Despite its focus on Maori culture, the themes in Whale Rider are universal and highlight important communication principles. We see the power of significant others to affect our self esteem, and the fact that, against strong odds, it is possible to assert ourselves and create an identity of our own.
What does the Waka represent? I think it’s a symbol for the Maori community and traditions. . At the end, the community is brought together by Pai and the waka is finally finished. They all ride the waka out to sea – into a bright future – with Pai leading them.
Where was Whale Rider filmed in New Zealand?
Whangara
What is the Whale Rider about?
The film’s plot follows the story of Paikea Apirana (« Pai »). The village leader should be the first-born son, a direct patrilineal descendant of Paikea, the Whale Rider, he who rode on top of a whale (Tohora) from Hawaiki. Pai is originally born a twin, but her twin brother and her mother died during childbirth.
What does the whale tooth symbolism in Whale Rider?
The carving of the whale rider atop the meetinghouse in the film symbolizes the ancestor, Paikea, a tribal leader. A whale rider symbolizes someone possessing the attributes of a Maori leader. The rei puta, or whale tooth, is a symbol of a leader’s status or position within the tribe.
What is the stick fighting in Whale Rider called?
taiaha
Why does Pai live with her grandparents?
Pai lives with her grandparents. She is adventurous, and wants to be chief despite what Koro says.
What does the rope symbolize in Whale Rider?
The rope is a symbol in the whale rider because it symbolises the ancestral line of the Maori community that they live in. When the rope is broken it symbolises the community is broken and falling apart. Paikea then fixes the rope and its as if she has rejoined the community again.
What is the stick called in Whale Rider?
taiaha
What does Paikea mean?
Tame whale
How old is Paikea in Whale Rider?
twelve-year-old
What does the whale symbolize in Whale Rider?
In the film Whale Rider, the whale represents life and death. The whale represents life because it is the mammal on which Paikea’s great ancestor rode across the ocean reaching New Zealand which eventually became the settlement of the Maori people.
Is the whale rider based on a true story?
In such movies as Whale Rider, about a 12-year-old Maori girl who dreams of becoming her tribe’s first female chief, and North Country, based on the true story of the first class-action sexual harassment suit brought to trial, by a female miner in Minnesota, Caro explores themes of gender and power.
What is the plot of Whale Rider?
Only males are allowed to ascend to chiefdom in a Maori tribe in New Zealand. This ancient custom is upset when the child selected to be the next chief dies at birth. However his twin sister, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), survives. At age 12, she enlists the help of her grandmother (Vicky Haughton) and the training of her uncle (Grant Roa) to claim her birthright. But to break with convention, she’ll have to do the impossible: win over her ultra-traditional grandfather (Rawiri Paratene).
What is the main theme of Whale Rider?
Despite its focus on Maori culture, the themes in Whale Rider are universal and highlight important communication principles. We see the power of significant others to affect our self esteem, and the fact that, against strong odds, it is possible to assert ourselves and create an identity of our own.
Are the whales in Whale Rider real?
The whales in the movie were depicted using a combination of footage of real whales, life size models (some with humans creating movement) and CGI. Keisha Castle-Hughes said the key whale riding scene took place 15-20 miles offshore and was terrifying.
What is the legend of Paikea?
According to legend, Paikea came to New Zealand from the Pacific Islands on the back of a whale many centuries ago. His descendants include the Ngāti Kuri people of Kaikōura. Paikea was the youngest and favourite son of the chief Uenuku from the island of Mangaia in the present day Cook Islands.
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