By Juriaan Betman

Whale Rider is set in a small Maori community somewhere on the coast of New Zealand. Based upon the novel by New Zealand Maori author Witi Ihimaera the film carries us through a journey of Maori culture and traditions in the lives of ordinary people. It highlights personal and family drama through the interaction of three generations representing the past, the present and the future. It is an example of the problems that many cultures and families are facing throughout an ever changing world trying to keep the ways of the past and rituals alive. The story takes place in the world of today, but there is a thread that relates to a different world. The world of myth and legend.

Paikea, the ancestor, came to New Zealand on the back of a whale. Koro feels that it is his responsibility to keep the past alive. A deep sense of spiritualty of the Maori is shown through their respect for nature and traditions of the past. Koro’s hopes are high with the impending arrival of a new grandchild. These are quickly dashed with the arrival of twins, the male dying at birth along with the mother and the remaining baby is a girl. Given the name Paikea by her mother, Pai was supposed to be the whale rider, the salvation of the people. But she is immediately rejected by Koro because she is a girl and he has no use for her.

Pai is brought up by her Nanny and Koro in the absence of her father. Koro lays the blame for his people degeneration at Kais feet. But interestingly enough that aside he still spends a great deal of time with her. Pai always looks up to Koro with respect that is given to an elder. “Its not Koro’s fault that I’m a girl.” Kais personality is expressed through her respect for tradition and her willingness to break the boundaries try and join the boys and learn to be a chief. She loves her grandfather with all her heart, but also has the courage to speak, usually through her actions, that she is the future of the tribe.

We all are spiritual beings. This is seen in the film in the relationship between the people and their natural environment. We also all experience emotions related to challenge, hope, failure and forgiveness. It is a reminder for Christians that some of the traditions observed by different cultures can be integrated with those of Christianity. There in also lies a challenge in acknowledging some of the spiritual aspects of the culture as Christians with which we may have difficulty with. The film involves themes revolving around family, caring, sexism, change and rejection. A social issue that can be found in many contexts is the place of women in a world view dominated and controlled by men. But through her childish innocence and powerful self determination Pai makes her mark. “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;” In the Bible Jesus was rejected and humiliated. Following death came the resurrection and ascension to the throne. Pai follows a similar journey. She ascends to chiefdom following rejection and humiliation.

Sometimes to keep both past and future together requires compromise. The process of not being afraid to question, not being afraid to change and being brave and never giving up. The new learning from the old and the old learning from the new. Just as the rope is made up of smaller strands to make it strong so exists the family, being held together by its members as one force.

Whale rider is a memorable film, well worthwhile viewing. The core of the story is a serious one but there are also many lighter good hearted moments. Rated P.G. for younger viewers.