I recently watched Whalerider on DVD. It is a good movie filled with symbolism. It is about a Maori girl named Pai who is the surviving child of the son of the tribal leader. Unfortunately Pai is female and not capable according to tradition of assuming a leadership role or tribe-reviving role in the community. In fact the grandfather considers Pai to be the cause of the decline (in so many ways) the community is suffering from.
The story becomes one of old values and traditions refusing to yield to new values and ways of doing things.

A classic clash of new verses old is seen in this film. Pai thinks she can assume the responsibilities of leadership usually reserved for the males in her family. Pai’s beliefs clash with the beliefs held by her grandfather and Pai fights to break these sex barriers that prevent her from being what she wants to be and the catalyst to reviving the tribe.

Symbolism is seen in scenes like the one when the grandfather tries to start a motor with a rope that suddenly breaks. As the grandfather goes to look for another rope to start the engine Pai ties the broken halves of rope together and starts the engine and then shows the grandfather (who strongly disproves of her actions). Symbolism (see the film to know why this is symbolic) like this is seen throughout the film. See do you notice the symbolism contained in the ending of the movie (shots of boat, paddle, rowing in unison and in one direction).

Pai by seeking the acceptance of her grandfather while still doing what she believes as if compelled by her ancient ancestor who supposedly arrived off the coast of New Zealand on the back of a whale is a very strong girl. She secretly learns the stuff taught to the boys of the tribe and performs better at these tasks than all of them, which goes unnoticed or unappreciated by the grandfather. She is just not fully accepted by her grandfather until some fateful events occur.

It is a moving tale that illustrates how a tribe finds itself and direction in a changing world and in new times. I give it an A grade.