Whale Rider REVIEW

Whale Rider: B+/A-
(Click image for QuickTime trailer)

This is a very dramatic and uplifting tale from New Zealand --- In many ways it leaves you on a high note compared to say, Once were Warriors

The story circles around a chiefly family on the eastern coast of New Zealand. In many ways, it is a story about generations, a story about culture, and about hope for the future

Although I would like to attribute my relatively low grade for this movie (that has been nearly universally praised) to my nose condition, I guess when I really think about it --- there are too many layers that are brought out that are never really fully fleshed out to my satisfaction, although the main story arc and the storytelling is sure, steady, and very well done

That's all I have to criticize this movie about, it is otherwise a very good, heartwarming, mostly entertaining, telling of the story of a chiefly family, their village, the hopes and expectations of generations, cultural tabu and province, etc. --- I felt the cinematics really captured the feel of island life in terms of intimacy and in terms of capturing life in a lush green environment, and the magnificence of whales swimming in the ocean

The lead is done by a 12 year old female and she is excellent for her age (Keisha Castle-Hughes) --- the main story arc concerns her relationship to her stern chief grandfather (another excellent performance) who is having a personal crisis over who to pass the mantle to --- and other family members who have their own crosses to bear --- again, if there were a bit more exposition, a bit more said about these characters the movie would feel a bit more full and complete

I do believe that when others see the movie, they will probably like it more than I did. So if you like heartwarming family dramas or just a well told tale, you will definitely like Whale Rider