You Should See By the Age of 14. Which of the evils of prejudice are shown operating in this movie? What idea is conveyed by this scene? Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". Identify some of the scenes in which this struggle is shown. The symbolic meaning stated by Koro is that each strand of the rope represents an ancestor with the rope being the tribe. All of the problems with prejudice are shown in this film. Astraightforward man who seems to have acquired his wealth through hard work and determination. Moral-Ethical Emphasis 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. Paikea Apiranas grandfather is the Chief of a small Maori tribe in modern-day New Zealand. I'm not a prophet, but I know that our people will keep going forward, all together, with all of our strength. Paikeas father, Porourangi, is the most important example of this. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. The film's plot follows the story of Paikea Apirana ("Pai"). He is also skilled in the art of fighting with war sticks, which in the movie is a symbol for being able to be a Maori chief. If we'd gone somewhere else and tried to manufacture the surroundings and the ambience, then I think it would have been noticeable in the picture. Whale Rider transmisin en espaol. A man to lead a new people. 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. When Pai is found and brought to the hospital, Koro declares her the leader and asks for her forgiveness. At this point, even Koro understands that a leader may emerge, not from tradition, but in the form of a young girl who has the character, skill and desire to be chief. The story is all about how the Maori people will hold on to their tradition while navigating the strange tides of modern times. He notes that when all of the threads are woven together they make a strong rope. The story begins with a focus on the ancient days, when nature and all wildlife were excitedly waiting for the coming of man. Thus out of disdain for the girl, Koro refuses to show any love towards her and even refuses to conduct the traditional burial of the birth cord. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. [4] Casting director Diana Rowan visited numerous schools to find an actress to play Pai. 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. Like most other indigenous cultures, Maori tribes were no match for the diseases and gun-based military prowess of the Europeans. 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. [2][3] In 2002 it was adapted into a film, Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro.[4]. BENEFITS OF THE MOVIE He drops a rock in the sea and once it has sunk to the depths, he tells the boys they must retrieve it as a test of their endurance and strength and ability to lead. Maori consciousness is shaped by reverence for ancestors and the past. TWM has not read the book. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. Then a pod of whales, an animal revered by the Maori, beaches itself on the sand near the tribes home. 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. The entire village attempts to coax and drag them back into the water, but all efforts prove unsuccessful, and even a tractor does not help. Dont worry, it wont take long. 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 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. In this story, the Taiaha, the ability to fight with war sticks is a symbol. 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. She finds the rei puta, which means that she is the rightful leader. 1. 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. The film earned $41.4 million[3] on a NZ$9,235,000 budget. [2] Additional financing came from ApolloMedia, Filmstiftung NRW, the New Zealand Film Commission and NZ On Air. Sep 30, 2014. An empowering and uplifting movie, with a wonderful performance by Castle-Hughes. The visitors respond and the calls go back and forth as the newcomers enter the location where the meeting is to occur. When she is born, her great-grandfather expresses great disdain that she is a girl. And if knowledge is given to everyone, we can have lots of leaders. The film was a coproduction between New Zealand and Germany. with updates on movies, TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more. Drama Family A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. the Terms and Policies, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. The Whale Rider The revered figure of Whangara's Maori people and Kahu's direct ancestor, the whale rider develops an extremely close bond with a whale. 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. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. His anguish is now doubled as he must accept that he has been so harsh to the very person he needed so badly this whole time. The genius of the movie is the way is sidesteps all of the obvious cliches of the underlying story and makes itself fresh, observant, tough and genuinely moving. Rawiri accompanies him but eventually leaves due to the increasingly apparent racism ofRawiri's family (especially coming from his mother). These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Kahu is the chief protagonist of the story. Pai is intelligent, patient, and fun. But a lot of the credit has to go to newcomer Keisha Castle-Hughes, who gives an amazingly heartbreaking performance that's incredibly compelling. However, Pai is strong. No matter where you may go, you will always return. Part I begins by refocusing on the herd of whales. The plants and animals in New Zealand have evolved into forms that are slightly different from those on the other land masses. Now, so many years after their separation, the nostalgia for their time spent together cuts away at the old bull whale. The women let the men think that the men are the bosses. He is looking for a suitable successor, which according to local culture ought to be passed from eldest child to eldest child. The movie won many awards at film festivals. The Whale Rider is a 1987 novel by New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. This is an echo of the earlier symbol of the rope. 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. The 2002 film Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro, is an adaptation of Witi Ihimaera's 1987 novel The Whale Rider, itself based on the Mori legend of Paikea, or Kahutia Te Rangi, who rode from the ancestral home of Hawaiki to New Zealand's East Coast on the back of a whale. 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. In 1840, British rule over the Maori was formalized in the Treaty of Waitangi, which granted British citizenship and land rights to the indigenous people of New Zealand, although most of the country was confiscated for European settlers. GradeSaver, 6 April 2015 Web. The bull whale pulls itself onto shore and strands itself there, waiting for its death. So, it is the typical story of a young outsider making a moving film and then vanishing. Pai ties the rope together and then easily starts the engine. For example, according to tradition, Paikeas father should stay in the village and assume the role of Chief. Click here for a still picture of two women calling a karanga. whangara iri. The old whale remembers the days when man and animal were united and in communication, but those are long past. Watch Whale Rider: The Descendants Of Paikea, Watch Whale Rider: Pai Dives Into The Water. . 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. Students can examine their own concepts of gender roles as they watch entrenched sexism diminish through the course of the film. In every generation for more than one thousand years, a male heir born to the Chief succeeds to the title. [6] In 1995 it was translated into Mori by Tmoti Kretu, as Te kaieke tohor. Show in your presentation the great variety found in the various myths and make clear what each myth attempts to explain. All of the main characters are impacted by the dynamic between tradition and modernity. 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. You will never be lost to us.'". 6. Read the Study Guide for The Whale Rider, Tradition as a Tool for Oppressing Women in Witi Ihimaeras The Whale Rider, The Influence of Beliefs on Individual Life in Witi Ihimaeras The Whale Rider., View Wikipedia Entries for The Whale Rider. "The Whale Rider Characters". But then the story shifts to Kahu. He ran his plantation until being struck by a debilitating injury, and now relies on his son to take care of their land. Whale Rider ver Whale Rider en lnea gratis | Mire pelculas en lnea a travs de los mejores videos HD de 1080p gratuitos en computadoras de escritorio, computadoras porttiles, tabletas, iPhone, iPad, Mac Pro y ms. Pai makes an important point that clearly establishes theme in the speech she delivers in honor of her grandfather: I broke the line back to the ancient ones. Porourangi later tells his daughter that the old man is looking for something that no longer exists. Whale Rider is a 2002 New Zealand drama film written and directed by Niki Caro. Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for the 2004 Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Setting. 12. Kahu does not mind all this anger from Koro though, and she continues to fervently seek his love and acceptance. Pais father needed to distance himself from the place where he lived with his wife and where he lost both his wife and his son. See also Discussion questions numbered 3, 8 and 10. Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! The message is clear and requires no discussion. TV Shows. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. 11. In recent years, tattooing has become common for both men and women. Movies. Our ancestor, Paikea. Towards the end of the year, Kahu invites her family to a school ceremony that will include cultural presentations. The Girl Who Could Every culture has principles that create a foundation for its belief system, and changing these principles is disdained. Cebeci, Ali. ", The film had budget of NZ$9,235,000. Pai confidently declares she'll find it and dives into the water. (Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule; Be tolerant of differences; Use good manners, not bad language; Be considerate of the feelings of others; Dont threaten, hit or hurt anyone; Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements). Many Maori carvings show fierce faces with stuck out tongues. This is clearly shown in the scene in which he rallies the tribe to try to save the whales. GradeSaver, 6 April 2015 Web. They will soon die if they are not pushed back to sea. a tribe. What important aspects of character are shown at the films end? The Whale Rider essays are academic essays for citation. Nanny also has a deep love and softness for offspring. She is attuned to the traditional Mori way of life, and may have inherited the ability to speak to whales. Some of the symbolic meanings in the scene are stated by Koro while others can be recognized by the viewer. Please reference Error Code 2121 when contacting customer service. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news! Germany is very far away from the life of the tribe, in terms of both distance and culture. . The tribe founded by Paikea has always been led by the previous chief's firstborn son, in a line of descent stretching . Hemis father comes to see his son for a brief part of the ceremony at the school and then leaves with his friends. "[7] The whale beaching was depicted using full-scale models created by Auckland-based Glasshammer Visual Effects. Although the young New Zealand girl dreams of . 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. Later during the taiaha lesson, and when he and Paikea. According to myth, Paikea was the founder of the Maori people. Just confirm how you got your ticket. Koro sees that as a sign of his failure and despairs further. [9] By comparison, Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 top reviews from mainstream critics, calculated an average score of 79, based on 31 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". After students have seen the film, engage the class in a discussion about the themes of the story. As demonstrated throughout the movie, all People share the same type of emotions: they get upset, angry, sad, happy, indiffeent and happy. It is Pai who saves the whales and, in so doing convinces, her grandfather that she should be Chief. Her leadership qualities, knowledge of Maori culture, and skill with the Taiaha cannot gain for her what they would had she been a firstborn son. More books than SparkNotes. "[16], The film has also been discussed and praised widely within academia. She is a stubborn, determined, and brave women not afraid to stand up to her husband. Whale Rider (2002) Mana Taumaunu as Hemi. Students can be assessed using the standards to which they are accustomed on the depth of information presented and on the quality of the oral report. comes - then goes off so soon with his mates. What does this suggest about the tribes problems? One of the students, Hemi, is also sympathetic towards her. 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. She demonstrates racist tendencies when Rawiri comes to help them maintain their plantation. Kahu finds Current time: coastal Maori village in New Zealand. Her mother's last words are "Paikeia. Encouraged by the Labour Party and union bureaucracy, they turned Maori workers instead towards the struggle for indigenous rightsin particular land rightsand the rediscovery of tribal identity. He invited them, 70 in some versions and 140 in others, for a trip in a beautiful ocean-going canoe that he had built. See Hongi Example #1 for an image of the traditional Maori greeting. 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. 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. Throughout the book, symbols in his environment cause him to contemplate his morals and true beliefs. But we can learn. Nanny orders Rawiri not to tell Koro of this strange incident, as he is not yet ready to accept Kahus special status. As a visiting group moves into the formal meeting area, they are welcomed by a call from a woman of the household or village. But Koro always rejected Pai just because she's a girl. It was last revised on July 21, 2011. Whale Rider [Maori title: Te Kaieke Tohora] is a 2002 film . Touching and powerful, Whale Rider is extraordinarily well-crafted film. 5. Coming Soon, Regal 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. 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. Before the Maori found New Zealand and colonized it a little more than a thousand years ago, the only mammals that inhabited New Zealand were two species of bats. 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. Two additional interesting assignments are: A. Suduiko, Aaron ed. Paikea: There was no gladness when I was born. However his twin sister, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), survives. Activities. There are several possible reasons. One day, Koro takes some of his star pupils out to sea.