whale rider analysis

Ihimaera was inspired to write the book in 1985 while living in an apartment in New York overlooking the Hudson River. Some Important Scenes & Quotations from Whale Rider 1. The most rewarding of these is that of Pai and her grandfather. Koro, who is the Chief of the Maori tribe, is the other important character of the film. The following chapter will compare and contrast the content, the structure, e.g. What is the boat called in whale rider? 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. Koro is equally as upset because he feels that this is a sign for his people. He takes the remaining boys out to sea in his speedboat and throws his whale-tooth necklace overboard stating that he needs someone to demonstrate the spirit needed to recover the necklace (which symbolises the tribes connection to their ancestors). When Pai asks where her people come from, in what can be considered a key scene, Koro likens their ancestral line to the intertwining strands of a rope he is using to fix a boat motor. If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! 10 of the best book quotes from The Whale Rider. succeed. The Chief of their tribe is her grandfather Koro, but there is no one to in line after him. Correct writing styles (it is advised to use correct citations) 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. The picture book by Colin Thompson,, Beneath the Clouds, Ivan Sen, Road Movie 2002, shows perceptions of personal discovery. The girl in question is Paikea, performed magnificently by Keisha Castle-Hughes in a role for which she was . Porourangi offers to take Paikea with him back to Europe, but as she looks out to sea she feels the pull of her ancestors and cannot abandon her heritage. He gave them gifts, including the ability to communicate with animals and nature. There are several enduring issues, such as the impact of cultural diffusion, or that of imperialism, presented Family is an important concept. Rawiri takes up the challenge with fervour and not only trains Paikea to be the best in the tribe but also recovers his own sense of identity and self worth. (Smith 2006: 113). The series is part of the celebrations of the 50th . Indeed, as Sison suggests, the cultural milieu of Whale Rider is characterised by the ongoing Maori quest for soul and identity in the postcolonial aftermath (Sison 2012: 122), and it is these themes, as well as female empowerment, which underpin the narrative. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand tribe, believes she is destined to be the new chief. 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. Production Company: South Pacific Pictures, ApolloMedia Distribution, Pandora Filmproduktion. There are three different types of journey; they are inner, physical and imaginative. Unbeknown to Koro, Rawiri later takes Pai out in the boat, who not only finds the necklace, but also manages to catch a lobster as a present for her grandfather. Cast: Keisha Castle-Hughes (Paikea), Rawiri Paratene (Koro), Cliff Curtis (Porourangi), Grant Roa (Rawiri).]. Summary, Pages 3 (537 words) Views. Many voyages that heroin's encounter are regularly identified with the four mythical functions. There is a vast difference between movies for 12-year-old girls, and movies about 12-year-old girls, and "Whale Rider" proves it. From then on, Whangara chiefs, always the first-born, always male, have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. When the audience is watching the film, they compare their own family experiences with the ones in the story. Though there is a recurrent and overarching feeling of great-whale-in-the-sea calm, strength and beauty, there is a strong undercurrent of emotional turmoil, with which each of the main characters struggle., A physical journey is more than a physical movement. Koro insist for a male because hes stuck in this tradition that does not exist anymore. Challenge. Pai climbs onto the back of the whale and makes it re-enter the ocean. So many films by and about teenagers are mired in vulgarity and stupidity; this one, like its heroine, dares to dream. Copyright 2003 - 2023 - UKEssays is a trading name of Business Bliss Consultants FZE, a company registered in United Arab Emirates. To export a reference to this article please select a referencing stye below: If you are the original writer of this essay and no longer wish to have your work published on UKEssays.com then please: Our academic writing and marking services can help you! For Koro, this symbolises the tribes contemporary crisis of identity, a loss of spiritual connection to their ancestors. 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. By Hemis father leaving so soon Hemi feels upset because he really wanted to show his father what he has learned about his culture. By tradition the heir to the leadership of the Maori tribe has to be the first born son- a direct patrilineal descendant of Paikea. Similarly, Smith (2006: 110) suggests the imposition of Pakeha culture and opportunities of modernity has created a lost generation amongst the Maori people, with several characters portraying the effects of this modern allure. A special attention should be paid to a the concept of shadows in the story, as it has an important meaning. On her journey to become the leader of the tribe, she comes across numerous amounts of challenges from her grandfather, Koro. Cinematographer: Leon Narbey. By tradition, the leader should be the first-born son a direct patrilineal descendant of Paikea, aka Kahutia Te Rangi in the book, the Whale Rider he who rode on top of a whale from Hawaiki. Much to his dismay, none of the boys retrieve the pendant and Koro returns to shore, despondent. Paikea is a small girl that is 13 years old, and is a direct descendant of Paikea, the original whale rider. As such, the film does not present a simple rejection of modernity, rather it is the recovery of tradition in modernity, and sometimes against identity, that makes possible the renewal of identity of Paikeas people (Smith 2006: 116). Another theme is Independence because in chapter 15, Kristin Sweetwater finally breaks up with Mike Barbour and actually sticks with the breakup., Every December, a fleet of hungry, evil whaling vessels set sail from Japan to commence their annual hunt on the minke and humpback whales in the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary in the Southern Ocean. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must fight him and a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny. The Maine Lobstermen's Association last September appealed a federal decision on some restrictions, and the case is now being heard in Washington. Some of those themes are Dont Give Up, Independence, Abuse, Love, Happiness, and Teamwork. The girl grows up being certain of her calling to be the next tribe leader. This highlights the tensions between the traditional and the modern in Maori culture, with Koros stringent following of the tribes ancient traditions leading him to alienate his own kin, despite the fact that Pai shows more promise than any of the other boys. And he came on the back of a whale, a man to lead a new people, our ancestor, Paikea 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 . Director Niki Caro Writers Niki Caro Witi Ihimaera (book "The Whale Rider") Stars Keisha Castle-Hughes Rawiri Paratene Vicky Haughton See production, box office & company info Watch on Freevee Pai, of course, is banned from these classes, but she eavesdrops and enlists a wayward uncle to reveal some of the secrets of the males. This confidence was shattered when all boys failed in his final test of leadership, they have lost Koros closest symbolic representation of his faith: the whales tooth. Meet Kahu, a young Maori girl, and follow her journey as she contradicts the roles females are expected to play. The composers of different texts all employ a number of different techniques to convey, to the reader, their ideas about a journey and the impact that the journey being taken may have on an individual or group. The summary of The Whale Rider is about a young girl, named Pai, who wants to be chief. Though the film has a strong female character, there are still male dominant elements throughout it. Paikea, realising what she was destined to do, proceeds to ride the large whale, sparking it into life, followed by the rest of the pod. The book's narrator, Kahu's uncle Rawiri, then explains that the tribe's first chief and ancestor, Kahutia Te Rangi, who is also called Paikea, came to their land on the back of a whale, making him the whale rider. 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. The film gained much respect from critics, it went on in film festivals such as Sundance and Tribecca, and gained international recognition. Three months after Kahu was born, her mother, Rehua, died. However, Pai fixes the rope and the motor runs fine, much to Koros frustration; frustrated that a young girl managed to repair something he couldnt, and for what it symbolises, that a female could become chief and restore the tribe. When she goes out to sea, Nanny Flowers shows Koro the whale tooth which Pai had previously recovered. By continuing, well assume you agree with our Cookies policy. Issues such as cultural differences and gender equality are presented by the composers through the clever use of devices appropriate to the medium, while using the post-colonial context to accentuate these issues. By Maori tradition, the tribes chief must be a direct descendant of the mythical Paikea, with first-born sons continuing this custom ever since. 197216. Koro was very upset when Kahu was born because she was a girl, and since then has ignored her, even though she loves him very much and wants his affection. 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. Her grandfather, who is her Herald in a way, condemns her for issues within the tribe. This is a hot issue of many cultures through the world even today, as women try to gain a respectable place by hard working. RyanMottesheard, Girl Power: New ZealandWriter/ Director Niki Caro Talks About Whale Rider, IndieWire, June 6, 2003. The whole village comes together to save them, but they end up dying. The myth about Paikea says that he was rescued by a whale, after his canoe was lost in the sea. When Kahu is nine years old, a group of about 200 whales are stranded in shallow waters. This shows how she has leadership, since the rope represents the ancestors and by her grandfather breaking the rope shows how the culture has been broken apart. Koros high standards make him look stubborn and that is why he pushes Pai away from him. Whale Rider, then, brings into question the notion of postcolonial identity within New Zealand, with a renewal of tribal values being presented as the means by which the Maori people learn to adapt to the modern-day demands of urbanisation. 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. Then man arrived from the east, and the relationship between nature and man throve. The bull whale remembers his master, the "golden man. 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. A film adaptation was made in 2002 that would go on to win several awards. 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 completes her expected tasks of singing during concerts, escorting the boys into the marae, and leading the other girls in their performance. The Whale Rider is a 1987 novel by New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. All rights reserved. Pai feels, that she can become the leader, but it is impossible for a woman to do so, and she is given little encouragement by her grandfather. Since the largest whale traditionally belongs to the legendary Paikea. We see the different techniques employed by composers through Peter Skrzyneckis Crossing the Red Sea and Immigrants at Central Station, Shirley Geok-lin Lims The Town Where Time Stands Still and The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham., The killer whale, also known as an orca, is known to be the largest dolphin. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. Sison (2012: 134) proposes that this ending follows a particular theological trajectory, with Paikeas symbolic reincarnation having a transformative impact on the community. The creation myths power permits the courageous woman, Pai, to find her actual calling as a real leader of Kahu's great-grandfather Koro is chief of the tribe, but because of his old age he is worried about who will be his heir. When Pai is found and brought to the hospital, Koro declares her the leader and asks her forgiveness. A nations culture resides in the heart and soul of its people- Mahatma Gandi and this culture is kept alive by what they do. cite it correctly. submit it as your own as it will be considered plagiarism. Her family thought she would die, but they soon realize that she is the whale rider. The first is of an indigenous girl named Kahu in a New Zealand Maori village who rediscovers the power of her people's belief that their ancestors came to their island on the backs of whales. 'I heard helicopters whirling around and the ships in the river using all their sirens - a whale had 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. For Bill Ashcroft et al. Unknown to all, she had won an inter-school speech contest with a touching dedication to Koro and the traditions of the village. When she returns, her grandfather acts as if nothing has happened, and focuses more on the task at hand, finding somebody to lead the tribe. By what name was Whale Rider (2002) officially released in India in English? Whale Ridershows emotional experience of a young Maori girl, Pai, who is the main character and the most bright personality in the film. us: [emailprotected]. Pride can be seen in both positive and negative ways. All People have the same emotions: they upset and cry, they feel happy and laugh. Sep 30, 2014. When Koro tries to look for another rope, Pai ties the rope together and starts the engine. In the arena of urban international competitiveness, cities try to raise their profile by We use cookies to offer you the best experience. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. What Koro does not understand is that Pai is the leader they have been waiting for. 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. 1672. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. Shes only twelve years old. Whale Rider shows so many interesting and emotional themes: failure and hope, strength, and determination, all of them are witnessed in the points of past, present, and future ideals. The Whale Rider starts a thousand years ago, with a pod of whales. " Women, like men, should try to do the impossible, and when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others."-. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you Years later Koro is determined to find a leader and begins to teach and train the boys, in which Pai is not allowed to join because she is a girl. 2023's Most Anticipated Sequels, Prequels, and Spin-offs. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. He is acting out of distress when he moves to Germany to pursue a career as an artist, and he has learned that he can never live up to Koros expectations. Koro sees it as a sign of failure and gets upset when Pai is touching the largest whale because he feels she has done enough damage. The film under analysis is called Whale Rider and focuses on the story of the Maori girl Pai who is interested in becoming the leader of her tribe. One night Paikea delivers a speech to the rest of the tribe that traces the history of her people and the significance of the Paikea legend, which she tearfully dedicates to her grandfather. In a small New Zealand coastal village, Maori claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. 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 symbolism from the beginning foreshadows Pais future as a leader: a close up of the crying babys green eye mirrors the close up of a whales eye. When I finished the story I believe that the theme of The Whale Rider was to overcome the odds to achieve the greatness. If your specific country is not listed, please select the UK version of the site, as this is best suited to international visitors. Ever since the time of the whale rider, Kahu's tribe has been ruled by a male chief. Free delivery for many products! Director and Screenwriter: Niki Caro. Car Games . Paikea trains in secret, eavesdropping on Koros classes, determined to learn all she can of her ancestral customs. 2. Irving develops a fable based on truth by setting Rip's story in a village close to the Catskill Mountains and by placing the occasions before and after the American Revolutionary War. Duncan Petrie, New Zealand, in M. Hjort, D. Petrie (ed), The Cinema of Small Nations, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2007. Registered office: Creative Tower, Fujairah, PO Box 4422, UAE. The second concerns the ancient leader of a pod of cetaceans who has suffered There are several similarities and differences between The Whale Rider and Whale Rider. Journey involves interacting with new people and environments, which ultimately results in the change of the person. 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The film "Whale rider" is considered to be a personal and family drama, showing that families even in the most far away parts of the world have similar relations and personal problems. Download Free PDF. And if that were not bad enough, Paikea (Pai) lost her father as well. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best For example, in the beginning when Koro goes to see the baby boy and tells Nanny to take Pai away from where he is. Choose your writer among 300 professionals! The entire village trys to drag them back into the water but, where unsuccessful. They are the Sea Shepherds and they operate under the United Nations World Charter for Nature. Koro tells Kahu that he loves her regardless of whether she is a girl or a boy, and he names her the new leader, called Paikea, just like the founder of their tribe. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Whale Rider is a 2002 drama film directed by Niki Caro, based on the novel of the same name. Deadline from 3 hours. They added tobacco and corn due to those ideas being popular. 'The Whale Rider' tells the story of a girl destined to be a leader of her people. Nanny Flowers has often threatened to divorce Koro over his treatment of Kahu. 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. By continuing well match. Unfortunately the tradition was broken when Pais twin brother passes away. 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). Find out how you match to her and 5500+ other characters. Amelia Earhart. [Country: New Zealand, Germany. Movie analysis 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. Whereas the majority of her community appear disrespectful of Maori customs and traditions, Pai shows a deep affinity to the old ways and demonstrates her passion publicly. 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. Also, the largest whale traditionally belongs to the legendary Paikea. 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. The opening sequence presents a powerful juxtaposition between contemporary culture and Maori heritage, with a modern hospital birth-scene intercut with mysterious shots of a whale and a female narrator recounting the Maori tale of Paikea: a mythical descendant of the Ngati Konohi tribe who discovered Whangara on the back of a humpback whale after his canoe had capsized off the coast of Hawaiki the ancient Maori homeland. The girl, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) survives. Differences Between the Whale Rider and Whale Rider Essay, Pride in Antigone and in Whale Rider Essay, The Themes of Tradition and Modernity in Bollywood Movies Essay, Family Tree and Other Customs of the Manchu Culture Essay, Enduring Issues: Conflict Between Traditional Culture and Modernization Essay, Family Traditions and Importance of Them Essay, The Importance of Culture and Traditions for Identity in Society Essay, What Should We Know About Obie Tradition Essay, Study Review on the Role of Festivals in Society and Culture Essay. These three well-used techniques are camera shots, lighting and sound and dialogue. 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. The movie shows this visually and thematically all throughout the story. Though she is loved by her grandfather named Koro, who is the Chief of the Maori tribe, she is not accepted as a future leader, and as a person as well. Personality determined, wise, and sensitive. The film was a coproduction between New . This relationship is ambivalent since the colonised subject is never completely opposed to the coloniser. After Pai is hospitalized Koro realizes that Pai is the leader that they have been waiting for and asks for her forgiveness. Pai shows the strengths of a leader through out the whole video but her grandfather does not notice it. It can mean that one has self-respect, but it can also mean that one is arrogant and has a huge ego. The whale leads the rest of the whales back into the sea, while this is happening Nanny gives Koro the whale tooth, which Pai had gotten. This essay has been submitted by a student. 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. However, Pai is female and technically cannot inherit the leadership. The Whale Rider Witi Ihimaera 3.83 9,773 ratings1,111 reviews Eight-year-old Kahu craves her great-grandfather's love and attention. This story has a strong female leader who never gave up in what she thought her destiny was. "Man might carve his mark on the earth, but unless he's vigilant, Nature will take it all back.". An error occurred trying to load this video. Paikea is interested, but she cannot join since she is a girl. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. 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The film Whale rider is considered to be a personal and family drama, showing that families even in the most far away parts of the world have similar relations and personal problems. Both are signs of internalized oppression. In The Whale Rider, Kahu is a young Maori girl who wants to be the chief of her tribe, but cannot be because in her culture that role is only for men. She climbs on the back of the ancient bull whale as it dives deep into the sea. History of Sex in Cinema Filmsite org. Koros relationship with Pai erodes further when none of the boys succeed at the traditional task of recovering the rei puta (whale tooth) that he threw into the ocean this mission would prove one of them worthy of becoming leader. Pai is found alive and the film closes with the whole tribe embracing their Maori culture, celebrating through traditional Maori rituals. The Whale Rider isn't like every other story I've read before. For example, Porourangi uses international travel to escape the pain of losing his loved ones, as well as the responsibility to produce a male son that Koro believes will lead his people out of the darkness. : Taking Derrida, Lyotard, and Foucault to Church, MI, Baker Academic, 2006. Furthermore, such a portrayal of a Maori tribe in their contemporary setting highlights post-colonial ambivalence in New Zealand, indicating that Maoris are not fully opposed to the hybridisation that has occurred during the colonial process. 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. At the beginning of the film, we see that Koro genuinely cares for his granddaughter, but his disappointment about her gender is evident. In the film Whale Rider depicts a culture in transition. Pharapreising and interpretation due to major educational standards released by a particular educational institution as well as tailored to your educational institution if different; requirements? Editor: David Coulson. We`ll do boring work for you. Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. Recently, this tradition has come under scrutiny. This raises the question what is family? 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.

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