CINEXA

Whale Rider

On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their presence there dates back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. From then on, Whangara chiefs, always the first-born, always male, have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand tribe, believes she is destined to be the new chief. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must fight him and a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny. Use this page to compare cast context, genre fit (Drama, Family), release year 2002, and whether this film matches tonight's mood.

Whale Rider poster on CINEXA

Story of Whale Rider

On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their presence there dates back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. From then on, Whangara chiefs, always the first-born, always male, have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand tribe, believes she is destined to be the new chief. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must fight him and a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny.

Use this page to compare cast context, genre fit (Drama, Family), release year 2002, and whether this film matches tonight's mood.

Title facts

  • Type Movie
  • Release year 2002
  • Released 29 Aug 2003
  • Runtime 101 minutes
  • Content rating PG-13
  • IMDb rating IMDb 7.5/10 from 44,401 votes
  • Metascore 80/100
  • Genres Drama, Family
  • Languages English, Maori
  • Countries New Zealand, Germany

Cast

Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton

Direction and writing

Directed by: Niki Caro

Written by: Niki Caro, Witi Ihimaera

Awards and recognition

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 33 wins & 35 nominations total

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