Whale Rider

Theatrical Release Date: 2003 06 06 (USA - Limited)

UPC: 043396022720

Studio: Columbia TriStar

MPAA Rating: PG13   Contains:[Adult Language, Drug Content, Watch With Your Kids, Suitable for Teens]

Summary: Based on the novel of the same name by Maori writer Witi Ihimaera, Whale Rider is a unique family drama directed Niki Caro. On the eastern coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their ancestor Paikea was saved from drowning by riding home on the back of a whale. The tribal group has since granted leadership positions to the first-born males, believing them to be descendants of Paikea. This tradition is challenged when a young mother dies in childbirth along with her newborn male son. His twin sister manages to survive and the father (Cliff Curtis) runs off, overwhelmed with grief. The little girl, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), is brought up by stubborn grandfather Koro (Rawiri Paratene) and gentle grandmother Nanny (Vicky Haughton). Koro, the chief of their tribe, is disappointed because Pai's twin brother was supposed to be the next leader. Trying to find the proper successor, he attempts to organize a leadership group amongst the local boys while Pai enlists the help of her has-been uncle Rawiri (Grant Roa) to teach herself the art of chiefdom. She appears to possess a natural leadership ability and adventurous spirit that draws her to the proliferation of her faltering tribe. Whale Rider premiered at the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival and won the World Cinema Audience Award. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Category: Drama

Awards: World Cinema Audience Award – Sundance Film Festival Best Film Audience Award – Seattle International Film Festival Best Director Audience Award – Seattle International Film Festival Audience Award – Maui Film Festival AGF People's Choice Award – Toronto International Film Festival Audience Award – San Francisco International Film Festival Best Supporting Actress – Screen Actors Guild Best Score – New Zealand Film Awards Best Actress – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Special Recognition for Excellence in Filmmaking – National Board of Review Best Foreign Film – Independent Spirit Awards Best Actress – Chicago Film Critics Association Most Promising Performer – Chicago Film Critics Association Most Promising Filmmaker – Chicago Film Critics Association

Features: ccDirector commentary
Theatrical trailer and TV spots
"Te Waka: Building the Canoe" featurette
Behind the scenes of Whale Rider
Deleted scenes with optional commentary
Whale Rider: The Soundtrack showcase
Art and photo gallery
Scene selection

Whale Rider

Format: Digital Video Disc (DVD)

Release Date: 10/28/2003

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Cinemascope

Audio: DD2 Dolby Digital Stereo, DD5.1 Dolby Digital 5.1

Runtime: 101 Minutes

Sides: 1

Number of Discs: 1

Language(s) English

Subtitles: English,Spanish

Region: USA & territories, Canada

Chapters: Side #1 --
1. Main Title/Paikea [3:32]
2. Rehua's Death [3:48]
3. Biking Home [3:09]
4. The Concert/Porourangi Returns [4:37]
5. Te Waka [1:16]
6. Our Ancestors [3:12]
7. Privileges and Obligations [4:43]
8. A Leader, A Prophet [3:38]
9. The Journey Away [6:12]
10. Sacred School of Learning [7:01]
11. Koro's Rules [3:28]
12. Rawiri and the Taiaha [4:51]
13. Fathers and Sons [2:32]
14. Apologies [3:12]
15. One Final Test [4:26]
16. It's Not for Long [1:51]
17. Pai Calls the Whales [2:19]
18. Paka's Reiputa [2:50]
19. Guest of Honor [1:10]
20. Speech of Love and Respect [1:51]
21. Empty Water [6:05]
22. Paikea's Whale [3:28]
23. Reason to Live [2:28]
24. Whale Rider [2:56]
25. The Wise Leader [7:28]
26. Going Forward...All Together [2:20]
27. End Credits [3:33]

Andrea LeVasseur

Beautiful underwater photography and an excellent lead performance from Keisha Castle-Hughes make Whale Rider a heartfelt drama with a spiritual core. The ancient tale of Paikea is felt throughout this well-worn story line, refreshing with images of cool blue water and nuanced with intricate tribal carvings and tattoos. Though set in present day, Hughes exudes a timeless quality with both the powers of a mystic and the devotion of a little girl. As her beloved and stern grandfather, Rawiri Paratene is effectively blinded by pride so that he can't see the answer is right in front of him. Their bond is a strong and subtle one as they each possess a strong-willed independence that yearns to be tested. Vicky Haughton holds things together emotionally as the nurturing grandmother, and Grant Roa provides the modern alternative to chiefdom as the lazy Uncle Rawiri, although he too gets a chance at redemption. The colorful costumes, makeup, and skin markings are well rendered, especially when placed in the context of the poignant scene at Pai's cultural program at school. The ethereal soundtrack by Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance sets the otherworldly mood while also making the slow pace more tolerable. It's worth noting that the New Zealand dialect of English is difficult to understand at times, but the images are so powerful that some lost dialogue doesn't detract much from the story. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Cast and Crew: Roi Taimana  Actor 
Tammy Davis  Actor 
Tyronne White  Actor 
Elizabeth Skeen  Actor 
Taungaroa Emile  Actor 
Mana Taumaunu  Actor 
Tahei Simpson  Actor 
John Barnett  Producer 
Lisa Gerrard  Composer (Music Score) 
Bill Gavin  Executive Producer 
Tim Sanders  Producer 
Niki Caro  Director 
Niki Caro  Screenwriter 
Linda Goldstein-Knowlton  Executive Producer 
Frank Hübner  Producer 
Keisha Castle-Hughes  Actor 
Rawiri Paratene  Actor 
Vicky Haughton  Actor 
Cliff Curtis  Actor 
Grant Roa  Actor 
Rawinia Clarke  Actor 

Country: New Zealand