Historical Response to Whale Rider
I really loved how much of the Maori culture was represented in this film, including their history and how they came to New Zealand on the whales. We also see how much the beached whales affected the Maori people, how sad they were, and how hard they worked to try and save them. The movie portrays the culture's long-standing beliefs and legends in a modern day way, showing how people today still practice their traditions. We see how much family is valued, and how strongly they believe in traditions, especially her grandfather who was very strict about who would become the leader of their people based on the culture's traditional beliefs and standards.
I agree with you in that much of the Maori culture was represented in the film. I also thought specifically about the scene with the beached whales. I think that the camera work during these scenes did a great job portraying the strong emotions of the Maori people during this sad event. We could see their deep pain, sadness, and strong urge to try to save and protect the whales. The characters' emotions and reactions to the beached whales helped to emphasize to viewers the strong connection the Maori people have to nature and how much they value its preservation.
ReplyDeleteHaley Williams
This is a good application of the historical/cultural framework to Whale Rider. Mimi
ReplyDeleteI agree that the historical perspective the film took, particularly when considering the Maori people and their relationship to/connection with nature, is striking. What most resonated me was the scene you mentioned, the beached whales, especially when taking into account the majesty those creatures embody. They're rare in their strength and in their numbers, much like Paikea and the Maori people in general.
ReplyDelete-- Jackie