Whale Rider

by Witi Ihimaera

Whale Rider is a story about a young girl named Paikea (or, if you read the novel, Kahu) who was born in a traditional maori family who apparently is related to the maori legend, Paikea. She strives her way through stereotypes and attempts to become a leader, but is let down by her koro who traditionally believes that it’s only a male’s job.

A key moment that surprised me was the scene where a pod of whales were washed ashore, which caused the family to be upset and try to put them out of their misery (by saving them, of course.)

I found this scene important because this problem was actually caused by Paikea when she called the whales the previous night. The call wasn’t intended to put them in danger. At some point when everyone was gone, Paikea attempted to ride the last and main whale who ends up being the legendary whale in all of ‘Paikea’s’ stories.

Eventually Paikea returns and the family are happy again. They were worried sick, even her koro who had always disrespected and let her down.

After a bit of hugs and admiring, Paikea becomes leader and the film ends off with the main members going on a waka. The waka they left on was most likely the boat that koro was working on earlier in the story. Over all, the family is happy to be together again and feel good about Paikea being leader.