It’s a graceful ‘Whale Rider’

“Whale Rider” is probably the most lyrical and unique film I’ve seen

so far this year.

A hit at international film festivals, “Whale Rider” is set in

contemporary New Zealand and features glorious scenery and

photography. Directed by Niki Caro and based upon a novel, it’s a

story of a Maori tribe in the tiny seaside village of Whangara (where

the film was actually shot).

According to legend, its ancestors came to the village after

riding in on the back of a whale. It is believed the firstborn son of

a tribal leader will come back one day as a prophet to lead his

people to their former greatness.

A young woman has just died after giving birth to twins, a boy and

a girl. The boy does not survive and the baby girl’s grandfather and

tribal leader, Karo, was certain that child would have been leader.

The girl’s father, Porourangi, names her Pai after their revered

ancestor, and seemingly abandons her to the care of his parents.

As Pai grows up, we see that Karo does love her, but also cruelly

rejects her because she is a girl and “of no use” to him. Bitterly

disappointed that his son and grandson did not fulfill the prophecy,

Karo is determined to find another boy in his village who is destined

to be “the One.” Luckily, Pai gets support and strength from her

strong-willed Granny Flowers, who loves all her children and

grandchildren unconditionally.

There are no “Matrix-like” special effects in this movie. Instead,

we get a fascinating look into the Maori culture and at the

close-knit bonds of a community. Although the men of the village have

not lived up to their potential, they are still good-hearted,

spiritual people and are respectful of the old traditions.

There are many fine performances, but the real heart of this film

is 12-year old newcomer Keisha Castle-Hughes as Pai. Her delicate

charm and sensitivity tugs at your heart without being overtly

sentimental.

It is the strength of Castle-Hughes’ performance that lets you

willingly follow the story as it crosses into a touching climax of

mythical proportions. “Whale Rider” starts out slowly, but if you go

with the flow, the beauty in the message of this film will resonate

long after you leave the theater.

* SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant

for a financial services company.