Day 4, Activity 2

After a morning of learning about beached whales in Golden Bay, you and your group are driven to a nearby town, Nelson, to watch a special movie called ‘Whale rider.’ It is a famous movie about a young girl who was born and raised in New Zealand. Watch the following movie trailers for Whale Rider: Whale Rider trailer #1 and Whale Rider Trailer #2 and then write a summary of the movie on your blog. What is it about? Be sure to also give the movie a rating out of 5 based on the trailer [1 = bad movie, 2 = okay movie, 3 = pretty good, 4 = good movie, 5 = excellent movie].

http://www.incrementa.ca/leadership-succession-whale-rider/

Name of the Film: Whale Rider

Based on a book “The Whale Rider”, written by a famous New Zealand author, Witi Ihimaera.

Where is it set?

The movie is set in beautiful New Zealand, in Auckland and a place on the East Coast of New Zealand called Whangara.  Interesting fact: My grandfather lived here when he was a little boy, before moving to Gisborne.

What is the movie about?

This movie is about a girl named Paikea.  The name of an old Maori tupuna of hers, that arrived in Aotearoa on the back of a whale.  The name was handed down to firstborn boys only.  

Paikea’s naming causes disagreements in her family.  Her koro (grandfather) claims that because of Paikea, their family has experienced hardships and trials.  

In an attempt to make things right, Paikea’s koro tries to train up the other firstborn boys in the area.  Paikea is left out and is then taught the skills that all the boys are learning by another man, her uncle perhaps..

I think this movie teaches about the traditions of Maori, love and courage.

Who are the stars?

Keisha Castle Hughes, Cliff Curtis.  Witi Ihimaera was an Associate Producer

Rating:

[1 = bad movie, 2 = okay movie, 3 = pretty good, 4 = good movie, 5 = excellent movie].

I would rate this movie a 4=good movie.  

I think my family and I will try and watch this before the holidays finish.  Will keep you posted.