Whale Rider...

[fajrdrako]

I watched the movie Whale Rider tonight. I've been wanting to see it since I saw the trailer, many months ago; didn't manage to get to it. The Oscars revived my interest.

Good movie.

I've requested the book it is based on from the library, curious to fill in some of the cultural gaps. It's a sort of coming-of-age-movie, or an identity movie; a Maori leader awaits the birth of his first grandson, but the surviving child of twins is the girl. Since a girl can't take the position of Chief, the grandfather looks for a replacement, consistently overlooking the girl's obvious merits and talents, though it was clear (at least to me!) that she was destined for the role.

There were many things I loved about it, one being that there were no villains. The phrase is used several times about various matters, "No one is to blame." The grandfather is making a mistake to overlook Upkeep’s skills, but he has reasons to make the mistake - his prejudice isn't spiteful - and she loves him. Many good characters - my favourite (besides Pukeia) was the wise but resigned grandmother.

And then there was that magnificent ocean.