The Whale Rider

Paikea is not like the other girls. She grows up in a small coastal town in New Zealand with her paternal grandparents. Since time immemorial the village in which they live has been inspired by Maori mythology, and it is said that
the local whale is a guarding spirit. For quite some time now the village has been looking after the youngster destined
to receive the title ''whale rider'', that is, the promised link between the people and the enormous sea mammal. Village boys are schooled vigorously, trained in battle songs and martial arts, and are taught legends, all to prepare them for the ultimate test. Paikea is discarded from the group owing to her sex, but she goes behind her grandfather's (bril-
liantly and subtly played by Rawiri Paratenef) back to seek
enlightenment on her own terms.
Whale Rider is a beautiful story about belief, hope and yearning. Ruthless, cocky, a firm believer in fate, Paikea leaves nothing to chance. Keisha Castle-Hughes, who on her own account has always wanted to b'e an actress,
is outstanding in her debut as Paikea. Screenwriter and director, Niki Caro, is currently one of New Zealand's most original and interesting filmmakers.
Whale Rider won the Audience Award at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and has been very successful in its country of origin as well as in USA and Europe.
MERYEM CAN

Medverkande
Keisha Castle-Hughes,Rawiri Paratene,Vicky Haughton: Producent
John Barnett: Manus
Niki Caro: Foto
Leon Narbey: Musik
Lisa Gerrard: Talat språk
English