Whale Rider. Directed by Niki Caro. Dolby Digital, 2002. 101 minutes. ASIN: B0000CABBW
Genre: Drama, Family
Rated: PG
Pai believes that she is to be her tribes next whale rider, the member that connects the tribe to the whales that are credited with their existence. Since the whale rider is traditionally a male, Koro passes over Pai as the possible whale rider. When a group of whales become stranded on the beach the tribe must act quickly to ensure its existence.
Whale Rider is an empowering story about how one young girl that teaches her tribe that sometimes tradition must be broken for people to progress.
Awards: 2003 BAFTA Children’s Awards
Genre: Drama, Family
Rated: PG
Pai believes that she is to be her tribes next whale rider, the member that connects the tribe to the whales that are credited with their existence. Since the whale rider is traditionally a male, Koro passes over Pai as the possible whale rider. When a group of whales become stranded on the beach the tribe must act quickly to ensure its existence.
Whale Rider is an empowering story about how one young girl that teaches her tribe that sometimes tradition must be broken for people to progress.
Awards: 2003 BAFTA Children’s Awards
Discussion:
Sometimes our family's expectations of us conflict with our own ideas of what we want and who we want to become. How do you communicate these feelings with those around you? What are some helpful ways we can get those close to us to listen to us, and accept our decisions?
The movie also touches on animal welfare. Though we may not all ever have a chance of riding a whale out to see (though I'm sure we are all brave enough), what can each of us do to help wild animals and their diverse home environments?
If you enjoyed this movie, you also may be interested in reading Ihimaera's book.
Ihimaera, Witi. (1987). The Whale Rider. New Zealand: Heinemann. ISBN: 0-86863-684-3
You may also like the movie Eye of the Dolphin, another coming-of-age movie about improving communication with dolphins and your loved ones.
Eye of the Dolphin. Directed by Michael D. Sellers. Quantum Entertainment, 2006. 100 Minutes.
Genre: Drama, Family
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Family
Rating: PG-13
Activity idea: Pai’s tribe depends on the whales for rituals, and people all over depend on animals to sustain balance in nature. Are you passionate about conservation and sustainability? There are many books and videos that can help you get started on campaigning for your own cause. Also, did you ever think it would be fun to learn ethnic or indigenous dances or martial arts like the Maori children? Contact a cultural center to see if they have shows or provide lessons.
Whale Rider Trailer link: youtube
Whale Rider Book cover link: thebookhut
DVD cover for Eye of the Dolphin: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465407/
DVD cover for Eye of the Dolphin: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465407/
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