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Whale Rider

6.9

3,336

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Original title

Whale Rider

Year

2002

Running time

105 min.

Country

New Zealand

Director

Niki Caro

Screenwriter

Witi Ihimaera

Cast

Music

Lisa Gerrard

Cinematography

Leon Narbey

Producer

South Pacific Pictures, Apollomedia, Pandora Film

Genre

Drama | Whales / Killer Whales. Animals. Nature. Small Town Life (Non-North American)

Synopsis

In a small New Zealand coastal village, Maori claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. In every generation, a male heir has succeeded to the chiefly title. The time is now. When twins are born, and the boy twin dies, Koro, the chief, is unable to accept his grand-daughter, Pai, as a future leader. A few years later, Koro is convinced that the tribe's misfortunes began at Pai's birth and calls for his people to bring their sons to him, in the hope that the new leader is among them. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must stand up to him and a thousand years of tradition to reveal the true way forward.

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Rankings Position

#8 Best New Zealand Movies
#14 Best Movies about Animals

Awards: 2003: Nominated for Oscar: Best Actress (Keisha Castle-Hughes)

2002: San Sebastian Film Festival: Official Selection

2003: Sundance Film Festival: Audience Award (World Cinema)

2003: National Board of Review: Special Recognition

2002: Toronto Film Festival: People's Choice Award (Best Film)

2003: Critics' Choice Awards: Best Young Actress. Nominated for Best Family Film.

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Critics' reviews

"One of the best performances -- and movies -- of the year"

Ann Hornaday: The Washington Post
"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. (...) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 4)"

Roger Ebert: Chicago Sun-Times
"Evokes its spirituality with deft strokes and wonderful humor."

Desson Thomson: The Washington Post
"A substantial film of unexpected emotional force"

Kenneth Turan: Los Angeles Times
"Caro gives the fablesque story -- based on a 1,000-year-old Maori legend -- both a contemporary and timeless quality, anchored by newcomer Castle-Hughes' powerful and haunting performance."

Claudia Puig: USA Today
"An excellent way to teach children that movies don't begin and end with Hollywood blockbusters."

Lou Lumenick: New York Post
"The film boasts a terrific newcomer in the lead role, exquisite widescreen photography and a powerful sense of place."

Sheri Linden: The Hollywood Reporter
"A film of female empowerment that resonates deeply."

Peter Travers: Rolling Stone

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Ranking Lists Position

59 My Favorite Australian/New Zealand Movies (10)

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Whale Rider

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