Whale Rider ***½ (2003, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis) – Classic Movie Review 4509

Writer-director Niko Caro’s compelling 2003 New Zealand story of Maori teenage girl Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes)’s fight for acceptance by her tribal chief grandfather as a suitable future leader of the tribe makes for a gripping and rewarding ride.

A great-looking, warm-hearted movie from New Zealand, it is lit up by its gorgeous photography and lovely performances, especially by the young Castle-Hughes who was Oscar nominated as Best Actress. It won the Bafta Children’s Award for Best Feature Film.

The lovely tale, based on the novel by Witi Ihimaera, is set in a Maori village whose inhabitants believe they are descended from Paikea, the Whale Rider. It is emotionally involving throughout and topped off with a highly moving ending.

Also in the cast are Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, Grant Roa, Mana Taumaunu and Rachel House.

The DVD has eight deleted scenes, a photo gallery, an audio commentary and two featurettes.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 4509

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com