Whale Rider
2002·New Zealand·105 min.
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In a small New Zealand coastal village, Maori claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. In every generation, a male heir has succeeded to the chiefly title. The time is now. When twins are born, and the boy twin dies, Koro, the chief, is unable to accept his grand-daughter, Pai, as a future leader. A few years later, Koro is convinced that the tribe's misfortunes began at Pai's birth and calls for his people to bring their sons to him, in the hope that the new leader is among them. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must stand up to him and a thousand years of tradition to reveal the true way forward.
DirectorNiki Caro
ScreenwriterWiti Ihimaera
MusicLisa Gerrard
CinematographyLeon Narbey
CastKeisha Castle-Hughes·Rawiri Paratene·Vicky Haughton·Cliff Curtis·Rawinia Clarke·Tammy Davis·Grant Roa·Mana Taumaunu·Rachel House
Original titleWhale Rider