Whale Rider Review
by Josh Gilchrist (joshgilch AT aol DOT com)August 13th, 2003
Josh Gilchrist's review of "Whale Rider"
Whale Rider 95/100 * * * *
Nothing pleases a cynical film critic more than witnessing passion given by a young, untapped talent, something which the greatest actors do with ease. Think
of the sweet innocence delivered by Natalie Wood in "Miracle on 34th Street," or Kelly Reno in "The Black Stallion." Examine the heartbreaking sincerity from Henry Thomas in "E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial," and Timothy Hutton in "Ordinary People." The sad reality is that only Hutton's performance was recognized by Oscar.
If the Film God that I pray to exists, 12 year old newcomer Keisha Castle-Hughes will get recognition for her passionate portrayal of free-spirited Paikea in "Whale Rider." It's a richly satisfying performance that makes us wonder about the possibilities lying ahead for this New Zealand girl. These thoughts are dashed when one realizes that, with the exception of Wood, the actors mentioned in the previous paragraph probably won't be remembered much for their work outside of those performances. One can always hope.
Hope is the running theme throughout "Whale Rider." Hope to find a cure for dashed dreams and hope to create new ones. Writer/director Niki Caro adapts Witi Ihimaera's novel that revolves around a sacred Maori legend. The whale rider is said to be "a prophet who came on the back of a whale, a man who led the people out of the darkness of the sea to the land."
The Apirana family of beautiful Whangara, New Zealand are firm believers in the
legend of the whale rider. The head of the family, Chief Koro (Rawiri Paratene), insists that the boy produced by his son Porourangi (Cliff Curtis),
will carry on the legacy and become the future chief.
Tragedy strikes when Porourangi's wife and newborn son die during childbirth. Paikeia, the twin sister who survived, is then frowned upon for not being the boy the family hoped for. Distraught, Porourangi flees to Europe, leaving his daughter behind to be raised by the grandfather who resents her.
As Paikeia grows older, she's determined to prove that she has the ability to become chief despite her gender. This angers Koro, now looking outside of the family to find the young man who will lead them out of darkness. Paikeia is the
classic strong female, unwilling to be dismissed.
With magnificent poise, Keisha Castle-Hughes carries the film firmly on her shoulders. It's been awhile since I've seen a film that demanded so much from a child performer. She delivers far beyond expectation. This isn't the only good performance but "Whale Rider" revolves around it. Both Rawiri Paratene and Cliff Curtis also impress in showy performances that require both
restraint and emotional outburst.
Director Caro never downplays the emotional intensity. Instead, she throws us right into this dysfunctional family. She seems to know when to let tempers flare, allow time for silence, and when to let love conquer all. An ideal atmosphere for a family film since it has an authentic feel.
"Whale Rider" isn't as inventively decorative or fast-paced as other family films, and for good reason. Outside of some truly breathtaking underwater sequences, it is driven by plot and characterization, indeed a rarity for a family film. It's a subtle film with tracings of an art-house quality but-perhaps because the film is examining the old Maori legend-it becomes the perfect allegory for a young audience. Just like any legend, valuable lessons will be supplied to young minds that see "Whale Rider." Lessons on family love, trust, motivation and destiny. Each lesson is given attention and creditability thanks to Caro's wonderful adaptation.
The film's PG-13 rating may keep some of the young audience who should see the it away. My grievance is, from my knowledge, "Whale Rider" would be a tame PG if it weren't for a one second reference to drug use. It occurs when Paikea pays a quick visit to her uncle Rawiri (Grant Roa). When she walks in, he and his girlfriend are stoned, with drug paraphernalia in plain sight. Once
he notices his niece, the drugs are quickly put away. The character of Rawiri seems like a prime candidate for drug addiction since he had to deal with a father who more or less ignored him. I question Niki Caro's decision to have such a inessential reference, whether it was in Witi Ihimaera's novel or not. That's my only complaint.
It all comes down to the children. When the children in "Whale Rider" speak, the audience is all ears. Their voices are wise but innocent, unknowing.
And the curious, sweet Paikea is their revolutionary. One who challenges authority. Throughout history, great people had to prove their worth. Rarely does a child have the tenacity to overcome doubt. Niki Caro has earned the respect with this profile of the power of a child. Respect only comes when an audience can regard a work of art as memorable. Honestly affectionate films like "Whale Rider" are rarely forgettable.
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