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Here are some customer reviews of Whale Rider : Saw this movie and I believe its one of the best movies to come out of New Zealand. The young actor, Keisha Castle-Hughes and the grandmother's performances were outstanding although the rest of the support cast were also brilliant. Can't wait for this to come out on dvd to add to my collection. The movie lovingly and accurately illustrated the difficulty in absorbing the old and powerful Maori legends and beliefs into modern day life. While Keisha Castle-Hughes is a little beauty and a fine actress, I don't feel her role was powerful enough to deserve an Academy Award nomination. Plenty of news articles have touted her as the youngest actress to ever be nominated for best actress of the year. Baloney! Tatum O'Neal won the Best Actress Oscar when she was 10 years old for her portrayal of Addie Loggins in "Paper Moon". "Whale Rider" drags along until near the end when I was finding myself saying, "Wow!" but then the producers turned what could've been a great tragic story into the typical happy Hollywood ending, making the ending completely unrealistic and unbelievable. ...that about sums it up. For those who like movies with a deeper meaning, movies that make you laugh and at the same time think about things, this one is for you. Not only is the photo coverage of New Zealand amazing, but so is the story itself, as is the performance of the protagonist (and everybody else). The movie is especially interesting to those who feel they are caught between two worlds (biculturalism), those who feel have no real roots anywhere as it deals with issues of alienation and the struggle to overcome it without having to give up either world (or cultural heritage). To those who are not familiar with such issues it is a fantastic way to view the world from a different angle. Great learning value especially for kids! :) Great job, Nicki Cairo, we need more movies like this, so keep them coming! "Whale Rider" is a great 2003 drama release from New Zealand. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most underrated films of that year. Its powerful message catches many audiences' hearts, especially the theme of twelve-year-old Pai being ignored by her live-in grandfather. The writing wonderfully expresses every emotional aspect. It doesn't miss a single drop of it for a second. This film becomes an emotional rollercoaster as Pai struggles to find her place in life on her own. As she overcomes many odds, the dramatic theme arises while the sense of hope feels closer. The film becomes more interesting as Pai breaks the gender barriers, namely when her grandfather says, "only boys allowed." Such happenings deserve tremendous respect for the writers. Talented child actors are very rare. Keisha Castle-Hughes proves in her role as Pai that she is truly talented. This emotional role earns her the title as the youngest Oscar nominee for Best Actress at age 13. Her heart and soul is present through every scene. Her hardhitting emotional scenes are incredible. All other performers also portray their characters wonderfully. "Whale Rider" is a great movie for those looking for a powerful drama. This will keep audiences interested and pleased for a long time. Until Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings arrived on our shores movies like Whale Rider were typical of the sort of movie New Zealand has been traditionally making. Whale Rider is based on a book by well-known New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. Set on the remote and beautiful, but impoverished East Coast of New Zealand Whale Rider deals with themes alienation and not belonging; the importance of the family; and the struggle of the Maori trying to keep one foot firmly grounded in their traditional ways but at the same time desparately trying to come to terms with the modern world. A deeply moving and uplifting movie, especially if you have empathy with the plight of indiginous people anywhere. Director Nicki Cairo has done a superb job of capturing the essence of the stunning wild scenery and it's people, Weta Workshop (of Lord of the Rings fame) have produced a pod of very realistic whales, but a standout performance of Keisha Castle-Hughes as Paikia with a supporting cast of many locally well-known actors gives this story it's real heart. This is an intelligent, uplifting movie which, at the same time, does not flinch from some of the less savoury aspects in life.

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