whale rider

Whale Rider (2002)

How does Whale Rider challenge this narrative?

Firstly, we should consider her grandfather acts as a vessel of western views through this film with his strictly-male philosophy, this can be seen even further through Paikea meeting the whale as reconnect to culture solidifying her as the next leader in opposition of these ideals.

Paikea challenges all her Grandfather's ideologies by consistently proving she's worthy of being the next chief. Though she doesn't receive proper treatment or training she's the only candidate who exudes that proper qualities of the next chief. She goes above and beyond, returning back to ancient traditions this all culminates in her relationship with the ancient bull whale - the ultimate testimony to her cause.

Paikea isn't sexualized or objectified throughout the film, she is twelve, but that's not the youngest Indigenous women have been sexualized in film... So this also furthers her character from being this stereotype of Indigenous women.

When we think of Indigenous "chiefs" we often think of men, though this isn't necessarily true. Throughout history both men and women have been leaders in their cultures and communities, but we often only think of men. We can lend this modern perception to colonial European ideologies.

At the time of mass colonization, Europe had strict gender norms and rules, this perception was then put upon Indigenous communities. Making men the only leaders.

What is Whale Rider (2002)?

Whale Rider (2002), is a New Zealand film following Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes), a Māori girl who's path to being a Chief is clouded by misogynistic views. Particularly from her Grandfather who believes only male heirs are worthy to proceed him as chief. To challenge this, Paikea fights to prove herself to her community by digging her heels into her culture.

The ancient bull whale, in a state of sorrow, leaves himself and his whale tribe on the beach. When the Whale meets Paikea, it gives him a purpose again. This act takes two people in leader (or soon to be) positions making a big change in their respective communities, and by the up-and-coming chief and the whale meeting it re-sparks old Māori traditions.