Whale Rider

Whale Rider (2003) starring Keisha Castle-Hughes. A Maori girl (Castle-Hughes) is born, but her twin brother and her mother both die in the birthing process. The girl, Paikea, is in line to be chief of the tribe, but she must struggle with her grandfather's disapproval because she is not male. Even when he gives lessons in the old ways to the males of the tribe, he refuses to let her participate. But Paikea hears the call of the whales, and what's more, they hear her. You will like the way things work out in this movie, and you will like the movie. It's fine, and good for family viewing. (Subtitles in English are available, as well as closed captions.) Grade: B+