"Whale Rider" is a 2002 New Zealand film directed by Niki Caro, based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Witi Ihimaera. The film tells the story of Pai, a young Maori girl who strives to become the leader of her tribe, the Whangara people, despite the tradition that only males can hold this position. Pai is the only surviving child of her parents, and is therefore seen as a symbol of hope for the future of the tribe. However, her grandfather, Koro, is deeply opposed to the idea of a female leader and actively discourages Pai from pursuing her dream.
One of the central themes of "Whale Rider" is the conflict between tradition and modernity. Koro represents the traditional values of the Maori culture, while Pai represents a more modern, progressive approach. Koro believes that the tribal customs, including the male leadership tradition, must be upheld in order to preserve the culture and ensure the tribe's survival. On the other hand, Pai believes that the tribe must adapt and evolve in order to thrive in the modern world. This tension is evident throughout the film, as Pai struggles to prove herself to her grandfather and the rest of the tribe, and as Koro grapples with the idea of changing the status quo.
Another important theme in "Whale Rider" is the importance of cultural identity and the role of women in Maori society. Pai's desire to become the leader of the tribe is not just about personal ambition, but also about preserving and strengthening the culture of her people. She sees the potential for a woman to lead the tribe as a way to honor and respect the powerful female ancestors of the Whangara people. Through Pai's character, the film highlights the vital contributions that women have made to Maori culture and the importance of recognizing and valuing these contributions.
The film also explores the theme of family and the bonds between generations. Pai's relationship with her grandfather is central to the film, and the two characters undergo significant development and growth as they learn to understand and respect each other's perspectives. Pai's love for her grandfather, and her desire to make him proud, is a driving force behind her determination to become the leader of the tribe. Similarly, Koro's love for Pai and his eventual acceptance of her as a worthy leader is a testament to the strength of the bond between them.
Overall, "Whale Rider" is a poignant and thought-provoking film that tackles themes of tradition, modernity, cultural identity, and family with sensitivity and depth. Its powerful message about the importance of breaking through cultural barriers and embracing change is timeless and relevant to audiences of all ages.
The film Whale Rider Character Analysis Essay Example
The rite of passage of the character Jonah noted in ihimaera's novel, the whale Rider who emerged the changed person from the giant's stomach is one instance. The theory of comparative advantage explains how people benefit from economic interdependence. The presence of his power makes him seem like more of an intimidating figure who can control the lives of others. Although a romantic artist from the start, he was influenced and inspired by the works of fellow romantics Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. There are three different types of journey; they are inner, physical and imaginative. In desperation, Kahu swims out to the whale and climbs up its back after communicating with it.
The compelling themes demonstrated in the movie such as leadership, change of role in women, connection to nature, traditions and change are all eloquently presented as the plot unfolds. To no avail, the whale did not budge. So she turns to women so that she can change not only future generation of women, but men as well. Many local Maori were cast in the film and they are genuinely at home in their surroundings and that genuineness comes through on film. Kahu does seem to demonstrate many traits of a good leader. However, Koro fails to notice that Pai, although an eleven year old girl, is destined to be the new leader. There is some cultural significance, then, to the tool of the spear beyond just its typical war-bound use.
It is a proven fact that in America, the average wage of men is higher than the average wage of women. Sometimes life is rarely what it seems. What does the spear represent?. Most of them are quite different from traditionally male, ambitious, self-confident, straightforward managers cultivated in the world. The whale leads the entire pod back into the sea; Paikea nearly drowns in the process. Identification is accomplished by accepting the importance of family and what it means to be true and respecting of those who are closest to you in your life.
The myth about Paikea says that he was rescued by a whale, after his canoe was lost in the sea. The initial long shot places emphasis on Pai, while the camera is positioned at a low-angle, suggesting that she has gained authority and leadership. As pai grows up, she finds that living with her grandfather is not easy, because even though he formed sort of an affectionate bond with her ; carrying her to school every day on his bicycle, he also blames her for the death of her twin mother, brother and troubles in the tribe. The leader should be the first-born grandson — the primary patrilineal descendant of Paikea, the giant Rider — he who sat on side of the giant Tohora from Hawaiki. Kino demonstrates determination when he tries to sell the pearl in the city, but does not get the price that he believes is right. They are less aggressive and more compassionate, which make them not as valuable as men in managerial positions.
As a young woman myself, I can feel empathy towards the main protagonist, Pai, as she puts maximum effort in convincing her grandfather Koro. I now have a whole new appreciation for feminists and everything that they stand for. Any other slave would have most likely run off and never turned back but not Jim. We see the power of significant others to affect our self esteem, and the fact that, against strong odds, it is possible to assert ourselves and create an identity of our own. Whangara chiefs trust that each first born male has the potential to be Whale Rider Analysis Essay Whale Rider is an expressive, cultural drama film by the award winning director Nikola Jean "Niki" Caro, that explores the ideas of love, rejection, tradition and gender roles. Journeys can be both physical and emotional.
He drops a rock in the sea and once it has sunk to the depths, he tells the boys they must retrieve it as a test of their endurance and strength and ability to lead. Although Antigone dies in the end of Antigone, Pai from Whale Rider convinces the leader and lives a happy life. So it may be considered as the film about interpersonal relations. His anguish is now doubled as he must accept that he has been so harsh to the very person he needed so badly this whole time. If so, how are they alike? Also leaving his village and the Maori traditions behind him.
The movie shows this visually and thematically all throughout the story. Porourangi came to the conclusion that if they moved the biggest whale, the rest would follow it. Her strong character as a person is continually depicted in the film, making her worthy of being the next leader of the Maori tribe, thereby rebuffing years of tradition. It's a story about a young Maori girl, Paikea Apirana that's born into the chief line along with a twin brother. In this novel, Steinbeck takes you into the life of a struggling family, and a man who chose greed over need. When Koro walked away , pai decided to climb onto the back of the whale and lead the whales back to sea. It is shown that all people have their depth of sadness, yet in this sadness we can find out what truly connects us with those we love.
Each time she comes she expresses love for her family there, but special deep love for Koro her great-grandfather. While he does later form an affectionate bond with his granddaughter, carrying her to school every day on his bicycle, he also resents her and blames her for many of the troubles facing the tribe. The crisis of modernity is that it cuts people off from their natural roots. Kahu returns to Whangara several times when she is able. He must learn to love and accept his Koro is a stubborn, old-fashioned and driven chief that has to change his view on leadership.
Though the film has a strong female character, there are still male dominant elements throughout it. There is a vast difference between movies for 12-year-old girls, and movies about 12-year-old girls, and "Whale Rider" proves it. The next day a whole bunch of whales washed up on shore and everybody was trying to shove them back into the water, but none of them would budge. These three well-used techniques are camera shots, lighting and sound and dialogue. Twain uses helpful language to explain how Jim wanted to do nothing but help Tom and the doctor. A few years later, when Pai is a bit older, we see life is getting more stressful for them all as a family.
