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Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, Grant Roa ... see more see more... , Rawinia Clarke , Taungaroa Emile , Tammy Davis , Tahei Simpson , Elizabeth Skeen , Roi Taimana , Mana Taumaunu , Tyronne White , Vicki Haughton , Mabel Wharekawa , Rachel House

Based on the novel of the same name by Maori writer Witi Ihimaera, Whale Rider is a unique family drama directed Niki Caro. On the eastern coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their ances... read more read more...tor Paikea was saved from drowning by riding home on the back of a whale. The tribal group has since granted leadership positions to the first-born males, believing them to be descendants of Paikea. This tradition is challenged when a young mother dies in childbirth along with her newborn male son. His twin sister manages to survive and the father (Cliff Curtis) runs off, overwhelmed with grief. The little girl, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), is brought up by stubborn grandfather Koro (Rawiri Paratene) and gentle grandmother Nanny (Vicky Haughton). Koro, the chief of their tribe, is disappointed because Pai's twin brother was supposed to be the next leader. Trying to find the proper successor, he attempts to organize a leadership group amongst the local boys while Pai enlists the help of her has-been uncle Rawiri (Grant Roa) to teach herself the art of chiefdom. She appears to possess a natural leadership ability and adventurous spirit that draws her to the proliferation of her faltering tribe. Whale Rider premiered at the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival and won the World Cinema Audience Award. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Flixster Users

87% liked it

48,264 ratings

Critics

90% liked it

144 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 45 min.

Directed by: Niki Caro

Release Date: June 6, 2003

Keywords: touching, family, children's

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DVD Release Date: October 28, 2003

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Stats: 3,088 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (3,088)

  • hunterjt13
    April 17, 2012
    hunterjt13
    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 betw... read moreeen 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 Whale Rider, but I don't think I fully got it.
  • RCCLBC
    January 7, 2011
    RCCLBC
    It is not very often that I'm impressed with a child actor. I'm usually just greatful when they don't totally annoy me and/or cheapen the film.

    But every once and awhile, I am blown away (Victoire Thivisol - Ponette / Anna Paquin - The Piano / Christian Bale - Empire Of The... read more Sun) and Keisha Castle-Hughes performance here, is one of those rare ocassions.

    This film is not overly complex, but it is deeply moving and beautifully shot and told. The cast in general is exceptional, but also worth noting is Vicky Haughton as "Nanny Flowers".

    I didn't expect to be as moved by this film as I was, but it really touched me and that has everything to do with the performance of Castle-Hughes. She is completely engaging and totally bealievable in her role. A true "natural".
  • erika250
    July 25, 2010
    erika250
    good plot. I like the fact that they put a really whale in this film.
  • SirPant
    September 22, 2009
    SirPant
    A really touching film, Keisha Castle-Hughes should have won the Oscar in what was one of the greatest performances ever! The speech scene is just awesome cinema!
  • 76Majikat
    May 4, 2009
    76Majikat
    Heard good things about this film and every word of it was true. Great storyline which gives the viewer some kind of insight into the culture and tradition of the group of Maori people in a coastal village in New Zealand.. A fantastic performance from Keisha Castle-Hughes..

    ... read moreThis film totally held me from beginning to end and is very much about the storyline, one which is unique, full of emotion and not by any means a soft girly film, it?s a film of true spirit and loyalty and tradition.
  • CloudStrife84
    July 7, 2008
    CloudStrife84
    Quite touching story, set in the ever-beautiful New Zealand, about a young girl and her determined quest to furfil a special destiny. Great acting by Keisha Castle-Hughes, whose performance here was surely worthy of the Oscar-nomination she later received.

    Overall, however, thi... read mores wasn't really my cup of tea, as I was expecting something a bit more engaging and a little less draggy. It's not that it was bad in any way, it's just more of a movie made for the New Zealanders themselves, who may better relate to the Maori traditions upon which the story here is based.
  • bbcfloridabound
    March 28, 2008
    bbcfloridabound
    A great movie for the whole family. The girls will love it, not sure about the boy's. Its one of those real rainny day movies when there's no sugar in the house and the X-box is broke, once they sit down and start watching it they will be glued to the TV. Adults will enjoy it also.
  • YLOWBSTARDreturns
    February 9, 2008
    YLOWBSTARDreturns
    Heartwarming.
  • DrZeek
    September 11, 2007
    DrZeek
    Koro: When she was born, that's when things went wrong for us.

    This is a great movie about tradition and acceptance.

    It is set in New Zealand, revolving around a Maori tribe. In particular the life of a young girl played by Keisha Castle-Hughes. She is the youngest daughte... read morer in a family where the young male child is always the next in line to be chief. Unfortunately, the male has died, leaving a tension between the grandfather and the young girl.

    The story is so absorbing, slipping in and out of coming of age comedy and drama. There are a number of memorable moments, especially towards the end.

    All of the actors do what is needed. The film is well made, for a limited budget. The tone and pacing is well balanced. This is a wonderful little movie.

    Koro: If you have the tooth of a whale, you must have the jaw of a whale to yield it.
  • ironclad1609
    December 8, 2006
    ironclad1609
    The struggle of a native New Zealand girl for acceptance as the first born in the chief's family. The movie is rather slow, but very poetic and gives an interesting insight into this little known culture. While some parts are more entertaining than others, Keisha Castle-Hughes gi... read moreves a heartwarming performance and the wonderful ending is pure movie magic.

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Critic Reviews

Dennis Harvey
July 22, 2008
Dennis Harvey, Variety

Newcomer Castle-Hughes' unaffected, confident turn makes it credible our heroine might retain her determination and self-worth despite serial setbacks. Full Review

David Ansen
November 1, 2007
David Ansen, Newsweek

The filmmaker knows how to seduce an audience without making it feel had. When a movie's this likable, it would take a very tough crowd not to be pleased. Full Review

Eric Harrison
July 3, 2003
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle

The most effective and moving female empowerment movie in awhile. Full Review

Mick LaSalle
June 27, 2003
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

[The story] is so simple that the audience gets ahead of it from the beginning. Full Review

Jay Boyar
June 27, 2003
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel

The film is closer to a feminist tract. And, like all propaganda, it wants to do all of your thinking for you.

Colin Covert
June 27, 2003
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

A story that J.K. Rowling fans young and old will savor. Full Review

Tom Long
June 27, 2003
Tom Long, Detroit News

It's enough to make you think people really can talk to whales.

Terry Lawson
June 27, 2003
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press

A whopping good yarn. Full Review

Philip Wuntch
June 27, 2003
Philip Wuntch, Dallas Morning News

A film of elegant simplicity that seamlessly combines reality and mythology. It's also one of the year's most beautiful films. Full Review

Lisa Kennedy
June 27, 2003
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

Whale Rider is one of those book-me -a-ticket yesterday movies. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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  • In the movie "Whale Rider", what is the name of the New Zealand tribe that character Pai ultimately and against her grandfather's wishes ends up inheriting leadership of, making her the very first female of said tribe?  Answer »
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