Do not miss 'Whale Rider'

A richly-rewarding New Zealand-set film which has been collecting deserved gongs at festivals around the world, thus proving that 'keep it simple' remains a useful piece of advice.

Fri, 18 Jul, 2003 - 16:31

Whale Rider

Director: Niki Caro

Cast: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis

Cert: PG.

A richly-rewarding New Zealand-set film which has been collecting deserved gongs at festivals around the world, thus proving that 'keep it simple' remains a useful piece of advice.

The story is set in a small village which hasn't quite managed to claw its way into the modern world - where is it, we all want to go there! - and is much taken with the rituals of the past. It is about leadership traditions, coming-of-age, the conflicts of life today and it is a magnificently looking gem of cinema.

The main thrust of what is a must-see film is, then, about coming to terms in a society which does not appear to know how to move forward while retaining the best from the past.

There is an exceptional performance from Castle-Hughes, a mere 11-year-old, and Caro never allows her film to wallow in sentimentality.

Don't miss it!

Star Rating: 4/5