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The Work Of An Unknown Genius
National Post
September 11, 2002

…Whale Rider is also about a young girl, Pai, who is raised by her grandparents after her mother and twin brother die during childbirth.

Paid is determined to win over her grandfather, who is preoccupied mourning the loss of his grandson, who would have grown up to be the leader of the tribe.

According to legend, the Whangara people on the east coast of New Zealand are descendants of Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding on the back of a whale. Whangara chiefs have always been the first born and always male. The movie is about what happens when a little girl considers herself good enough to break with tradition. Beautifully captured on film by Niki Caro of New Zealand. Keisha Castle-Hughes is gorgeous as Pai. And, yes, there is underwater footage of whales.

At the end of last night’s screening, everyone in the audience stood up and applauded. It was a very emotional moment for Ms. Caro, who had tears of joy streaming down her face. The last time I witnessed anything like this was at the screening of Antonia Bird’s Priest in 1994. A final note: The music by Lisa Gerrard (Gladiator) is haunting. Do yourself a favour and go see this film.