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Plot Summary
A small Maori village faces a crisis when the heir to the leadership of the Ngati Konohi dies at birth and is survived only by his twin sister, Pai. Although disregarded by her grandfather and shunned by the village people, twelve-year-old Pai remains certain of her calling and trains herself in the ways and customs of her people. With remarkable grace, Pai finds the strength to challenge her family and embraces a thousand years of tradition in order to fulfill her destiny.
Credits
Director
Screenwriter
Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews
TOMATOMETER
90%- Reviews Counted: 146
- Fresh: 132
- Rotten: 14
- Average Rating: 7.7/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Fresh: Newcomer Castle-Hughes' unaffected, confident turn makes it credible our heroine might retain her determination and self-worth despite serial setbacks.
Fresh: The filmmaker knows how to seduce an audience without making it feel had. When a movie's this likable, it would take a very tough crowd not to be pleased.
Fresh: A thoughtful, vivid spiritual coming-of-age story that transcends its particular cultural context.
Fresh: The most effective and moving female empowerment movie in awhile.
Customer Reviews
Refreshing
Each time I revisit Whale Rider I find it inspiring. Keisha Castle-Hughes sparkles in this difficult, coming-of-age story, which earned her an Academy Award-Best Actress nomination. I recommend this movie for the entire PG-13 family.
One of the greatest of all times.
This movie is one of the best I've ever seen. When someone asks me what my favorite is I say it is this. It breaks all barriers and is a joy to watch over and over again!
Best movie ever!
I'm not kind of movie person. But this is beautiful and inspiratonal. I love this movie.
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- $11.99
- Genre: Drama
- Released: 2003
- © 2002 South Pacific Productions Ltd / ApolloMedia GmbH & Co.5. Filmproduktion KG. All Rights Reserved.