Whale Rider

[Cumberland]

This was probably the best movie I have seen in a year. I dont think it is playing at all the major theaters, but should be in at least one or two places. It is good for kids too, probably like 10 and up. It has a really good girl-power message.

It is about a Maori girl whose twin died at birth. The twin boy was the tribe's hope for a new chief. No one in their village can see that she has all the qualities needed, and overlook her until a tragedy strikes. Set in modern day New Zealand with great scenery, whale footage and music.

We saw this last weekend and I loved it. I was really impressed by the acting of the young girl. I think it would be a great movie for girls to watch.
The scenery is just beautiful -- it will make you want to travel to New Zealand.

[migirl]

We rented this this weekend, what a wonderful movie! I couldn't get over how good Keisha Castle-Hughes was. I also loved the depiction of the Maori rituals and traditions. I visited New Zealand several years ago and our group stayed with a Maori tribe, it was really neat to see their culture up close.

[DCJenn]

I just saw this on PBS the other night. Fantastic. I loved every single second of that movie and now New Zealand had moved up to the top 5 of places I want to go next.

Jenn