match. She rises to her grandfathers disapproval and even Whale Rider tells the story of Pai, who faces the subtle resentment of her grandfather Koro as he attempts to re-establish the old traditions of their ancestors. We will write a custom Essay on Face Negotiation Theory in the Film "Whale Rider" specifically for you. It isn't that Koro comes or that he doesn't come, but that something else altogether happens. Pais koro, Apirana, or Old Paka as his wife Nanny Flowers calls him, the leader of the tribe, is initially angry at losing his grandson and being left with a worthless female. The story takes place in the small town Whangara in New Zealand. Please note! Pai is a free-spirited tomboy. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. Whale Rider (15th Anniversary Edition) [New Blu-ray] Shout Factory Select. The film Whale Rider tells the fictional story of Pai, a twelve-year-old girl living with her grandparents in the small community of Whangara on the coast of New Zealand. In one scene, Hami, the most promising student in Koros school, challenges Pai to a taiahi duel, which Pai eventually wins. A close-up camera shot allows the audience to focus on a character's feelings or thoughts. The movie seems headed for the ancient cliche of the auditorium door which opens at the last moment to reveal the person that the child onstage desperately hopes to see--but no, that's not what happens. Pai sympathises with Koro and prays to her ancestors for help, with a voice-over revealing, They heard me, initiating the films most iconic and emotional sequence. He doesnt see that Pai is the leader that the people of Maori have been waiting for. From the beginning, Paikea, or Pai, is a young girl in a mans world. Lyrics to Whalerider What's in Your Head? This essay was written by a fellow student. Koro, who is the Chief of the Maori tribe, is the other important character of the film. Cinematographer: Leon Narbey. There are three different types of journey; they are inner, physical and imaginative. It would have been Pais father or her twin brother if either of them were still around. In the arena of urban international competitiveness, cities try to raise their profile by We use cookies to offer you the best experience. Based on Witi Ihimaeras novel of the same name, Niki Caros Whale Rider is a moving depiction of a young Maori girl battling to overturn the patriarchal traditions of her Ngati Konohi tribal community. Whale Rider is a 2002 drama film directed by Niki Caro, based on the novel of the same name. These texts show how the physical journey affects the travellers and causes a change in them., Niki Caro directed the film 'The Whale Rider'. In every generation for more than one thousand years, a male heir born to the Chief succeeds to the title. Though the film has a strong female character, there are still male dominant elements throughout it. A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. Despite his anger, he will come, won't he? Even the elder women of the community are shown playing cards and smoking. Pai shows the strengths of a leader through out the whole video but her grandfather does not notice it. In the film Whale Rider depicts a culture in transition. $15.00. Koros teachings of earlier cultural practices, ceremonies and mythologies help to shore up community identity in the present, with the effects of colonialism being implied as possible cause of the tribes present day problems, such as youthful apathy, lack of direction and urban drift (Wilson 2011: 204). An error occurred trying to load this video. And then--well, the movie does not end as we expect. 'The Whale Rider' tells the story of a girl destined to be a leader of her people. Koro explains to her about her ancestors and he uses a rope to demonstrate how the strings from the rope represent her ancestors. She glows. Koro is bitterly disappointed when Porourangi announces to his family that he already has a pregnant lover in Germany and will not be returning home with the child, putting an end to Koros aspirations. For Koro, this symbolises the tribes contemporary crisis of identity, a loss of spiritual connection to their ancestors. Copyright 2023 service.graduateway.com. drug reference momentary along with brief language is Whale Rider Obituaries Death Notices Newspaper Obituaries Online April 30th, 2018 - Legacy com is the leading provider of online obituaries for the . Indeed, as Ryan Mottesheard (2003) argues, the film should be understood less as anthropological study of the Maori people, than a universal story of female empowerment, thus highlighting the films global appeal. The creation myths power permits the courageous woman, Pai, to find her actual calling as a real leader of Koros eyes, mirrored in these events, portray a great sadness to the films audience. convincing her grandfather, Koro, that even though shes a girl, shes still worthy to become leader of the tribe. On her journey to become the leader of the tribe, she comes across numerous amounts of challenges from her grandfather, Koro. There's an amusing sequence where they practice looking ferocious to scare their enemies. Pai believes that she could serve as the chief, but her grandfather, despite his love, fiercely opposes this idea. 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Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of UKEssays.com. Even when Pai becomes rather proficient in taiana fighting, this still does not prove to Koro that she is good enough to be a leader of the people. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism. The play Away by Michael Gow as well as the Poem Sail Through Your Emotions, Don't Sink by Bashyam Narayanan and The Film Into the wild by Sean Penn all display the concept of the physical journey through their use of dialogue, language, structure and theme. The entire village attempts to coax and drag them back into the water, but all efforts prove unsuccessful; even a tractor doesnt help because the rope breaks. Various types of journeys can be seen clearly in the three texts studied this year: The Happiest Refugee extract, written by Anh Doh in 2010, The Silver Donkey novel by Sonya Hartnett in 2004 and the film Bend It Like Beckham directed by Gurinder Chadha in 2002. All People have the same emotions: they upset and cry, they feel happy and laugh. The story of the fossil being cut from bedrock at the Little Wanganui River mouth last October sparked outrage in the local community and made headlines across the . It has a lot of awards through the world: BAFTA Childrens Award, Best Feature Film 2003; Broadcast Film Critics Association Award, Best Young Actor/Actress (Keisha Castle-Hughes) 2004; Chicago Film Critics Association Award, Most Promising Performer (Keisha Castle-Hughes) 2004; Cinemanila International Film Festival, Special Jury Prize 2003; Humanitas Prize, Sundance Film Category 2003; Independent Spirit Award, Best Foreign Film (New Zealand) 2004; Mexico City International Contemporary Film Festival and others. The validity of Woolfs claims is seen through Pais actions and outlooks where her androgynous mind and woman-manly characteristic allows for the full spectrum of being human; having both male and The Whale Rider Together with Yavaraj Athur Raghuvir I watched the movie called The Whale Rider which deals with the issue of cultural restrains both as an individual and as a society. The film opens with Porourangi, eldest son of Koro, the current chief, anxiously supporting his wife who is in labour. Nanny Flowers: Pais grandmother Porourangi: Pais father Rawiri: Pais uncle 1. Fearing that his granddaughter has drowned Koro finally understands that it was Pai all along who was destined to be the tribes new leader, finally accepting that he must adapt his cultural beliefs. Dont While the grandfather is explaining about the ancestors, hes trying to start the engine but the rope breaks. This website helped me pass! Rated PG-13 Koro is the chief of these people. The old Chief is convinced that the tribes misfortunes began at Pais birth, and calls for his people to bring their firstborn boys to him for training. The book argues that Rider Haggard's She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed, Bram Stoker's female vampires and Conrad's destructive Malayan or African women, even Hardy's Tess, are all caught up in a series of late 19th-century contexts: biological determinism, imperialism, race, theories about female sexuality, degeneration and evolutionary theory. The film shows New Zealanders, as an example for the rest of the world, that the past civilizations and cultures can continue to live on in harmony with todays world. 197216. She struggles to gain the approval of her grandfather and her people. The summary of The Whale Rider is about a young girl, named Pai, who wants to be chief. Her father, Porourangi (Cliff Curtis), an artist, leaves New Zealand, and the little girl is raised and much loved by her grandparents Koro and Nanny Flowers. But, no, her people need her--whether or not her grandfather realizes it. When Pai is found and brought to the hospital, Koro declares her the leader and asks her forgiveness. To take advantage of all of CharacTours features, you need your own personal Throughout the novel, Ihimaera juxtaposes the migration of a herd of whales with the Maori tribe's search for a male heir. Hemis father also shows sign of beginning internalized.. Need a custom essay sample written specially to meet your Only Koro had failed to turn up; distant cries had drawn him to the beach where a pod of whales lay dying. History of Sex in Cinema Filmsite org. Whale Rider is about the current chief, Koro, having to accept that the tradition of the first born males becoming the next chief will have change, and the challenges he has to overcome by letting a female become leader and breaking the tradition and letting a girl be in control. Recently, this tradition has come under scrutiny. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. But Pai has several surprises for her tradition-bound grandfather that will open his eyes and the rest of the tribe to her true destiny. The picture book by Colin Thompson,, Beneath the Clouds, Ivan Sen, Road Movie 2002, shows perceptions of personal discovery. Car Games . The whales are a symbol of Kahu's tribe: when the whales are safe, the tribe is safe. Looking for a flexible role? Koros frustration is plain to see as he proceeds to exclude both Hami and Pai from his final challenge to determine who will become the next chief. As for Pai, all she wants to do is to earn Koros respect this point is brightly illustrated in the scene where she gives a speech dedicated to Koro. "There livedwhile the country was yet a province of Great Britain, a simple . One day Koro summons all of the young teenage boys of the village to a series of compulsory lessons on how to be a Maori, and the leader of Maoris. Whale Rider 15th Anniversary Edition . If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! The 2003 movie Whale Rider is a wonderful story, aptly described in this IMDB plot summary: A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. Whale Rider Photo Credit: Everett Collection Character Analysis (Avoiding Spoilers) Growing Up without ever knowing her mother or twin brother. Whales in the wild tend to live longer and reproduce more often to healthier offspring, which is why we should leave them there., Today the meaning of journey has been lost in many forms of literature. What is the boat called in whale rider? submit it as your own as it will be considered plagiarism. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you At school, she is the most interested in Paikea culture and origins, unlike the other boys. The other roles are also strongly cast, especially Rawiri Paratene and Vicky Haughton as the grandparents. Whale Rider is a unique, untypical and fascinating film. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. What does the myth of the whale rider explain to the Maori people? Unfortunately the tradition was broken when Pais twin brother passes away. for only $16.05 $11/page. Download Free PDF. The Whale Rider by Witt Alhambra has many important themes that are represented by several characters in the text such as Koru Farina, who struggles to put aside traditional values and struggles to input moored values. Pai is just a young girl in the beginning of the film, and a leader in the end. Disclaimer: This is an example of a student written essay.Click here for sample essays written by our professional writers. Koro decides to form a cultural school for the village boys, hoping to find a new leader. The Whale Rider by Ihimaera, Witi at AbeBooks.co.uk - ISBN 10: 1439517193 - ISBN 13: 9781439517192 - 2008 . Marginalised from contemporary New Zealand society, the Maori community is ostensibly struggling in rural poverty and obscurity; rusting car wrecks and abandoned machinery litter the otherwise idyllic Whangara coastline (the northeast region of New Zealands North Island where the film was shot), emphasising the intrusion of Western/Pakeha culture and the effects of modernity. The Maori, the native Polynesian people of New Zealand, are looking for a male descendant of Paikea the brave leader who escaped death on the back of a whale to lead them and restore the traditions. But he's focused on his duties as chief of the Maori in Whangara, New Zealanda tribe that claims descent from the legendary "whale rider." This relationship is ambivalent since the colonised subject is never completely opposed to the coloniser. From then on, Whangara chiefs, always the first-born, always male, have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. Spirituality & Practice: Resources for Spiritual Journeys Which gives citizens the right to uphold laws when governments are too scared to do so. Which will talk about where she comes from. 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. She climbs on the back of the ancient bull whale as it dives deep into the sea. I highly recommend you use this site! This shows how Koro does not want anything to do with Pai. It is a film for everyone who wants to learn the story of a young girl, her future and her success in a mens world. The girl, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) survives. Journey involves interacting with new people and environments, which ultimately results in the change of the person. Therefore, Whale Rider emphasises the benefits of bicultural cooperation, incorporating what Duncan Petrie (2007: 172) describes as a utopian embrace of common humanity as an alternative strategy of dealing with the trauma of the past. The characters and relationships are rather complex and intricate, they are developing through the film, and the audience makes a journey through heroes lives. On the other hand, it is a drama about relationship of a young girl and her grandfather. She has used a number of cinematic techniques in this film to create atmosphere and sometimes show what the character is feeling. The most rewarding of these is that of Pai and her grandfather. Her father, Porourangi, and Koro convinced Nanny Flowers that this was a good idea. Once deep within the ocean, a herd of whales was responding, and when the whales began stranding on the beach, this seemed to be a signal of an apocalyptic end to his tribe. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. The Whale Rider is a 1987 novel by New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. 1672. Editor: David Coulson. Ruined by Lynn Nottage | Play, Characters, and Analysis, Analyzing & Interpreting Literature for Teachers: Professional Development, Teaching Young Adult Books & High School Literature, CAHSEE English Exam: Test Prep & Study Guide, MTLE Communication Arts/Literature: Practice & Study Guide, Literary Analysis: Lesson Plans & Activities, Famous Authors Lesson Plans & Teaching Resources, OAE School Library Media Specialist (041) Prep, Statistics for Teachers: Professional Development, Beginning Spanish for Teachers: Professional Development, Gerontology for Teachers: Professional Development, Sociology for Teachers: Professional Development, Physical Science for Teachers: Professional Development, Natural Sciences for Teachers: Professional Development, World Religions for Teachers: Professional Development, Create an account to start this course today. Also, the largest whale traditionally belongs to the legendary Paikea. Chapter 2 gives us the point of view of the whales. Tradition as a Tool for Oppressing Women in Witi Ihimaera's The Whale Rider The Influence of Beliefs on Individual Life in Witi Ihimaera's "The Whale Rider." Koro is equally as upset because he feels that this is a sign for his people. . I recite these facts right at the top of this review because I fear you might make a hasty judgment that you don't want to see a movie about a 12-year-old Maori girl who dreams of becoming the chief of her people. She completes her expected tasks of singing during concerts, escorting the boys into the marae, and leading the other girls in their performance. The story then leaps forward 11 years, by which time Koro has developed a strong, (albeit slightly belligerent) affection for his granddaughter, who he only ever calls Pai, denying the true power and meaning of her full name. This hero is an unlikely one, a small girl, from a small tribe, in a small village in New Zealand. Im not a prophet, but I know that our people will keep going forward, all together, with all of our strength. This helps to show that although the tradition was broken when she was born she is willing to be the new change and be the leader Maori has been waiting for. Choose your writer among 300 professionals! All rights reserved. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must fight him and a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny. A nations culture resides in the heart and soul of its people- Mahatma Gandi and this culture is kept alive by what they do. Analysis of the Whale Rider The film's plot follows the story of Paikea Apirana ("Pai") [In the book, her name is Kahu, short for Kahutia Te Rangi], a 12-year-old girl who is the only living child in the line of the tribe's chiefly succession following the death of her twin brother and mother when she was born. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. The Whangara believe their people date back to a single ancestor, Paikea, who survived when his boat capsized in the middle of the ocean by riding to shore on the back of a whale. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must fight him and a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny. She uses her gifts of communicating with nature to save a beached pod of whales, and because of that she is finally accepted. Paikea has an intrinsic connection with right whales, an important symbol for her tribe. Shes only twelve years old. She also secretly follows Koros lessons. Antonio Sison, World Cinema, Theology, and the Human: Humanity in Deep Focus, New York, Routledge, 2012. Meet Kahu, a young Maori girl, and follow her journey as she contradicts the roles females are expected to play. The conflict between him and Pai is caused by Koros refusal to acknowledge Pai as the inheritor of the tradition, Koro is blinded by prejudice, and nobody can convince him that Pai is the natural heir. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Pais father leaves her because he doesnt believe that there is such thing as a leader and shows that he does not want any part of the culture. Bill Ashcroft, Gareth Griffiths and Helen Tiffin, Key Concepts in Post-Colonial Studies, London and New York, Routledge, 1998. Some Important Scenes & Quotations from Whale Rider 1. Every single author creates some sort of journey in the stories that they write, no matter what form or medium it is in, there is always a journey being taken. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. Her family thought she would die, but they soon realize that she is the whale rider. When Kahu finds out, she is devastated. Analysis of the Whale Rider The film's plot follows the story of Paikea Apirana ("Pai") [In the book, her name is Kahu, short for Kahutia Te Rangi], a 12-year-old girl who is the only living child in the line of the tribe's chiefly succession following the death of her twin brother and mother when she was born. WHAT ISM DID U SEE ILLUSTRATED SEXISM: stereotypical gender roles Women: makes food: Koro utters Women setup dinner are not to smoke: a child says: Women should not smoke has to sit in the back: Koro tells Pai to move from the front row to the back row when they have a meeting in Marae Men: are fighters: boys are traditionally taught to use the taiaha fix things: Koro is not pleased when Pai can fix the motor for the boat boys do not cry: Pai finds Hemi crying and he gets upset and tells her to go away . This is traditionally reserved for males. Every culture has its own traditions and many of the times these traditions are broken when new generations are born. But when Koro walks away, she climbs onto the back of the largest whale and coaxes it to re-enter the ocean. Available at www.indiewire.com/article/girl_power_new_zealand_ writerdirector_niki_caro_talks_about_whale_ rider. "Whale Rider" [ ] She stands up for what she believes even in the face of the adults around her, and isnt afraid to take risks to do whats right. Whale Rider Summary The movie is about Pai, a 12 year old who is the only living child in the line of the tribe's chiefly succession because of the death of her twin brother and mother during childbirth. requirements? Eventually, her birthfather, Porourangi, comes back and describes his current situation in life; how he lives in Germany and has a great life with a new woman, who is pregnant. Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, and Whangaras citizens do their best to carry on their traditions in the modern day. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must fight him and a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny. Those who support this Festivals have been present in people's life for ages. Whale Rider, then, challenges the lineage of male dominance, with Paikeas plight serving as symbolic indictment of the mores of patriarchy, and a call for greater inclusiveness (Sison 2012: 129). The whole village comes together to save them, but they end up dying. Whale Rider exemplified the Ideology of Patriarchy perfectly because of how Koro ran his tribe. However, Koro was late, and as he was walking to the school, he notices that numerous right whales are beached near Pais home. It follows the journeys of Pai, a young girl, and Koro, her grandfather, who both seek to uphold and preserve the Maori tradition, which has been negatively influenced by the European culture. writing your own paper, but remember to The series is part of the celebrations of the 50th . When Kahu is nine years old, a group of about 200 whales are stranded in shallow waters. Whale Ridershows emotional experience of a young Maori girl, Pai, who is the main character and the most bright personality in the film. The Whale Rider isn't like every other story I've read before. The world premire was on September 2002, at the Toronto International Film Festival. Unknown to all, she had won an inter-school speech contest with a touching dedication to Koro and the traditions of the village. After being told for so many years that she is worthless because she is a girl, Pai is also struggling to find acceptance and love. Stephanie loves to read and has a bachelors degree in History. Identity is not what race we are born into or the colour of our skin it is, For over 40 years, Massillon-Washington High School has continued a tradition of leasing a new tiger cub as a mascot every year for their football season. This book is called The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Pai herself is interested in the leadership, learning traditional songs and dances, but is given little encouragement by her grandfather. In the end everyone from the village is celebrating her status as a leader, and working together, the waka is finished and is taken into the sea. The Essay Writing ExpertsUK Essay Experts. 545 Words3 Pages. " Women, like men, should try to do the impossible, and when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others."-. No plagiarism guarantee. It won the audience awards as the most popular film at both the Toronto and Sundance film festivals, played to standing ovations, left audiences in tears.