By categorising different forms of literature into these three options, the meaning of journey can be easily derived and the techniques in which they are constructed can be more fully understood and appreciated. The whale leads the rest of the whales back into the sea, while this is happening Nanny gives Koro the whale tooth, which Pai had gotten. This shows how she has leadership, since the rope represents the ancestors and by her grandfather breaking the rope shows how the culture has been broken apart. She leaves with her father, but on their way to the airport, she suddenly decides to turn around and return to her grandparents, for she cannot leave them. Soon after, Rawiri moves to Australia and then Papua New Guinea to see the world. The movie seems headed for the ancient cliche of the auditorium door which opens at the last moment to reveal the person that the child onstage desperately hopes to see--but no, that's not what happens. The creation myths power permits the courageous woman, Pai, to find her actual calling as a real leader of Would you like to have an original essay? The people from Maori have been waiting for so long that they have lost hope and flight of people. The beautifully poetic style and twin narrative lends itself to the analysis of language.To automatically receive all the latest news on New Windmills, why not sign-up for our Heinemann Literature eNewsletter? Retrieved from https://graduateway.com/analysis-of-the-whale-rider/, Coming Of Age across Cultures in Film: Whale Rider and Rabbit-Proof Fence Analysis, Analysis of the Film Easy Rider Directed by Dennis Hopper, Fox and coyote and whale compare and contrast. Whereas the majority of her community appear disrespectful of Maori customs and traditions, Pai shows a deep affinity to the old ways and demonstrates her passion publicly. Nanny Flowers has often threatened to divorce Koro over his treatment of Kahu. Relationship Status unattached. But he's focused on his duties as chief of the Maori in Whangara, New Zealanda tribe that claims descent from the legendary "whale rider." Whale Rider Year: 2002 Director: Niki Caro Rating: PG-13 Communication Concepts: Self-Concept Communication Climate (Disconfirmation) Assertiveness Whale Rider takes place in present day New Zealand, where a 12-year-old girl named Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) is growing up in an all-Maori community. There is a vast difference between movies for 12-year-old girls, and movies about 12-year-old girls, and "Whale Rider" proves it. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. cite it correctly. The Essay Writing ExpertsUK Essay Experts. Kahu's great-grandmother Nanny Flowers loves Kahu and does not care that she is not a boy, and has tried to convince Koro to accept her. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best Registration number: 419361 The myth about Paikea says that he was rescued by a whale, after his canoe was lost in the sea. Koro is equally as upset because he feels that this is a sign for his people. This book is called The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. drug reference momentary along with brief language is Whale Rider Obituaries Death Notices Newspaper Obituaries Online April 30th, 2018 - Legacy com is the leading provider of online obituaries for the . This novel unfolds the history of the Maori Tribe that by tradition the new chief would be the first born son directly descended from their ancient ancestor Paikea. Some of those themes are Dont Give Up, Independence, Abuse, Love, Happiness, and Teamwork. Her father, Porourangi (Cliff Curtis), an artist, leaves New Zealand, and the little girl is raised and much loved by her grandparents Koro and Nanny Flowers. Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. Editor: David Coulson. Koro, Pai's grandfather and leader of the Maori tribe, is devastated that their future leader has died. The genius of the movie is the way is sidesteps all of the obvious cliches of the underlying story and makes itself fresh, observant, tough and genuinely moving. Traveling, in basketball, is a player taking too many steps without dribbling. From then on, Whangara chiefs, always the first-born, always male, have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. The bull whale remembers his master, the "golden man. The film is from New Zealand, though it has many Australian elements, it shows the connection between the land and the native people. Without the author's use of actual time and place, Irving's tale would not have the same force or strength as an American myth. for only $16.05 $11/page. Meet Kahu, a young Maori girl, and follow her journey as she contradicts the roles females are expected to play in her culture and develops a relationship with whales. In every generation for more than one thousand years, a male heir born to the Chief succeeds to the title. You may use it as a guide or sample for But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. Throughout the novel, Ihimaera juxtaposes the migration of a herd of whales with the Maori tribe's search for a male heir. Rated PG-13 I feel like its a lifeline. In conclusion, Whale Rider is an accurate representation of modern Maori culture. Towards the ending of the film Koro notices numerous whales are beached near the home. What Koro does not understand is that Pai is the leader they have been waiting for. Duncan Petrie, New Zealand, in M. Hjort, D. Petrie (ed), The Cinema of Small Nations, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2007. The Whale Rider by Witt Alhambra has many important themes that are represented by several characters in the text such as Koru Farina, who struggles to put aside traditional values and struggles to input moored values. Living in Whangara, a small Maori village in New Zealand. So The Whale Rider shows deep levels of character development: as we see Koros great sadness, Nannys love for the family, and how Pais. Whale Rider is an expressive, cultural drama film by the award winning director Nikola Jean "Niki" Caro, that explores the ideas of love, rejection, tradition and gender roles. The other text that I have studied Bran Nue Dae is also a good example of this. Whale Rider is a contemporary re-telling of the 1000-year-old legend about legendary first ancestor named Paikea. Bill Ashcroft, Gareth Griffiths and Helen Tiffin, Key Concepts in Post-Colonial Studies, London and New York, Routledge, 1998. Explores intrinsically linked ideas of discovery through the lens of cultural identity and heritage. Something in a larger and more significant scale, that brings together all of the themes of the film into a magnificent final sequence. 'I heard helicopters whirling around and the ships in the river using all their sirens - a whale had First of all, because Paikea is a woman, she is not fit to be the Maori leader. Unbeknown to Koro, Rawiri later takes Pai out in the boat, who not only finds the necklace, but also manages to catch a lobster as a present for her grandfather. Whale Rider shows so many interesting and emotional themes: failure and hope, strength, and determination, all of them are witnessed in the points of past, present, and future ideals. Fearing that his granddaughter has drowned Koro finally understands that it was Pai all along who was destined to be the tribes new leader, finally accepting that he must adapt his cultural beliefs. Do you have a 2:1 degree or higher? Summary, Pages 3 (537 words) Views. Pai is played by Keisha Castle-Hughes, a newcomer of whom it can only be said: This is a movie star. The leader is usually a male, and because pai is a female, her grandfather, koro is unhappy about her birth. Paikea, realising what she was destined to do, proceeds to ride the large whale, sparking it into life, followed by the rest of the pod. Free shipping for many products! In the beginning, the Manchu people were into agriculture. Koro was very upset when Kahu was born because she was a girl, and since then has ignored her, even though she loves him very much and wants his affection. A film adaptation was made in 2002 that would go on to win several awards. Pride can be seen in both positive and negative ways. world is slowly crashing down around her. How indigenous societies must fight through the legal system to gain title to their land.. By tradition, the leader should be the first-born son a direct patrilineal descendant of Paikea, aka Kahutia Te Rangi in the book, the Whale Rider he who rode on top of a whale from Hawaiki. Pais father refuses to assume traditional leadership; instead he moves to Germany to pursue a career as an artist. At the same time there is a crew of passionate volunteers making ready their vessels to make the same journey to the Southern Ocean, but they are not going there to whale. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand tribe, believes she is destined to be the new chief. Unknown to all, she had won an inter-school speech contest with a touching dedication to Koro and the traditions of the village. Pai feels that she can become the leader, although theres no precedent for a woman to do so, and is determined to succeed. 2. The Routledge Encyclopedia of Films, Edited by Sarah Barrow, Sabine Haenni and John White, first published in 2015. The book's narrator, Kahu's uncle Rawiri, then explains that the tribe's first chief and ancestor, Kahutia Te Rangi, who is also called Paikea, came to their land on the back of a whale, making him the whale rider. Car Games . At school, she is the most interested in Paikea culture and origins, unlike the other boys. Indeed, as Ryan Mottesheard (2003) argues, the film should be understood less as anthropological study of the Maori people, than a universal story of female empowerment, thus highlighting the films global appeal. report, Analysis of the Whale Rider. Pai is found alive and the film closes with the whole tribe embracing their Maori culture, celebrating through traditional Maori rituals. The Maori, the native Polynesian people of New Zealand, are looking for a male descendant of Paikea the brave leader who escaped death on the back of a whale to lead them and restore the traditions. Whale Rider Summary The movie is about Pai, a 12 year old who is the only living child in the line of the tribe's chiefly succession because of the death of her twin brother and mother during childbirth. And then--well, the movie does not end as we expect. The story takes place in the small town Whangara in New Zealand. Free resources to assist you with your university studies! The film shows New Zealanders, as an example for the rest of the world, that the past civilizations and cultures can continue to live on in harmony with todays world. The play Away by Michael Gow as well as the Poem Sail Through Your Emotions, Don't Sink by Bashyam Narayanan and The Film Into the wild by Sean Penn all display the concept of the physical journey through their use of dialogue, language, structure and theme. Whales in the wild tend to live longer and reproduce more often to healthier offspring, which is why we should leave them there., Today the meaning of journey has been lost in many forms of literature. They are the Sea Shepherds and they operate under the United Nations World Charter for Nature. If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! The movie shows this visually and thematically all throughout the story. Koro tells Kahu that he loves her regardless of whether she is a girl or a boy, and he names her the new leader, called Paikea, just like the founder of their tribe. When Koro finds out he chastises Paikea, warning her that by tampering with sacred traditions she has shamed her community. Analysis: The Plight Of Captive Killer Whales These animals aren't happy or healthy and keeping them in captivity is inhumane. Koros relationship with Pai erodes further when none of the boys succeed at the traditional task of recovering the rei puta (whale tooth) that he threw into the ocean this mission would prove one of them worthy of becoming leader. Kahu's great-grandfather Koro is chief of the tribe, but because of his old age he is worried about who will be his heir. 194 lessons. Challenge. This raises the question what is family? When Pai asks where her people come from, in what can be considered a key scene, Koro likens their ancestral line to the intertwining strands of a rope he is using to fix a boat motor. However she finds that she cannot bear to leave the sea as the whale seems to be calling her back, tells her father to turn the car back and returns home. The story follows Paikea (Pai), who has disappointed her community by being born a girl. Every single author creates some sort of journey in the stories that they write, no matter what form or medium it is in, there is always a journey being taken. Even the elder women of the community are shown playing cards and smoking. The old whale serves as a comparison to Koro. When Paikea expresses her interest she is excluded by her grandfather, who is adamant that a woman should not be involved in learning about tribal leadership. Please enable Javascript and hit the button below! Various types of journeys can be seen clearly in the three texts studied this year: The Happiest Refugee extract, written by Anh Doh in 2010, The Silver Donkey novel by Sonya Hartnett in 2004 and the film Bend It Like Beckham directed by Gurinder Chadha in 2002. Her father, Porourangi, and Koro convinced Nanny Flowers that this was a good idea. The negative side of pride can be seen in both the play Antigone, written Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) translated as The Brave-Hearted Will Take Away the Bride is romantic bollywood film directed in 1995 by Aditaya Chopra. All work is written to order. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. Antonio Sison, World Cinema, Theology, and the Human: Humanity in Deep Focus, New York, Routledge, 2012. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Whale Rider (Lions Gate) (2002)(DVD)*DISC ONLY at the best online prices at eBay! Study for free with our range of university lectures! : Taking Derrida, Lyotard, and Foucault to Church, MI, Baker Academic, 2006. Personality determined, wise, and sensitive. Pais koro, Apirana, or Old Paka as his wife Nanny Flowers calls him, the leader of the tribe, is initially angry at losing his grandson and being left with a worthless female. Dont Pais father leaves her because he doesnt believe that there is such thing as a leader and shows that he does not want any part of the culture. The beginning of the film 'Whale Rider' introduces the characters in a close-up camera shot. Chapter 1 begins in myth, and myths explain what was once unexplainable to a people. Clock is ticking and inspiration doesn't come? A close-up camera shot allows the audience to focus on a character's feelings or thoughts. All rights reserved. On the other hand, it is a drama about relationship of a young girl and her grandfather. Another theme is Independence because in chapter 15, Kristin Sweetwater finally breaks up with Mike Barbour and actually sticks with the breakup., Every December, a fleet of hungry, evil whaling vessels set sail from Japan to commence their annual hunt on the minke and humpback whales in the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary in the Southern Ocean. In the Paikea tribe, only the first-born son should be the leader of the tribe, which proves difficult for Paikea, since she is a female. Only Koro had failed to turn up; distant cries had drawn him to the beach where a pod of whales lay dying. When the whale accepts Kahu as a leader, Koro does as well. The main social issue that is brought up by the film is the function of the woman in a world controlled mostly by men. The story then leaps forward 11 years, by which time Koro has developed a strong, (albeit slightly belligerent) affection for his granddaughter, who he only ever calls Pai, denying the true power and meaning of her full name. Journeys motivate the travellers to overcome their specific obstacles and undergo change. To try and combat the cost increase of an e-bike versus an "analog" model, Denver launched a series of rebates for anyone looking to buy an electric bike last year. They added tobacco and corn due to those ideas being popular. At the beginning of the film, we see that Koro genuinely cares for his granddaughter, but his disappointment about her gender is evident. The entire village attempts to coax and drag them back into the water, but all efforts prove unsuccessful; even a tractor doesnt help because the rope breaks. Porourangis unfinished te waka (ceremonial canoe) is left abandoned on the beach, acting as a constant reminder to Koro of his unfulfilled mission to anoint another male heir to tribal leadership (Sison 2012: 122). A letter she wrote to Rawiri while he was in Papua New Guinea read, "'I am seven. Which gives citizens the right to uphold laws when governments are too scared to do so. (2016, Oct 19). So many films by and about teenagers are mired in vulgarity and stupidity; this one, like its heroine, dares to dream. And he came on the back of a whale, a man to lead a new people, our ancestor, Paikea Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. The entire village trys to drag them back into the water but, where unsuccessful. *You can also browse our support articles here >. While the movie Whale Rider is set in New Zealand and reflects Mori traditions and culture, it's relatable to kids everywhere. Over the years family has been defined in many different ways through many perspectives. Lyrics to Whalerider What's in Your Head? As well as this journeys can be a positive and negative experience. The whole village comes together to save them, but they end up dying. After Koro realizes how sacred and special Kahu is, he sees the error of his ways and finally accepts Kahu. WHAT ISM DID U SEE ILLUSTRATED SEXISM: stereotypical gender roles Women: makes food: Koro utters Women setup dinner are not to smoke: a child says: Women should not smoke has to sit in the back: Koro tells Pai to move from the front row to the back row when they have a meeting in Marae Men: are fighters: boys are traditionally taught to use the taiaha fix things: Koro is not pleased when Pai can fix the motor for the boat boys do not cry: Pai finds Hemi crying and he gets upset and tells her to go away . Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand tribe, believes she is destined to be the new chief. In the arena of urban international competitiveness, cities try to raise their profile by We use cookies to offer you the best experience. A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. Her family thought she would die, but they soon realize that she is the whale rider. Whale Rider is a 2002 New Zealand drama film written and directed by Niki Caro.Based on the 1987 novel The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera, the film stars Keisha Castle-Hughes as Kahu Paikea Apirana, a twelve-year-old Mori girl whose ambition is to become the chief of the tribe. There is a scene set at a school ceremony, where Pai has composed a work in honor of her people and asked her grandfather to attend. Identity is not what race we are born into or the colour of our skin it is, For over 40 years, Massillon-Washington High School has continued a tradition of leasing a new tiger cub as a mascot every year for their football season. [Country: New Zealand, Germany. Her mother died giving birth, and her twin brother never had a chance. By tradition the heir . "There livedwhile the country was yet a province of Great Britain, a simple . I would definitely hire her again! Copyright 2003 - 2023 - UKEssays is a trading name of Business Bliss Consultants FZE, a company registered in United Arab Emirates. The other roles are also strongly cast, especially Rawiri Paratene and Vicky Haughton as the grandparents. Registered office: Creative Tower, Fujairah, PO Box 4422, UAE. AUTHOR OF THE NOVEL THE WHALE RIDER - WITI IHIMAERA The film is based on the book The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Choose your writer among 300 professionals! Traditionally family was described as a group of individuals We are nothing but bricks from our cultural moulds Bangambiki Habyarimana, Book of Wisdom A nations culture resides in the heart and soul of its people- Mahatma Gandi and this culture is kept alive by what they do. The composers of different texts all employ a number of different techniques to convey, to the reader, their ideas about a journey and the impact that the journey being taken may have on an individual or group. No plagiarism, guaranteed! Rehua's family wanted to raise her in their tribe. She struggles to gain the approval of her grandfather and her people. Unfortunately the tradition was broken when Pais twin brother passes away. match. He left for New Zealand to pursue his art career, leaving Pai behind to be raised by her grandparents and aunts. She climbs on the back of the ancient bull whale as it dives deep into the sea. berkeley Synopsis This website helped me pass! The whales are safe again once man respects nature and the ocean again. He is certain that through a process of teaching the ancient chants, tribal lore and warrior techniques, the future leader of their tribe will be revealed to him. By tradition, the leader should be the first-born son a direct patrilineal descendant of Paikea, aka Kahutia Te Rangi in the book, the Whale Rider he who rode on top of a whale from Hawaiki. Download Free PDF. This film combines elements of history, traditions, depicting them from the point of view of a child, that sees the world not in black and white terms. some symbols in the whale rider are the whale, the whale rider, the waka, and the taiha. Paikea trains in secret, eavesdropping on Koros classes, determined to learn all she can of her ancestral customs. to help you write a unique paper. Koro Pais grandfather has been waiting for the first born of the new generation who would be chief. Pai states, My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs stretching all the way back to the whale rider. The inner journey is one which involves the hurdling of psychological barriers, as well as cultural and social obstacles, rather than just a physical trek. While he does later form an affectionate bond with his granddaughter, carrying her to school every day on his bicycle, he also resents her and blames her for many of the troubles facing the tribe. And if that were not bad enough, Paikea (Pai) lost her father as well. No plagiarism guarantee. Similar themes are also discovered in Swallow the Air (2006) exploring the course to discovery and the sometimes devastating circumstances that t the quest for an understanding of ones cultural heritage. Meet Kahu, a young Maori girl, and follow her journey as she contradicts the roles females are expected to play. The film opens with Porourangi, eldest son of Koro, the current chief, anxiously supporting his wife who is in labour. Summary amp Characters Study com. She has used a number of cinematic techniques in this film to create atmosphere and sometimes show what the character is feeling. However, Koro fails to notice that Pai, although an eleven year old girl, is destined to be the new leader. Despite his love for Pai, his passion to restore the tribe through a firstborn male leader is aggravated by her very presence. There are several enduring issues, such as the impact of cultural diffusion, or that of imperialism, presented Family is an important concept. Amelia Earhart. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Whale Rider DVD *FULL OF HOPE & WONDER* Mori + English + Eng Subs at the best online prices at eBay! However, Pai is female and technically cannot inherit the leadership. When Kahu is nine years old, a group of about 200 whales are stranded in shallow waters. There are moments when Pai is lost in discouragement and despair, and when her father comes for a visit she almost leaves with him. The Whale Rider: Summary & Analysis 3:26 The Tequila Worm Lesson Plan American Born Chinese Novel Lesson Plan American Born Chinese: Book Summary, Analysis & Themes . The 2003 movie Whale Rider is a wonderful story, aptly described in this IMDB plot summary: A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. The program saw the city offer up to $1,200 for anyone looking to buy an electric bike, an additional $500 was also available for anyone considering a cargo bike. . Koro, who is the Chief of the Maori tribe, is the other important character of the film. She understood my main topic well and follow the instruction accordingly. If your specific country is not listed, please select the UK version of the site, as this is best suited to international visitors. This is traditionally reserved for males. An error occurred trying to load this video. To take advantage of all of CharacTours features, you need your own personal Her grandfather, who is her Herald in a way, condemns her for issues within the tribe. Pai, in an attempt to bridge the rift that has formed, invites Koro to be her guest of honour at a concert of Mori chants that her school is putting on. Therefore, Whale Rider emphasises the benefits of bicultural cooperation, incorporating what Duncan Petrie (2007: 172) describes as a utopian embrace of common humanity as an alternative strategy of dealing with the trauma of the past. All People have the same emotions: they upset and cry, they feel happy and laugh. Paikea: My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs stretching all the way back to the whale rider. To export a reference to this article please select a referencing stye below: If you are the original writer of this essay and no longer wish to have your work published on UKEssays.com then please: Our academic writing and marking services can help you! In one scene, Hami, the most promising student in Koros school, challenges Pai to a taiahi duel, which Pai eventually wins. Free delivery for many products! A man who removed a whale fossil from a riverbank at Little Wanganui on the West Coast has apologised for his actions, but the exact fate of the treasured taonga remains unknown. As Koro has made it crystal clear that no girl can ever become chief, its an uphill battle, to say the least. The story follows a 12-year-old Maori girl named Paikea Apirana who struggles to earn her . Koro sees it as a sign of his failure and despairs further. The story of the fossil being cut from bedrock at the Little Wanganui River mouth last October sparked outrage in the local community and made headlines across the . For Koro, this symbolises the tribes contemporary crisis of identity, a loss of spiritual connection to their ancestors. 'The Whale Rider' tells the story of a girl destined to be a leader of her people. Eventually, her birthfather, Porourangi, comes back and describes his current situation in life; how he lives in Germany and has a great life with a new woman, who is pregnant. It would have been Pais father or her twin brother if either of them were still around. Whale Rider is about the current chief, Koro, having to accept that the tradition of the first born males becoming the next chief will have change, and the challenges he has to overcome by letting a female become leader and breaking the tradition and letting a girl be in control. In the film Whale Rider depicts a culture in transition. "Man might carve his mark on the earth, but unless he's vigilant, Nature will take it all back.". In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism. The Maine Lobstermen's Association last September appealed a federal decision on some restrictions, and the case is now being heard in Washington.