Whale Rider

Last Wednesday, I watched the movie entitled Whale Rider.  When I first learned of the film, I had no idea that it would make me cry.  In fact, I thought it was probably one of those documentary type films.  Instead, it was not only a beautiful film with impressive actors and actresses—most stunning of which was the young lead, Keisha Castle-Hughes—but it also provided an enlightening portrait of a young girl overcoming gender limitations.

The birth of Pai and her brother reveals an overt gender divide. When Pai’s mother and her twin brother die, her grandfather, Koro, sees her as worthless.  His condemnation continues throughout the film despite Pai’s obvious gifts.  She seems to exhibit the perfect aptitude to be the leader of the tribe, yet he only reacts with anger and blame.  I found myself crying along with Pai when her grandfather fails to appear at her concert.  The audience has no choice but to hope along with Pai for any hint of her grandfather’s acceptance.  It is only when Pai nearly drowns after her success in riding the whale back into the ocean that Koro accepts her as the future leader of the tribe. 

The movie relates to class in that it publicizes the true plight of many women around the world, not just the women in Pai’s specific tribe.  It shows that even movies that entertain can sometimes communicate greater meanings and be used to advertise injustices to the viewing public.

Watching this touching film was truly a treat.  I cannot wait to attend another one in the future!