Whale Rider
On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their presence dates back at least a thousand years to a single ancestor, Paikea, who rode to safety on the back of a whale after his canoe capsized. Since that time, Whangara leaders, usually the first-born and always male, have been regarded Paikea's direct descendants. Pai, an 11-year-old girl from a patriarchal New Zealand tribe, believes she is destined to become the next chief. However, her grandpa Koro is obligated by custom to choose a male leader. Pai loves Koro more than anyone else in the world, but she must fight him and a thousand years of tradition to accomplish her destiny.
Released: 2003-01-30