The film that I watched was Whale Rider. The film begins as Pai, the main character, is born while her mother and brother die during the birth process. This causes great problems because this is a Maori tribe that is highly steeped in tradition and Pai’s brother was to be the next chief. Pai’s grandfather is greatly troubled by this as Pai cannot take the chief position as she is a girl. The film proceeds as her grandfather searches for a new chief while excluding Pai while Pai fights against the female exclusion tradition and ultimately succeeds. This film confirmed many of the things that I had researched prior to this. Much of the youth as well as the older people could not speak in Maori fluently and it was for the most part exclusively the Elders who could. Maori was used always when there was some tradition to be observed. However, it was surprising to hear the Maori speak in New Zealand english most of the time and then switch to Maori so quickly. Another thing this filmed showed was how Maori culture is highly male centered and dominated. The women, however, were the masters of the home and displayed more power than the men there at times. The elders in the film all consisted of males and females were expected to do the housework and cooking for ceremonies. In the film, Pai tries to defy this convention and it is seen that it is very deep rooted as Pai clearly demonstrates the qualities of a chief which her grandfather tests boys in the neighborhood for but still does not acknowledge her. The school which the Maori children attended looked like they were being taught a regular curriculum while having school concerts/dances that demonstrated some traditional Maori song/dance. Another thing I noticed in the film was the spiritual connection and importance placed on the relationship with their ancestors who have passed. When the grandfather chief feels he is placed in a desperate situation he continuously calls to his ancestors for help. This importance on spirituality is also shown when Pai finally gains her grandfather’s approval as a chosen chief by riding a whale that was beached back to sea and saving it.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE7-_Z03Aw4
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE7-_Z03Aw4