The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera
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Book Reviews of The Whale Rider
Book Review: Wonderful book, even better than the movie
Summary: 5 Stars
After seeing the movie I just had to read the book. It did not disappoint. In fact as powerful as the movie was I would have to say the book is better. The novel explores Pai's and her relationship with her Grandfather much more deeply. This is one of those wonderful children's books that adults can enjoy.Book Review: Wonderfully uplifting for girls!
Summary: 5 Stars
I love how this books shows the transformation of an old fashioned grandfather to one that is loving and supportive and willing to learn from his granddaughter. After you read the book you need to watch the movie - beautiful images and great visual interpretation of the story!Book Review: Lyrical....
Summary: 5 Stars
Simple without being simplistic, here's a magical tale of destiny and love. Essential reading for those who have become world-weary and cynical from the constant battering of our scientific-material world.Book Review: Magical
Summary: 4 Stars
"Whale Rider" is best known as the hit indie movie, winner of the Audience Award in the 2003 Sundance Film Festival. But the basis for that film was Witi Ihimaera's magical, lore-laden novel "Whale Rider," a bittersweet story about a Maori girl and her mysterious destiny.The first great-grandchild of the Maori chief Koro Apirana is born... but a girl called Kahu, not the hoped-for boy, and soon her mother dies. Koro is upset, since only a male can carry on the line. He hopes for a destined chosen one to restore the Maori people, but his hopes are growing more and more futile. He starts teaching young boys about the old traditions, looking for the one who can "pull the sword from the stone."
Meanwhile, Kahu grows up into an inquisitive and sweet-natured eight-year-old. She loves her grandfather, but his bitterness over her not having been a boy has never really worn off. But one day, whales are found beaching themselves near the town where Kahu lives, and she hears their song. Searching for his old friend, master and rider, the oldest whale will find Kahu.
Few novels have the earnest simplicity that "Whale Rider" does. Ihimaera tackles subjects like tradition, sexism, faith, and of course the Maori culture. Not a lot of books and movies handle the Maori, who are the native people of New Zealand, and Ihimaera does an excellent job of conveying the creation myths, a handful of traditions, and the danger to it now (illustrated by Rawiri's journeys to Australia and Papua New Guinea).
Since the story is told through Kahu's biker uncle Rawiri, it takes us awhile to get to know Kahu. Similarly, the book is rather ordinary near the beginning, and the writing is too simple. But it grows in majesty, mystery and poetry as it progresses to its haunting, magical climax. Among the best parts of the book are the almost mythological sections devoted to an ancient whale who carried the Whale Rider long ago.
Kahu is a nebulous figure for much of the book, but flowers about halfway through, when Rawiri returns to New Zealand. Koro is an enigmatic character, crusty and grumpy, but is deeply concerned for his people and loves his granddaughter underneath it all. Nanny Flowers, who threatens to divorce Koro on at least a daily basis, is a wonderful character.
Sweet, beautifully written and memorable, "Whale Rider" is a memorable tale about traditions and culture, and about a little girl in white who rode a whale out to sea.
Book Review: A Fight between Tradition and Change
Summary: 4 Stars
Whale RiderDirector: Niki Caro
Film Company: Apollomedia
Based on the novel by Witi Ihimaera
Rated PG (Australia)
A most inspiring coming of age movie that will reach the hearts of all viewers...
Set in the beautiful coastal town of Whangara in New Zealand, and based on ancient Maori traditions, this film is a brilliant combination of new age ideas and cultural traditions.
Beliefs passed down through the Maori people's history say the chief of their ancestors, Paikea, came to New Zealand on the back of a whale from their home of Hawaiki. For thousand of years, a male decedent to the chief succeeds to be the leader of the people.
When the currents chiefs' son Porouranji (Cliff Curtis) does not appear to be the one destined to be the new leader, Koro (Rawiri Paratene) looks to his son's unborn child.
Twin children were born, but in a strange twist of fate, the boy and the mother die in childbirth, leaving the young female child, Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes). Paikea's father, distraught from the tragedy, moved over seas, leaving his culture and his daughter behind him. Paikea was left with her grandparents. And so the long line of male chiefs had been broken.
Paikea dearly loved her paka (grandfather), and although he was affectionate towards her, he was reluctant to accept her. She was not the grandson he had wanted.
When the town began to suffer misfortunes, he blamed Pai, believing the ancestors were displeased. He gathered all the first-born boys of the town and began a school to teach them the ancient traditions of being a chief. Pai, being a female, was not permitted to learn, but through her extraordinary strength and determination, found ways to learn.
Eventually, through Paikea's courage, her self belief and a near tragedy, Koro realises that he's prejudices must be put aside for the better of the people and continued existence of their way of life and traditions.
This amazing cultural/traditional Drama is an excellent display of photography, and the lack of excessive special effects makes it all the more remarkable. Music in the film is a mixture of atmospheric enhancing sound and traditional Maori music.
It is really a touching story, breathtaking to viewers of all kinds.
Run time: 1 hour, 45 minutes