Whale Rider

This movie sparked my interest immensely. The characters were each distinct from one another, all carrying different perspectives about their culture, and somehow colliding with one another to create that edge and conflict that the film represents and aims to explore. Tragically, the only heir, or 'prophet' to carry on the traditions of the Maori dies, leaving behind his twin sister, Paikea. The traditionalist and possibly the only individual still concerned about the culture's future, Koro, was from time to time disappointed from all the setbacks he had to endure : death of grandson, his eldest son's refusal to assume leadership and Pai's refusal to withdraw from the idea that she could lead, which according to tradition, is severely unacceptable.

Koro I would say, possesses strong and impenetrable views on what is right and wrong, a somehow conservative perspective about the traditions and culture of the Maori people. One could not fault with that trait, as it is rather admirable to be so headstrong and determined, even when it was so evident how the people of his village hardly shared the same beliefs, namely his eldest son.

Porourangi, despite his father's wishes, broke away from customs and made his mark as an artist, and settled down with a girlfriend. All hell breaks loose after the slideshow where Koro displays his dissatisfaction to his son, and later lets out that Pai is of no use to him. I suppose years and years of resentment and bitterness lead to that final outburst, and even more now that Porourangi's girlfriend was pregnant; it meant that he was drifting further and further away from Koro's ideals. I would say that Koro's conflicts were mainly with himself. No matter how evident it was that Pai was the only child in the village who possessed the qualities he desired, and how well she was able to carry out the tasks and practices meant for the boys of the village (eg. finding the whale tooth), he considered her actions and capabilities as unworthy and a curse to the success of his training. I cannot help but think that his depression and bitterness resorted from his own rigid mindset, unrealistic expectations and his unwillingness to reconcile with his beloved granddaughter. 

Pai, I would say, possesses a mystical demeanor. Only 12 years of age, she is portrayed to be wiser than her years, and is gifted in matters of empathy, discipline and compassion. Throughout the entire show, she never once came across as a regular child with not a care in the world. Instead, she often carried a weary and wounded expression, as i believe, is the result of immense helplessness in dealing with the entire situation, namely, the disappointment of her grandfather. I would say that she possesses an old soul. Even as such a tender age, she is able to display such a deep understanding of her grandfather's emotions and her surroundings.Furthermore, she seemed as if she was one with the culture, as their religious and spiritual beliefs applied so naturally to her. I would predict that her source of inner conflict derived from the fact that she could not go all out in worshiping the holy ancestors, the way men could. Through the lenses of this little girl, leadership should be taught to all, so all may thrive in the knowledge and make for a better tomorrow. That to me, was very well said, and if I may say-spoken like a true leader. Secondly, she was very upset with the way Koro was treating and regarding her. The scene where Porourangi and Pai were seated on the dock after the slideshow incident made it clearer to me just how very opposite they are; Pai's heart lied with the culture and gaining the acceptance of Koro was of high importance, but she understood how she could never be given the opportunity express her true desires (conflict), and Porourangi who has the position of leadership on a silver platter, wanted nothing more than to flee from it (conflict).

I wouldn't say that Pai rode the whale into the sea. I think it was all just a matter of great timing that the whale decided to head back. But perhaps to the Maori people and Koro, it could be interpreted as symbolic to their beliefs of their ancestral legends, which I think what this film is mostly about.Nevertheless, I couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed with Koro. It took him the near death of his granddaughter to finally wake him up from his spell and to finally accept her with positive regard. It made me wonder about Koro's values; how was it possible to cut off from one's own flesh and blood, all in the name of tradition and customs? Was it fair to cast off Paikea merely because she wanted to be a part of something larger than life? I felt that it contradicted Koro's belief system and actions in trying to unite the people of Maori toward one goal, when he himself could not accept certain notions. Secretly, I wish the film ended with her riding into the sea, right after she said 'I am not afraid to die'. That could have provided for a more mystical and left-up-to-own-interpretation ending for the viewers. Besides, the look on Koro's face while she was drifting further and further away from the shore was priceless.