Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. You are in for a bit of an emotional rollercoaster with whale rider. It is leading its herd in search of safer waters, but at the same time it struggles to come to terms with its deep love for the ancient whale rider, now long dead, who once had been its dearest companion. The whale rider by witi ihimaera is a mythical story told alongside kahu s story. Only 120 pages long, its a richly layered story dealing with several major social issues. The book was published in multiple languages including english, consists of 150 pages and is available in paperback format. Most specifically, it makes you believe that a book thats basically about cultural rituals among the maori people of new zealand isnt only fascinating and entertaining, but. After hundred of years of first born sons, koro apirana couldnt comprehend that porourangi, his son, and rorua, his daughterinlaw, had failed their simplest task to produce a male to lead the tribe forward and keep the maori tradition alive. The taniwha is the mythological whale or sea creature that paikea the ancestor rode on to lead the way to aeoteara new zealand originally. The whale rider together with yavaraj athur raghuvir i watched the movie called the whale rider which deals with the issue of cultural restrains both as an individual and as a society. A book that has the same universal theme as the whale rider would be raelyn asked in tv shows and series what are the ratings and certificates for the making of whale rider 2003 tv. Dec 05, 2010 licensed to youtube by beggars on behalf of 4ad. From then on, whangara chiefs, always the firstborn, always male, have been considered paikeas direct descendants.
The whale, in turn, was saved from death and loss of meaning in the modern world. Ann mcclellans global literature class at plymouth state university. He is not able according to koro to be the leader due to his. What i do love about the book that is not translated to film is the bull whale s development as a character. Like his other books it explores maori culture in contemporary new zealand, in this case, the.
Oct 28, 2017 kahu is the protagonist of the story and koro apirana is the antagonist while, in the whale tale, the ancient bull whale is the protagonist. The taniwha serves as the last test for paikea in the film. It feels very naturalistic and i like how the maori language is also integrated into the writing. Plenty of rich themes are found in ihimaeras the whale rider.
Talking about choosing the location to shoot whale rider, the films producer, john barnett said. From the beginning, paikea, or pai, is a young girl in a mans world. According to legend, the maori came to whangara when their great leader paikea led them by riding on a whale. It is a very readable intertwining story of the modern day characters with the mythology of the. For those who have seen the movie, in the book the main character, paikea, is actually named kahu.
Witi ihimaeras the whale rider is one of those rare books that is so pure and so moving that it makes you believe anything is possible. While the whale rider is fiction, it is suffused with maori legend and lore. Character analysis of koro from the film whale rider by niki caro. The whale rider is a 1987 novel by new zealander witi ihimaera. The characters are very different in the movie, too. The movie begins with the birth of twins, the latest in that line. Koro apirana, the maori tribes chief is aging and in need of a kwlinkmale heir kwlink to learn the traditions of their people and take his place as chief. The books narrator, kahus uncle rawiri, then explains that the tribes first chief and. The first edition of the novel was published in january 1st 1987, and was written by witi ihimaera.
Sep 30, 2017 plenty of rich themes are found in ihimaeras the whale rider. The whale rider the films plot follows the story of paikea apirana paiin the book, her name is kahu, short for kahutia te rangi, a 12yearold girl who is the only living child in the line of the tribes chiefly succession following the death of her twin brother and mother when she was born. While kahu was visiting the family when she was two years old, she saw. Read online the whale rider and download the whale rider book full in pdf formats. But kahu trying to prove to her koro that she can be a leader even if she is a female is a strong representation of what this book is about. A novella of 148 pages, the whale rider is witi ihimaeras fourth work of fiction, and probably the best known. Based on the novel of the same name by witi ihimaera, the film stars keisha castlehughes as kahu paikea apirana, a twelveyearold maori girl whose ambition is to become the chief of the tribe. On the other hand, the film brings to life the maori community, from the eager young boys koro trains, to nannys cardplaying, covertsmoking friends. Start studying the whale rider characters description.
It is leading its herd in search of safer waters, but at the same time it struggles to come to terms with its deep love for the. Supersummary, a modern alternative to sparknotes and cliffsnotes, offers highquality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. The myth about paikea says that he was rescued by a whale, after his canoe. Nanny shows koro the whale tooth which pai had previously recovered. May 01, 2003 it is the sort of story which can also be read to children. Koro, who is the chief of the maori tribe, is the other important character of the film. The whale rider abstract whale rider is a drama film of the 2002, based on the novel of witi ihimaera, and directed by niki caro. There are physical things that are described in the book the sweep of the bay, the island that looks. She is the protagonist in this film and narrates sections too.
Whale rider maori symbols movie pic movies for boys aboriginal artists moody blues fear the walking dead underwater new zealand. The theme of tradition is evident in the various activities carried out by the characters in the novel about the maori. Gender roles in the whale rider he couldnt believe she was a girl. Nov 23, 2014 this video fits the requirement for the whale rider video analysis of dr.
When the whale accepts kahu as a leader, koro does as well. Eventually, she rode the dying whale back into the waters and her grandfather finally recognized her strength, and allowed her to sit in the boat with the other men whale rider, 2002. As her beloved grandfather, chief of the maori tribe of whangara, new zealand, struggles to lead in difficult times and to find a male successor, young kahu is developing a mysterious relationship with whales, particularly the ancient bull whale whose legendary rider was their ancestor. The whale rider characters description flashcards quizlet. Eightyearold kahu craves her greatgrandfathers love and attention. She has used a number of cinematic techniques in this film to create atmosphere and sometimes show what the character is feeling. My twin brother died, and took our mother with him. I really felt for kahu or pai especially, and now i will look up to her as a favoured character. Jul 03, 2017 the whale rider was my first introduction to maori mythology and customs. Setting whale rider whale rider is set in a small village called whangara, on the east coast of the north island of new zealand. The biggest whale, the founder of maori culture, has a special relationship with the whale rider, a young man who sits upon its back. There is a movie of the whale rider, which i have yet to watch and from the trailer it looks to be quite different, but really good. The whale rider, summary essay sample essay basics. Analysis of the whale rider essay example graduateway.
The whale in this context of whangara takes on the mythical origins of the taniwha but also serves as a lineage to paikeas mythological escape story. On the east coast of new zealand, the whangara people believe their presence there dates back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. Eightyearold kahu, an individual from the maori tribe of whangara, new zealand, battles to demonstrate her affection, her authority, and her fate. The whale rider book characters whale rider love this movie whale rider see more. But now we were waiting for the firstborn of the new generation, for the descendant of the whale rider.
Chapter 2 deals with the novels main characters and the narrative structure while. I absolutely adore everything about it, and really do think theres something everyone can relate to in this story. Both paikea and kahutia te rangi were names for the ancient whale rider. Ever since, the maori have been led by the descendants of that leader. The whale rider is a story about a maori girl named kahu, who dreams of being. Hoping for a greatgrandson to inherit his title, koro apirana is disgusted when the wife of rawiris older brother gives birth to a girl.
Based on the novel of the same name by witi ihimaera, the film stars keisha. Most specifically, it makes you believe that a book thats basically about cultural rituals among the maori people of new zealand isnt only fascinating and entertaining, but accessible. The whale rider 2002 summary and analysis uk essays. Her father, porourangi, and koro convinced nanny flowers that this was a good idea. The novel is set in modern times and there are some references that link it into the late 1970s and early 1980s. Whale rider is a 2002 film that was based on the book the whale rider by witi ihimaera film education. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. The bull whale is an ancient whale, about 65 feet long. Paikea or pai a young girl and the central character in the film. And now, over a decade later, ive finally read the book. Jun 20, 2003 whale rider arrives in theaters already proven as one of the great audiencegrabbers of recent years. She is a bright buttoneyed girl with shining skin and the youngest member of the maori tribe. The main characters of this fiction, young adult story are kahu. The idea of the whale rider is a maori myth but myths and legends are a huge part of any culture, and maoris are very proud of theirs.
It takes place in a small village of new zealand where the maori people live whale rider media ed. Books vs movies good movies whale rider whale song official trailer womens retreat retreat ideas moving clouds sample resume. Its fixation on myths indigenous to new zealand lends a bizarre, ethereal otherworldliness. Whale rider this module has been designed to accompany the film whale rider 2003. The story takes place in new zealand where the maori people of a small village claim descent from the whale rider, paikea. The whale rider by witi ihimaera penguin books australia. Whale rider is a drama film of the 2002, based on the novel of witi ihimaera. Its importance and possible impact on young girls will be discussed in the paper with special reference to the story of the book. Pdf the whale rider book by witi ihimaera free download. In the book, nanny flowers, kahus grandmother, is more of a comical character, and rawiri is the leader of a biker gang. If paikea did not take on the male role, she would be.
Her parents are porourangi and rehua, because kahus mom died three months after her birth. Jan 01, 1987 the whale rider was a book i was quite drawn to, as i am a kiwi, and i love new zealand. Her people claim descent from kahutia te rangi, the legendary whale rider. If youve ever felt discriminated against because of your gender, this is the book for you. Kahu is the protagonist in the book the whale rider. The whale rider by witi ihimaera goodreads share book. Also, the largest whale traditionally belongs to the legendary paikea. The whale rider themes what does the director suggest about the themes of culture, leadership and expectations. Heres where youve seen the cast of fear the walking dead before.
Characterization of kahu simon schug e2thewhalerider. Ihimaera has written quite a long list of books and short stories but the whale rider is probably his most well known due to the 2002 film of the same name. A must for anyone who loved niki caros movie, but also for readers who like to learn about aboriginal communities. The whale rider, by witi ihimaera anz litlovers litblog. This onepage guide includes a plot summary and brief analysis of whale rider by witi ihimaera. This whale rider gives skewers a role as nurturing items to the islands, however one lance he throws years into the future, which is the season of the storys young champion kahu. Can you provide an example a scene character quote symbol from the film that shows this theme. It would take some pretty powerful words to make something like that happen but those are exactly the kind of words that make up whale rider. Viewers are introduced to different characters throughout the movie, who have different opinions. Whale rider is set in the maori community of new zealand. Her grandfather koro apirana believes that this is a role reserved for males only.
Whale rider is a 2002 new zealandgerman family drama film written and directed by niki caro. What are the symbols in whale rider and what significance. The classic book that inspired the awardwinning, internationally released film whale rider, winner of best film at the 2003 sundance film festival and 2004 academy awards best actress nomination for keisha castlehughes. First published in 1987 in new zealandthe authors homeland as well as. It saves her from the patriarchal system and shows koro she is the leader. There are other characters that help build the main. Whale rider is an internationally successful new zealand film focusing on indigenous cultural issues. One relationship specifically that between the whale rider and his monster whale was model of a cooperative association. Comprehension and discussion activities for the film whale rider. Koro is a very stubborn, strict, serious chief of the new zealand coastal village. The eldest grandson of koro and the elder brother of rawiri, porourangi is the chosen successor for.
But he is focused on his duties as chief of a maori tribe in whangara, on the east coast of new zealand a tribe that claims descent from the legendary whale rider. It won the audience awards as the most popular film at both the toronto and sundance film festivals, played to standing ovations, left audiences in tears. The whale rider study guide contains a biography of author witi ihimaera, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. And its characters speak in maori almost as much as they do in english. Pai main character and the new whale rider born into a line of chiefs has all the qualities of a leader struggles against gender stereotypes and koro koro chief pai s grandfather.
Whale rider when talking about choosing the location to shoot whale rider, the films producer, john barnett says. He becomes involved in maori land claims, accompanying koro to. It explores themes of duty, culture and tradition through the eyes of paikea apirana. Whale rider is a magical tale of survival, stubbornness and destiny. Character analysis of koro from the film whale rider by.
The module consists of teachers notes and a handout with background information that you can copy and give to your students. This asset offers discussion questions based on the book whale rider to help your students gain a deep. The book is lovely and i would be interested in reading others by ihimaera. The novel was set in whangara and it would almost have been heresy to shoot anywhere else. At the end, the writer thoughtfully includes the maori legend in its original form. Strong female characters also include paikeas grandmother. Though she is loved by her grandfather named koro, who is the chief of the maori tribe, she is. She later approaches the whale, mounts it and leads it seaward, saving the tribe. It is rich in characters, some being human and the others being whales. Feminist themes in witi ihimaeras essay 1897 words. The world premiere was on september 2002, at the toronto international film festival. Analysis of witi ihimaeras the whale rider on the basis of. Whale rider arrives in theaters already proven as one of the great audiencegrabbers of recent years. It is leading its herd in search of safer waters, but at the same time it.
The whale rider 2003 read online free book by witi. Since whale rider is set in new zealand and the story is about a maori tribe, a lot of the words used are traditional maori words, making it a little tricky to follow along. Whale rider 2002 cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. The whale rider starts a thousand years ago, with a pod of whales. This video fits the requirement for the whale rider video analysis of dr. If i was in english class, id write a long descript essay into the characters and the morals etc. Analysis of witi ihimaeras the whale rider on the basis.
The author has uses koros actions and other aspects that are related to the character to help us understand the character in more depth. In 1987 ihimaera wrote the novel the whale rider which was turned into a movie in. Pai main character and the new whale rider born into a line of chiefs has all the qualities of a leader struggles against gender stereotypes and koro. The whale rider is definitely in my top ten list of alltime favorite books. These three wellused techniques are camera shots, lighting and sound and dialogue.
The movie focuses on the story of a young girl, paikea, and her grandfather, koro. Written in 1987, the whale rider is a deceptively short book. Koro is one of the minor characters in the whale rider. In every generation since the whale rider, a male has inherited the title of chief. Analysis of witi ihimaeras the whale rider on the basis of postcolonial theory nancy reinhardt term paper english language and literature studies culture and applied geography publish your bachelors or masters thesis, dissertation, term paper or essay.
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