Whale Rider: Inner Strength And Determination
Whale Rider: Inner Strength and Determination
The film Whale Rider opens with a man, Porourangi, standing next to his wife as she gives birth to twins. Unfortunately, the mother and the son do not survive leaving only the girl who is named Paikea. This greatly upsets Koro, Porourangi’s father. As the reigning chief of the Maori people, he would have taught Porourangi’s first born son in the ways of their ancestors to become the next chief (Wald 2006). After experiencing such a devastating loss, Porourangi leaves Paikea to be raised by her grandparents. Koro, however, refuses to accept Paikea as the one to inherit the sacred position (Whaleriderthemovie.com).
The time of the film then shifts forward to when Paikea is grown and attending …show more content…
Koro struggling to attend decides to leave for the ceremony, but he is drawn towards the beach where he finds numerous stranded whales. All through the night and into the morning, the entire Maori community works to keep the whales alive. At one point, they attach a thick rope to a large whale and try to move it with a tractor; but the rope is unable to withstand the massive amount of weight. Only Paikea is able to move the mammoth whale when she climbs onto its back. The whale swims out to the open ocean with Paikea until she succumbs to the frigid water and releases her grip. Eventually she is found and rushed to the hospital. It is here while she is lying in bed that Koro asks for forgiveness and recognizes her as a wise …show more content…
Paikea is not deterred from becoming the new chief even though she faces constant resistance from Koro. Paikea actually has great respect and love for Koro. This is seen when she makes Koro the guest of honor when she delivers her competiton-winning speech. Paikea’s leadership is seen throughout the movie and culminates in the end with a ceremony, and Koro and her sitting in the center of waka. The ropes, the use of the taiaha, and the calling of the whales are great examples of Paikea’s inner strength. She is able to start the engine and move the gigantic whale. Paikea defeats a possible chief in training with a taiaha. Also, the beached whales respond to Paikea’s call after Koro tries to call on them.
Whale Rider provides a great insight into the Maori. The scenery of the film was very beautiful and the plot was very well constructed. However, a little more humor could have been infused into the story as there were only a few examples: Paikea reprimanding Nanny Flowers and the other women for smoking; Uncle Rawiri jogging past Koro on the beach; and Uncle Rawiri making a comment about Shilo before Porourangi’s slide show
The film Whale Rider opens with a man, Porourangi, standing next to his wife as she gives birth to twins. Unfortunately, the mother and the son do not survive leaving only the girl who is named Paikea. This greatly upsets Koro, Porourangi’s father. As the reigning chief of the Maori people, he would have taught Porourangi’s first born son in the ways of their ancestors to become the next chief (Wald 2006). After experiencing such a devastating loss, Porourangi leaves Paikea to be raised by her grandparents. Koro, however, refuses to accept Paikea as the one to inherit the sacred position (Whaleriderthemovie.com).
The time of the film then shifts forward to when Paikea is grown and attending …show more content…
Koro struggling to attend decides to leave for the ceremony, but he is drawn towards the beach where he finds numerous stranded whales. All through the night and into the morning, the entire Maori community works to keep the whales alive. At one point, they attach a thick rope to a large whale and try to move it with a tractor; but the rope is unable to withstand the massive amount of weight. Only Paikea is able to move the mammoth whale when she climbs onto its back. The whale swims out to the open ocean with Paikea until she succumbs to the frigid water and releases her grip. Eventually she is found and rushed to the hospital. It is here while she is lying in bed that Koro asks for forgiveness and recognizes her as a wise …show more content…
Paikea is not deterred from becoming the new chief even though she faces constant resistance from Koro. Paikea actually has great respect and love for Koro. This is seen when she makes Koro the guest of honor when she delivers her competiton-winning speech. Paikea’s leadership is seen throughout the movie and culminates in the end with a ceremony, and Koro and her sitting in the center of waka. The ropes, the use of the taiaha, and the calling of the whales are great examples of Paikea’s inner strength. She is able to start the engine and move the gigantic whale. Paikea defeats a possible chief in training with a taiaha. Also, the beached whales respond to Paikea’s call after Koro tries to call on them.
Whale Rider provides a great insight into the Maori. The scenery of the film was very beautiful and the plot was very well constructed. However, a little more humor could have been infused into the story as there were only a few examples: Paikea reprimanding Nanny Flowers and the other women for smoking; Uncle Rawiri jogging past Koro on the beach; and Uncle Rawiri making a comment about Shilo before Porourangi’s slide show