You will never be lost to us.'". The tribe founded by Paikea has always been led by the previous chief's firstborn son, in a line of descent stretching . This highlights Paikeas decision to struggle against the fate that would have been hers had she not become Chief. This will increase their appreciation for the movie. Which of the evils of prejudice are shown operating in this movie? Good performances by all the leads though the story worries around a barn door being open long, long after the horse has already gone. This will presage a scene in the film. The karanga occurs in the first 60 seconds of the segment. . The relationship between Paikea and her grandfather is exceptionally well-written and feels remarkably real. At age 12, she enlists the help of her grandmother (Vicky Haughton) and the training of her uncle (Grant Roa) to claim her birthright. 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. Selected Awards & Cast 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. New Zealand separated from the Antarctic portion of Gondwana about 82 million years ago, becoming geographically isolated. One day, Koro takes some of his star pupils out to sea. Maori culture was male-dominated, with women generally serving in subordinate roles. Pais defeat of Hemi is a symbol that she is the leader for whom Koro is searching. Suduiko, Aaron ed. Because of his status as eldest, he is the default choice for leadership after Koro passes away. The Ta moko was predominately for males and among traditional Maori it was rare that a woman would have tattoos. It is Pai who saves the whales and, in so doing convinces, her grandfather that she should be Chief. Currently you are able to watch "Whale Rider" streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Hoopla or for free with ads on Peacock, Peacock Premium, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, Freevee. However, Koro was late, and as he was walking to the school, he notices that numerous southern right whales are beached near Pai's home. 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 The story follows a 12-year-old Maori girl named Paikea Apirana who struggles to earn her . Maori tattoos are famous for their intricate designs, size, and beauty. Back in Whangara, big events soon take place. Pai learns the lessons on her own and knows that she is capable of being the Chief. Whale Rider (2002) Mana Taumaunu as Hemi. [2] It received $2.5 million from the New Zealand Film Production Fund. Another symbolic action in the scene occurs when Pai ties the rope and uses it to make the engine start. 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. Another example of family dysfunction is Hemis father. She also secretly follows Koro's lessons. This ancient custom is upset when the child selected to be the next chief dies at birth. Some Important Scenes & Quotations from Whale Rider 1. Whale Rider transmisin en espaol. 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. Their way of life is being put to the test: they can either save the whale or fail and fall into ruin. Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified. This symbol can also be seen as representing his inability to see the strengths of Pais character and to foresee the best path for the tribe to take in the future. 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. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Now, so many years after their separation, the nostalgia for their time spent together cuts away at the old bull whale. However, this canoe was designed to have a hole that Rua-Tapu kept sealed with the heel of his foot. Back on the shore, Koro finally realizes Kahus special status and her suitability to lead. Overjoyed, the whale returns to sea and it descends back into the water with the rest of the herd and Kahu in tow. Dont worry, it wont take long. The film's plot follows the story of Paikea Apirana ("Pai"). 2. Film Study Worksheet for ELA Classes; and. There are very physical things that are described in the book the sweep of the bay, the island that looks like a whale, the meeting houses, the number of houses that are present and of course, the people whose legend we were telling. The results of their research can be presented to the class in oral reports or serve as the basis for a writing assignment. There are several possible ways to express this. The Whale Rider is a 1987 novel by New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. Living in the village or even in New Zealand would have reminded him of this loss. The story begins with a focus on the ancient days, when nature and all wildlife were excitedly waiting for the coming of man. ----- 6. The website's critical consensus states, "An empowering and uplifting movie, with a wonderful performance by Castle-Hughes". Assignments and Projects Parenting Points You're almost there! Pai feels that she can become the leader (although no woman has ever done so) and is determined to succeed. 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. 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." Keiko vs Porourangi (nobody knows vs. whale rider) Pais father is not around but Pai is growing up in the care of her . When Pai is 12, Koro establishes a school to teach adolescent boys the ancient customs and to develop the skills to enable one of them to become the tribal leader. Pai is originally born a twin, but her twin brother and her mother died during childbirth. The movie, which takes place in the present day in New . Finally, the Whale Rider script is here for all you quotes spouting fans of the Niki Caro movie with Keisha Castle-Hughes. Eventually this racism, combined with Rawiris desire to see home again impel him to leave Papua New Guinea and head back to Whangara, New Zealand. The indie film Whale Rider is an engrossing character drama with an inspirational message. For society as a whole, prejudice limits the contribution that the victims can make. Movies. She leads a group of young girls in a traditional dance and also recites a speech she wrote in the Maori tongue. 11. 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. Pai is interested in the lessons, but is discouraged and scolded by Koro for doing so. She is a young girl with a strong and determined temperament and a soft and innocent heart. The comment that Germany is just about as far from New Zealand as a person can get. 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. Koro calls a meeting of the local Maori people and impresses upon them the spiritual significance of this event. It is leading its herd in search of safer waters, but at the same time it struggles to come to terms with its deep love for the ancient whale rider, now long dead, who once had been its dearest companion. The film earned $41.4 million[3] on a NZ$9,235,000 budget. It was shot on location in Whangara, the setting of the novel. However, Pai is strong. Although Pais grandfather, Koro, loves his granddaughter, he is determined to find a male to serve as his successor. 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. GradeSaver, 6 April 2015 Web. TWM offers the following movie worksheets to keep students minds on the film and to focus their attention on the lessons to be learned from the movie. Pai, the protagonist, briefly explains the story of Paikeia, the legendary Whale Rider who founded Maori civilization. These scenes include those that show Maori families as dysfunctional or Maori people abusing alcohol. When she is born, her great-grandfather expresses great disdain that she is a girl. Whale Rider is a 2002 New Zealand drama film written and directed by Niki Caro. In the time of the story he is in his early twenties. One traditional function of Maori women was the karanga, an exchange of calls that forms part of the Maori welcoming ceremony. The traditional Maori greeting is to press noses. Whale Rider was theatrically released in 2003 in New Zealand and Germany. Links to the Internet 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. Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". He chooses to take them down the paths leading back to the seas of his youth, a decision that causes dismay among the elder mothers because they know his nostalgia for the past is clouding his present judgment. Many have been born, but for the village elder all have been disappointments. He is accidentally killed by Jeff in a car accident. This whale rider casts spears as life-giving objects to the islands, but one spear he casts 1000 years into the future, which is the time of the storys young heroine Kahu. Discussion Questions Despite their best efforts, they are not able to do so and Koro returns dejected. 12. Then the story shifts back to Kahu, whose mother dies within a year of Kahus birth. Just confirm how you got your ticket. As demonstrated throughout the movie, all People share the same type of emotions: they get upset, angry, sad, happy, indiffeent and happy. Maori consciousness is shaped by reverence for ancestors and the past. 2. Your AMC Ticket Confirmation# can be found in your order confirmation email. Plan and present a debate on the elimination of gender roles in society. with updates on movies, TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more. 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. Uncle Rawiri is an interesting character and in many ways a foil for Paikea. 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. There, he meets Jeff and the two become fast friends. Terms and Policies 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. When Koro is cruel and refuses to respect her as a human being to be evaluated based on her character and abilities, she forgives him for his intransigence. This is an echo of the earlier symbol of the rope. [5], The Whale Rider has been a worldwide bestseller, and is the most-translated work by a New Zealand author. A young girl might fulfill a prophecy in an indigenous New Zealand community. Maori children were taught about their ancestors by memorizing the names of the person represented by each notch. Using the Movie in the Classroom The village leader should be the first-born son, a direct patrilineal descendant of Paikea, the Whale Rider, he who rode on top of a whale (Tohora) from Hawaiki. He is looking for a suitable successor, which according to local culture ought to be passed from eldest child to eldest child. A few years pass in this way. [2] [3] In 2002 it was adapted into a film, Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro. What does it symbolize? . It started to break up about 180 million years ago in the Early Jurassic Period. 1. But to break with convention, she'll have to do the impossible: win over her ultra-traditional grandfather (Rawiri Paratene). Plot Summary of Whale Rider 1. He said of Castle-Hughes: "This is a movie star. More books than SparkNotes. Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. Whale Rider. Worksheet for Cinematic and Theatrical Elements and Their Effects. Pai's Opening Voice-Over PAI (narrating): In the old days the land felt a great emptiness that was waiting, waiting to be filled up, waiting . The story is all about how the Maori people will hold on to their tradition while navigating the strange tides of modern times. If Pai had a brother, he would become chief, but her only brother, her twin, died at birth, along with their mother. Look at the problem from the standpoint of the victim, the perpetrator, and society as a whole. But now we were waiting for the firstborn of the new generation, for the descendant of the whale rider. When Koro returns he admonishes his granddaughter, telling her that what she has done is dangerous and that she should never do it again. When he tells Pai that he cannot be what Koro wants, Pai says, Me neither. Two other reasons are worth mentioning. He admonishes Pai against touching the largest whale because she has "done enough" damage with her presumption. Koro decides to begin a language school to teach the future generations the threatened Maori language, and he also beings culture classes for similar purposes. Benefits of the Movie During Rawiris absence, Porourangi remarried and his wife had a child: another baby girl. Voila! Watch Whale Rider: The Descendants Of Paikea, Watch Whale Rider: Pai Dives Into The Water. This is a symbol for her ability to lead the tribe in a way that Koro cannot. fight. The Maori, the native Polynesian people of New Zealand, are looking for a male descendant of Paikea the brave leader who escaped death on the back of a whale to lead them and restore the traditions. In this, he is like Paikea who cannot be a chief simply because of her birth: she is a woman. "[12][13] Ebert later went on to name it as one of the ten best films of 2003. It is based on the novel by Witi Ihimaera. 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. As a visiting group moves into the formal meeting area, they are welcomed by a call from a woman of the household or village. They organize all available vehicles and manpower down on the beach and attempt all sorts of measures to get the bull whale back to sea, but the giant creature stubbornly resists and continues to wait for itself to die on the shore. 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. Koro leads a cultural school for the village's first-born boys, hoping to find a new leader. Kahu finds Current time: coastal Maori village in New Zealand. 8. Prejudiced societies also lack a fundamental sense of justice and fairness. However, Pais father, the next in line, has declined to accept the role. He is sent with Rawiri to tie the rope around the ancient whale's tail in their effort to rescue the whale. Additional questions are set out below. He tells her that what she did was dangerous. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. According to myth, Paikea was the founder of the Maori people. This conflict can be seen in Native American cultures today and is often the source of individual as well as tribal difficulties. TWM has not read the book. 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. Whale Rider [Maori title: Te Kaieke Tohora] is a 2002 film . The oldest of the matrons of the whale herd, this whale is the bull whale's dearest companion. The Maori were fierce warriors and would, at times, dine on their conquered enemies. Castle-Hughes impressed Caro in the resulting workshop and was cast as Pai. Then man arrived from the east, and the relationship between nature and man throve. He needs to get far away to fully develop as an individual and as an artist. Although the young New Zealand girl dreams of . 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. What idea in this speech offers the solution to the problem faced by both Koro and the Maori as a whole? He invited them, 70 in some versions and 140 in others, for a trip in a beautiful ocean-going canoe that he had built. However his twin sister, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), survives. Identify some of the scenes in which this struggle is shown. Because sometimes, even if youre the leader and you need to be strong, you can get tired like our ancestor Paikea when he was lost at sea and he couldnt find the land and he probably wanted to die. 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. 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. Pai ties the rope together and then easily starts the engine. She is a young girl with a strong and determined temperament and a soft and innocent heart. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. The Question and Answer section for The Whale Rider is a great This is clearly shown in the scene in which he rallies the tribe to try to save the whales. The tribe and the Maori families are breaking apart because the men are leaving. Kahu is the eldest great-grandchild of chieftain Koro Apirana; had she been a boy, she would have been the natural future leader of the tribe. Later when Kahu also awakens, he tells her for the first time that he loves her. Hemis father is another. The Whale Rider is a 1987 novel by New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. Her koro Apirana believes that this is a role reserved for males only. 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. But he leads them on anyway to what they know will be their final journey. Bibliography. 8. investigate the sexism found in modern societies and recent changes in gender roles. Some of the symbolic meanings in the scene are stated by Koro while others can be recognized by the viewer. Pai is intelligent, patient, and fun. What is revealed about Pai and her uncle in this episode? With the loss of the rei puta, Koro in despair calls out the ancient ones, the whales. Then a pod of whales, an animal revered by the Maori, beaches itself on the sand near the tribes home. However, the great tragedy of the event is that Koro never shows up. By what name was Whale Rider (2002) officially released in India in English? 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. Hemi makes a joke out of it by purposely farting. Back home, Rawiri notes that Koro has become even more obsessed in his mission of finding a male successor. The old whale remembers the days when man and animal were united and in communication, but those are long past. Mana Taumana as Hemi; FILM SYNOPSIS In a small New Zealand coastal village, Maori claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. Coming Soon. He has opened his mind and abandoned his rigid adherence to the old rules. When Nanny awakens, Koro admits to her that this is entirely his fault, and that he has been stubborn and blind in the matter of Kahu. Then the rope breaks as Koro tries to start the engine. 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. 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. 'Your birth cord is here. Click here for a still picture of two women calling a karanga. Had Pai not been able to save the whales, she would not have been able to be Chief and pursue the life she wanted. Select imprint on 22 August 2017. What important aspects of character are shown at the films end? 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. Part I begins by refocusing on the herd of whales. 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. 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. He ran his plantation until being struck by a debilitating injury, and now relies on his son to take care of their land. In recent years, tattooing has become common for both men and women. See Hongi Example #1 for an image of the traditional Maori greeting. Not affiliated with Harvard College. 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. 6. 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. The image is an example of a ticket confirmation email that AMC sent you when you purchased your ticket. Amelia Earhart. Cebeci, Ali. The Kiwis have given us a few uplifting films involving their aboriginal peoples and this one is particularly memorable. The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth: Season 8, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 1, Link to Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Link to The Most Anticipated TV & Streaming Shows of March 2023. 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. 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. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. Setting. 4. The eldest grandson of Koro and the elder brother of Rawiri, Porourangi is the chosen successor for his generation. At this point, fearing Pai is lost, Nanny reveals to Koro that his granddaughter found the rei puta, and Koro is stunned into realizing the error of his ways. Such is the case with Keisha Castle Hughes. He needs to find individuals who will be able to carry the burden of leadership and navigate the Maori people through the chaotic waters of modernity. He is influenced by the symbols of the unfolding world around him. But Koro always rejected Pai just because she's a girl. The story is all about how the Maori people will hold on to their tradition while navigating the strange tides of modern times. The film contains music by Lisa Gerrard, released on the album Whalerider on 7 July 2003. But we can learn. Bibliography. It was assembled from parts of previous supercontinents by the Late Precambrian time, some 600 million years ago. 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. Rawiri, Porourangi and Nanny all attend, but the seat marked reserved next to Nannya measure Kahu herself had taken to guarantee a spot for Kororemains conspicuously empty throughout the ceremony. The characters struggle with several issues faced by indigenous people all over the globe as they seek to integrate what remains of their traditional ways into modern society. The world premiere was on 9 September 2002, at the Toronto International Film Festival. Suduiko, Aaron ed. She never lets her anger get the best of her. Finally, the tribe would not have had a leader that it needed, had the prejudice against having a female chief been maintained. Called Ta moko,, they consist of important symbols that help individuals express their unique identities. Her speech expresses her utmost desire to please her great-grandfather and to uphold the Maori culture. One relationship in particular -- that between the whale rider and his giant whale -- was exemplaryof a symbiotic connection. 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). 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. Thus, sending Porourangi to Germany advances the plot. Coming Soon. 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. (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). Back home he cracks under all the pressure and weeps. Based on the 1987 novel The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera, the film stars Keisha Castle-Hughes as Kahu Paikea Apirana, a twelve-year-old Mori girl whose ambition is to become the chief of the tribe. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Her koro Apirana believes that this is a role reserved for males only. The epilogue narrates that the oldest mother whale notices Kahu and realizes that her husband, the bull whale, has mistaken this little girl for her ancestor. 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. The story describes the efforts of an indigenous group living within modern Western society to continue their traditions while assimilating some aspects of the dominant culture. 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. This is especially harmful to children who grow up as second-class citizens in a society that condones prejudice. "The Whale Rider Summary". Unknown to all, she had won an interschool speech contest with a touching dedication to Koro and the traditions of the village. [2] Additional financing came from ApolloMedia, Filmstiftung NRW, the New Zealand Film Commission and NZ On Air. In the 1700s, when Europeans first arrived in New Zealand, it was common for Maori to have tattoos covering their entire face. Nanny orders Rawiri not to tell Koro of this strange incident, as he is not yet ready to accept Kahus special status. 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.