16 Mar 2005
New Zealand, Germany
2002
101 min
Director: Niki Caro
Cert:PG In a small New Zealand coastal village, Maori claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. In every generation for more than 1000 years, a male heir born to the chief succeeds to the title. 11 year old Pai is convinced that she, as the only surviving child, will one day be chief. Her grandfather, Koro, is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. Pai loves Koro but now she must fight him and a millennium of tradition to fulfil her destiny. A poignant, moving but ultimately uplifting tale from the stunning scenery of New Zealand.