Whale Rider Tradition

The film Whale Rider I about a young girl named Paikea. When Paikea was born, she had a twin brother, but unfortunately her brother died along with her mother. Whale Rider was filmed in Whangara in New Zealand. The film does not only show us one girl’s experience of growing up, but also tells us about the Maori culture, tradition how gender is treated, and their leadership.

Firstly, tradition is expressed in the film when Koro was teaching the boys how to fight like warriors with a taiaha ‘The taiaha is an instrument of war a tool for fighting. If you want to master it, you've got to show it respect.’ Koro then starts to hit Hemi with the taiaha and Hemi fights back. Soon Hemi gets angry that Koro has hit his taiaha down and hits Koro back on his back. There is a full shot of Hemi hitting Koro showing his
We hear only Nanny and Paikea. There is no background noise or no music. This shows the power in their voices, without music in the background it gives the voices more impact and makes it stand out more.

Gender is an important part of the film. This was shown when Koro told Paikea to sit at the back as it was their tradition. ‘Paikea, you’re a girl, go to the back’ Koro demanded. Koro spoke again, but Pai still sat down. Then Koro stood up with his walking stick showing anger and strength. A full camera shot was used and also silence in the background showing the power Koro has.

Finally, leadership is explored as a theme at the end where Paikea finally proved who she was. ‘My name is Paikea Apirana She was leading the ship by chanting with the rest rowing and repeating the chant. There is a mid-shot of Paikea and Koro. Paikea is smiling happily with her grandfather. She is glad that she has proven that woman can be a leader and people will follow. She is also glad that her grandfather is beside her supporting her. The boat going out to sea symbolises a new