This is truly a very good movie in every aspects but its most beautiful and important one is the concept of respect. I can't imagine a better way that teaches everyone why and how to respect what they are and what others are. The music is great, cinematography is amazing and the story is very interesting. However it needs a little patient for one to fully enjoy it. Watch it , it will be an excellent experience.

I heard about "Whale Rider" when it got released but never got around to seeing it. I finally have. What an impressive movie. It looks at a variety of topics: the Maoris' efforts to keep their culture alive, the issue of whether or not tradition is an impediment to social progress, and looking to one's history.The protagonist is a girl named Pai. According to Maori tradition, only the first-born son can become leader. Pai's brother died after he was born, leaving her as the only descendant, and her grandfather does not want to change the tradition.This is one of the few movies that I've seen focusing on the Maoris' traditions, and likely the only one focusing on their mythology (the title is based on the story that their ancestor arrived in New Zealand on the back of a whale). I saw it described as a family movie, probably since a child is the main character. It's a more serious movie than what we usually think of as family movies, but it also gives a sense of hope for the Maoris' future. Keisha Castle-Hughes received an Academy Award nomination for her role.All in all, good movie. I recommend it. Niki Caro more recently directed "The Zookeeper's Wife".

Whale Rider, filmed and directed by Niki Caro, was honestly one of my favorite movies I have ever seen, even outside of Global Perspectives class. I fell in love with the main character, Pai's personality. Pai was a young girl who had an ambitious spirit and confidence that no one could change or take from her. I loved this about her, and her character really inspired me. Filmed and taking place in New Zealand, the story follows Pai and her family through rough times and spiritual experiences. I would definitely recommend this film to anyone, especially those interested in Maori culture and/or whales. This movie was one of my favorite ever, and I learned a lot about Maori culture.

The Whale Rider is probably one of my favorite movies that I have seen in awhile. The videography was very artistic and really added a lot to the film. I loved the main character, Paikea. She was strong and brave and willing to sacrifice for her people. Her love of her grandpa, despite the fact that he was always disappointed in her because she was a girl and he wanted a boy to carry on their family's chain of chiefs, was admirable. My favorite scene was when Paikea helped save the whales and actually became a whale rider like her original ancestor, Paikea, who was the first chief. I also loved how Paikea proved her grandfather wrong by getting the whale tooth and proving she could become chief. He had not let her engage in the activities that the other boys were doing to learn how to be chiefs so by getting the whale tooth she proved that she was worthy and able. Overall, I would give this movie 5/5 stars.