The Whale Rider is a contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph. It brings a flood of emotions to any viewer as everyone sees a moral for themselves, perhaps different to the next. This film is a magnificent portrayal of life in a tribe based upon ancient laws and mentality. As legend has it, Kahutia-te-Rangi, ancestor of the people of Te Tai Rawhiti ("the place washed by the eastern tide"), travelled from Hawaiiki (land of …showed first 75 words of 1390 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1390 total…ends, and I'm left staring at the screen, wanting more. As a female, I felt very much in touch with Paikea and her emotions and struggle. Seeing her triumph despite hearing terrible things from her grandfather, and growing up in a community believing that a girl has no place as a leader, made me proud to be a strong female. This movie is absolutely fantastic. It brought both tears and a smile to my face.