365 Days. 365 Films.

Paikea is young Maori girl who believes that she is destined to be the chief of her patriarchal New Zealand tribe and she fights to make the people around her believe that a woman could follow in the footsteps of their descendant. Paikea’s family, who expected her to be a boy, attempt to condition her into traditional female roles although she is reluctant to accept that she will be the only first born child in the tribe, not to train to be a chief.

Whale Rider was not at all what I was expecting of it. I heard of this film on a television programme counting down the best all time family films. As far as I can remember, it wasn’t very high up, and I would agree with that. That is not to say, however, that it is not a great film. It is emotional in all the right places and sometimes it is a bit of a feel good film. I have no idea how historically and culturally accurate it is, but it all seems plausible and believable.

Paikea as a character is wonderful, and the acting throughout is astonishing considering the age of some of the actors. I was disappointed to find out that director, Nikki Caro, has not done a lot of other movies since her direction is spot on, but I will endeavour to watch some of her other films after this.