1. You're almost there! This part concludes with another momentous event. Pai is female and so technically cannot inherit the leadership. One day, Koro takes some of his star pupils out to sea. Nanny does not think Koro is ready to accept this and does not tell him. 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. During the course of his stay, Rawiri has to face racist behavior from Jeffs social circle, especially his mother. Moral-Ethical Emphasis His father was a Chief in Hawaiiki with many wives and numerous children. A rope is seen in the episode in which the villagers try to help the beached whales return to the sea. Moral-Ethical Emphasis, Assignments and Projects The film ends with Pai's father, grandparents, and uncle coming together to celebrate her status as the new leader, as the finished waka is hauled into the sea for its maiden voyage. 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. By what name was Whale Rider (2002) officially released in India in English? Pais defeat of Hemi is a symbol that she is the leader for whom Koro is searching. [4] Plot [ edit] Carving of Paikea at Whangara 's marae However, he is unable to let go, and thoughts of returning to the place of his youth at whatever cost gnaw at his heart. One of the students, Hemi, is also sympathetic towards her. Touching and powerful, Whale Rider is extraordinarily well-crafted film. [8] The 60ft (18m)-long waka seen at the end of the film was made in two-halves in Auckland before being transported to Whangara. Privacy Policy Nanny tells Pai that her uncle, Rawiri, knows some things worth knowing . Other songs heard in the film include:[21], This article is about the film. Whale Rider transmisin en espaol. This is especially harmful to children who grow up as second-class citizens in a society that condones prejudice. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. When Rua-Tapu tried to use a sacred comb belonging to one of his high-born brothers, he was humiliated by the Chief who made it clear that Rua-Tapu was of a lower caste than his siblings. The message is clear and requires no discussion. 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. Koro is enraged when he finds out, particularly when she wins a taiaha fight against Hemi. 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. Other characters have disappointments too, e.g. Film Study Worksheet for ELA Classes; and. She never lets her anger get the best of her. They will soon die if they are not pushed back to sea. She demonstrates racist tendencies when Rawiri comes to help them maintain their plantation. Bridges to Reading TV Shows. Two additional interesting assignments are: A. Castle-Hughes impressed Caro in the resulting workshop and was cast as Pai. 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. Such is the case with Keisha Castle Hughes. Kahu finds Current time: coastal Maori village in New Zealand. Part I begins by refocusing on the herd of whales. Our ancestor, Paikea. Nanny is connected in lineage to Muriwai, a brave, independent ancestress, famous for her strength. 6. Plot Summary of Whale Rider 1. Coming Soon. Before Europeans arrived, the Maori language was not written. Another example of family dysfunction is Hemis father. Read critic reviews. As a result, Rawiri becomes overweight and escapes into alcohol or other drugs. 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. Activities. When Jeff is called back to his parents plantation in Papua New Guinea, he asks Rawiri to accompany him and so the two leave Australia for Papua New Guinea. Later during the taiaha lesson, and when he and Paikea. Whale Rider premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2002. 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. It was assembled from parts of previous supercontinents by the Late Precambrian time, some 600 million years ago. Coming Soon, Regal Nanny orders Rawiri not to tell Koro of this strange incident, as he is not yet ready to accept Kahus special status. Adapt the presentation to the needs of particular classes. Titre original: Whale Rider Popularit: 14.114 Dure: 97 Minutes Slogan: Dans les voies des anciens, elle a trouv un espoir pour l'avenir. 8. investigate the sexism found in modern societies and recent changes in gender roles. and the There are several possible ways to express this. Paikea became the ruler of the people who lived on the islands. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Describe the attributes of this character, how they relate to the themes of the film, and how Uncle Rawiri is a foil for his niece. Whale Rider [Maori title: Te Kaieke Tohora] is a 2002 film based on the book The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. "[16], The film has also been discussed and praised widely within academia. This will presage several scenes in the movie. But now we were waiting for the firstborn of the new generation, for the descendant of the whale rider. What important aspects of character are shown at the films end? ", The film had budget of NZ$9,235,000. a term of reference for of this tribe who have Paikea as their founding ancestor. He remains dedicated in his mission to find a suitable successor, and he is doing all he can as leader of the Whangara Maori community to preserve the Maori culture for future generations in a time of spreading modernity. "[15] Claudia Puig of USA Today gave the film three-and-a-half out of four stars and praised Castle-Hughes' acting, saying "so effectively does she convey her pained confusion through subtle vocal cues, tentative stance and expressive dark eyes. The women let the men think that the men are the bosses. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. [2] [3] In 2002 it was adapted into a film, Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro. He pulls it down, along with the rod and orange drapes that the sheet was hanging from. 9. Then man arrived from the east, and the relationship between nature and man throve. " Women, like men, should try to do the impossible, and when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others."-. 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. Maori tattoos are famous for their intricate designs, size, and beauty. Paikeas father, Porourangi, is the most important example of this. 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. Finally, the tribe would not have had a leader that it needed, had the prejudice against having a female chief been maintained. Some Important Scenes & Quotations from Whale Rider 1. [11][12], This article is about the novel. Hemi..what are their disappointments? At age 12, she enlists the help of her grandmother (Vicky Haughton) and the training of her uncle (Grant Roa) to claim her birthright. whangara iri. The film won a number of international film-festival awards, including: At the age of 13, Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance, becoming the youngest actress ever nominated for the award at that time (breaking Isabelle Adjani's record at the age of 20). Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. More books than SparkNotes. This conflict can be seen in Native American cultures today and is often the source of individual as well as tribal difficulties. [4] Casting director Diana Rowan visited numerous schools to find an actress to play Pai. 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. Look at the problem from the standpoint of the victim, the perpetrator, and society as a whole. Rawiri accompanies him but eventually leaves due to the increasingly apparent racism ofRawiri's family (especially coming from his mother). Living in the village or even in New Zealand would have reminded him of this loss. His mother says that this stems from the fact that he is a second born son and therefor, according to Maori tradition, he can never become chief. When Koro walks away, Pai climbs onto the back of the largest whale (traditionally said to belong to the legendary Paikea) on the beach and coaxes it to re-enter the ocean. It is also possible to rent "Whale Rider" on Amazon Video, Alamo on Demand online and to download it on Alamo on Demand, Amazon . 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. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter This 10-digit number is your confirmation number. Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". 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. 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. There are several possible reasons. In the film "Whale Rider" directed by Niki Caro, in a small town in New Zealand called Whangara a innocent young girl called Paikea is born and she is everything Koro didn't want in the future chief/leader. Her grandmother, Nanny, tells Pai that her second son, Pai's uncle, had won a taiaha tournament in his youth while he was still slim and so Pai secretly learns from him. The relationship between Paikea and her grandfather is exceptionally well-written and feels remarkably real. This link will take you to a video of the scene from the movie in which a karanga is called and answered as students are welcomed to the opening of their new school. In 2005, the film was named on the BFI List of the 50 Films You Should See By the Age of 14. Links to the Internet Koro acknowledges that Paikea will succeed him as Chief of the tribe. In this story, the Taiaha, the ability to fight with war sticks is a symbol. Her mother's last words are "Paikeia. 8. By creating an account, you agree to the Suduiko, Aaron ed. Because of his status as eldest, he is the default choice for leadership after Koro passes away. A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize.A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize.A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. See Questions Suitable for Any Film That is a Work of Fiction. 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. Her speech expresses her utmost desire to please her great-grandfather and to uphold the Maori culture. The focus shifts to a herd of whales. See if you can list at least four. "'Never mind girl,' she said to baby Kahu. At one point, Paikea decides to live with her father because her grandfather says he doesn't want her. This love remains unreciprocated, as Koro actively pushes her away. The story begins with a focus on the ancient days, when nature and all wildlife were excitedly waiting for the coming of man. But then the story shifts to Kahu. [6] In 1995 it was translated into Mori by Tmoti Kretu, as Te kaieke tohor. Why does Porourangi, Koros first born son and Pais father, leave home and live in faraway Germany? 5. The is shown by the last scene in which Pais grandfather, now fully accepting the idea that she will be Chief, smiles lovingly at his granddaughter. 12. [14] The Los Angeles Times's Kenneth Turan praised Caro for her "willingness to let this story tell itself in its own time and the ability to create emotion that is intense without being cloying or dishonest. When Koro returns he admonishes his granddaughter, telling her that what she has done is dangerous and that she should never do it again. My twin brother died, and took our mother with him. 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. The tribe and the Maori families are breaking apart because the men are leaving. the Terms and Policies, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. The film contains music by Lisa Gerrard, released on the album Whalerider on 7 July 2003. Part 3 begins, as usual, by focusing on the whale herd. Whale Rider is a film directed by Niki Caro (2002). For example, Koro calls Porourangis art souvenirs. The old man blames Porourangi for not producing a son and heir to the chieftainship. He can spare only a few minutes to watch his son at the ceremony and is then off with his friends. The Maori were the first human beings to live in New Zealand and brought with them a highly evolved Stone Age culture. She asks Rawiri not to tell their grandparents about her current condition and how her identity has changed. 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. The old whale remembers the days when man and animal were united and in communication, but those are long past. 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 ran his plantation until being struck by a debilitating injury, and now relies on his son to take care of their land. When Pai is found and brought to the hospital, Koro declares her the leader and asks for her forgiveness. 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. Using this knowledge, she defeats Hemi, a boy trained by Koro himself. Back home, Rawiri notes that Koro has become even more obsessed in his mission of finding a male successor. The whale leads the entire pod back into the sea; Pai submerges completely underwater before being thrown off the whale's back by the tide, and the spectators fear she has drowned. Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for the 2004 Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. these scenes. More books than SparkNotes. Kahu returns to Whangara several times when she is able. 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 Hemis father comes to see his son for a brief part of the ceremony at the school and then leaves with his friends. This script is a transcript that was painstakingly transcribed using the screenplay and/or viewings of Whale Rider. Whale Rider Quotes. You will never be lost to us.'". Worksheet for Cinematic and Theatrical Elements and Their Effects. The waka was given to the Whangara community after filming concluded.[5]. She held the record until 2012 when Quvenzhan Wallis (at the age of 9) was nominated for that category for the film Beasts of the Southern Wild. An empowering and uplifting movie, with a wonderful performance by Castle-Hughes. Germany is very far away from the life of the tribe, in terms of both distance and culture. All of the problems with prejudice are shown in this film. Synopsis. But he leads them on anyway to what they know will be their final journey. 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. See production, box office & company info. Parenting Points The website's critical consensus states, "An empowering and uplifting movie, with a wonderful performance by Castle-Hughes". 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. It also won the 2003 BAFTA Childrens Award. New Zealand separated from the Antarctic portion of Gondwana about 82 million years ago, becoming geographically isolated. 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. Gondwana, also called Gondwanaland, was an ancient supercontinent that incorporated present-day New Zealand, Australia, Antarctica, South America, Africa, Arabia, Madagascar, and India. Kahu is taken by her mothers family and raised away from Whangarathe setting of the story, a small town in New Zealand populated by the Maori people. I'm not a prophet, but I know that our people will keep going forward, all together, with all of our strength. She clearly asserts that tradition can hinder progress. Koro leads a cultural school for the village's first-born boys, hoping to find a new leader. PG-13 (Momentary Drug Reference|Brief Language), Kids & family, 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. This only upsets Koro more, as he was hoping for a male descendent. 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." Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Benefits of the Movie 10,000 children were auditioned before narrowing it down to 12. Her grandfather Koro believes that this is a role reserved for males only. As in many cultures, the value of ancestors and a reverence for the past shape Maori consciousness. In modern times, the interior rooms of Maori meeting houses are places sacred to the ancestors. Pai is intelligent, patient, and fun. ForEnglish Language Arts Classes, the movie offers an opportunity to explore theme and the literary devices of characterization, metaphor, symbol, and foil. Called Ta moko,, they consist of important symbols that help individuals express their unique identities. 1 / 20. . 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. , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. Whale Rider was theatrically released in 2003 in New Zealand and Germany. Towards the end of the year, Kahu invites her family to a school ceremony that will include cultural presentations. He is looking for a suitable successor, which according to local culture ought to be passed from eldest child to eldest child. 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. B. Pai learns the lessons on her own and knows that she is capable of being the Chief. He notes that when all of the threads are woven together they make a strong rope. With the loss of the rei puta, Koro in despair calls out the ancient ones, the whales. Featured Actors: Keisha Castle-Hughes as Paikea; Rawiri Paratene as Koro; Vicky Haughton as Nanny Flowers; Cliff Curtis as Porourangi; Grant Roa as Uncle Rawiri; and Mana Taumaunu as Hemi Director: Niki Caro. Whale Rider. Whale Rider is a 2002 New Zealand drama film written and directed by Niki Caro. She is attuned to the traditional Mori way of life, and may have inherited the ability to speak to whales. She persists and fights for what she wants. Director Niki Caro Writers Niki Caro Witi Ihimaera (book "The Whale Rider") Stars Keisha Castle-Hughes Rawiri Paratene Vicky Haughton See production, box office & company info Watch on Freevee The Whale Rider Summary The story begins with a focus on the ancient days, when nature and all wildlife were excitedly waiting for the coming of man. 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. Prejudice limits the ability of the victims to the live the lives they want and to live and to enjoy their inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In addition, in societies in which prejudice dominates, the victims can internalize the prejudice against them and come to believe that they and their group are, in fact, inferior. The women carry on with their lives accepting the men, yet criticizing the mens thinking. 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. Sep 30, 2014. 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. Each time she comes she expresses love for her family there, but special deep love for Koro her great-grandfather. Describe the symbols shown by this scene. This is clearly shown in the scene in which he rallies the tribe to try to save the whales. Kahu is the chief protagonist of the story. hierarchy exists. Koro sees that as a sign of his failure and despairs further.