sign in
register
Watch
fuboTV Apple TV Google Play Movies
+9
Whale Rider
Whale Rider
+9
JustWatch
Your probable score
?
Whale Rider

Whale Rider

2002
Drama
1h 41m
A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill her destiny. (South Pacific Pictures)

Directed by:

Niki Caro

Screenwriter:

Niki Caro, Witi Ihimaera

Starring:

Cliff Curtis, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Grant Roa, Mana Taumaunu, Rachel House, Taungaroa Emile

Genre:

Drama

Countries:

Germany, New Zealand

Languages:

English, Maori
imdb IMDb
Update history
Suggest edit

Whale Rider

2002
Drama
1h 41m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 58.08% from 1577 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

(1584)
Compact view
clear
Compact view
Show
Sort
beedubBeeDub
Rated 18 Jul 2016
92
84th
While the plot is nothing new (a girl tries to find her place in a culture that doesn't understand or particularly value her), this movie's sensitivity and evenhandedness elevate it past cliche into something special. Characters are portrayed not as heroes or villains, but as flawed individuals trying to do what they feel is right. The acting is strong all around, with Keisha Castle-Hughes being the obvious standout. Definitely worth seeking out.
Rated 18 Jul 2016
leonardisLeonardis
Rated 22 Sep 2022
96
89th
I’m so pissed I didn’t watch this sooner. This movie has a pace and tone that gives off a very real vibe, like you’re watching the story in real time. It’s very believable. Anyway, the cultural stuff was legitimately fascinating and well done, even better than the cultural stuff Disney does nowadays. It’s a very touching tale with fully realized characters and downright excellent acting. It’s written and directed with so much care and, thankfully, it’s easily digestible. I loved every second.
Rated 22 Sep 2022
thegreyfoxthegreyfox
Rated 04 Dec 2011
88
90th
A fantastic film, albeit of a simple story, where every performance is played with absolute conviction. Keisha is an amazing girl, and the scene of her soliloquy to her Grandad is simply jaw dropping in its emotional content. A Fine tribute to the strong maori traditions and mores that we might scoff at these days, but nevertheless are heartfelt, and show just how much sense of shared community we have lost in moving away from those traditions
Rated 04 Dec 2011
piratejasonPirateJason
Rated 04 Jan 2010
82
74th
A wonderful peek into Maori culture and tradition through a well told story of a girl with a destiny. Keisha Castle-Hughes' performance is amazing, especially considering it was her first role and her only being 11 when she was cast.
Rated 04 Jan 2010
battletoadBattleToad
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
89th
Simply put, Whale Rider is a beautiful film. The story is sweet and at times quite sad, but at no point sappy. The film presents a family made real by excellent acting and writing. By the end it is apparent that the whole film is telling a myth, setting up a new legend by retelling one about the featured family's ancestry. Awesome!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
stainStain
Rated 21 May 2007
0
8th
A Disney movie for people who wouldn't be caught dead at a Disney movie, complete with flat visual style, juvenile angle, mystical mumbo-jumbo, and fart jokes
Rated 21 May 2007
ewp805ewp805
Rated 12 Jun 2014
80
72nd
A great coming of age tale set with a backdrop of the interesting Maori culture. Keisha Castle-Hughes shows us how child acting is done with her strong lead performance.
Rated 12 Jun 2014
omgfridgeomgfridge
Rated 17 Apr 2009
0
1st
I've never hated a movie as much as I hate this one. My least favorite film in existence.
Rated 17 Apr 2009
ol66ol66
Rated 08 Sep 2008
48
35th
A good performance by Keisha Knight-Hughes carries this slight coming-of-age tale set in Maori New Zealand. The story isn't strong, there aren't many performances, and I couldn't help feeling that it only got such good exposure because a lot of white folk like to visit films like this as it makes them think they are doing something nice to minorities. That said, if you don't cry at the part where Hughes gives her school presentation there's something wrong with you.
Rated 08 Sep 2008
jonquilljonquill
Rated 12 Sep 2007
92
90th
Fantastic. Effortless in its storytelling, it manages themes of generations passing without ever feeling forced, and snippits of sheer fantasy that you completely believe.
Rated 12 Sep 2007
duandskuduandsku
Rated 14 Aug 2007
58
25th
There's no doubt that Keisha Castle Hughes deserved her Oscar nomination, but the film itself is flat and staggeringly formulaic. An easy to root for underdog that doesn't hold up under inspection.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
joshstew06JoshStew06
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
85th
A wonderful, moving drama set in New Zealand. Kiesha Castle-Hughes is amazing as the main character.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
ericamblerericambler
Rated 02 Apr 2023
70
46th
Arty and atmospheric, using mood to stand in for context. Cliff Curtis' contributions are very underrated.
Rated 02 Apr 2023
eatbeanseatbeans
Rated 24 Jan 2022
10
96th
Whoever shot Whale Rider knew what they were doing.
Rated 24 Jan 2022
mrcimrci
Rated 20 Jan 2022
75
78th
Beautifully shot tale presenting Maori traditions and conservative clash with new generation.
Rated 20 Jan 2022
margustaMargusTa
Rated 16 Nov 2020
94
93rd
Witi Ihimaera's novel The Whale Rider is very famous in New Zealand and one could be glad that its adapted now to big screens. Movie itself is very beautiful and sweet. One of the best movies in 2003.
Rated 16 Nov 2020
doyler29doyler29
Rated 11 Jun 2019
80
68th
Keisha Castle-Hughes's brother was to be the chief of the Whangara people, but he died at birth along with her mother. Her grief stricken father leaves New Zealand and she is raised by her grandfather. With no heir to his office, he starts training all the first born boys in their traditions to find a chief. She tries to join in, but women cannot be the chief. A casually paced film that immerses the viewer in this part of the world and tells an inspiring story with humor and grace.
Rated 11 Jun 2019
hotsakehotsake
Rated 01 Jan 2019
73
82nd
The beautiful location, traditional story, naturalistic acting and good music are the highlight of this film. The ending was a bit weak for me and I didn't feel as touched by this as I have been by similar films.
Rated 01 Jan 2019
arossaross
Rated 21 Nov 2016
62
18th
One fatal weeknight in the seventh grade or something many years back, instead of studying for a test I watched this movie and then did poorly on the test the next day. I truly believe my rating was influenced by my poor performance on the test, but I refuse to increase the rating.
Rated 21 Nov 2016
backwardsuitbackwardsuit
Rated 26 Nov 2015
74
63rd
Touching drama with real substance and a good leading performance. It's about children and parents while also dealing with myths and culture in a relatable way. The story is enjoyable even if there isn't a single surprise in the plot. The structure is messy and directing is nothing more than fine but it's so cute and relevant I don't really mind the flaws all that much.
Rated 26 Nov 2015
boomdiddlyboomdiddly
Rated 12 Oct 2014
5
2nd
About as magical as a muggle.
Rated 12 Oct 2014
glm01glm01
Rated 23 Mar 2014
84
79th
83.500
Rated 23 Mar 2014
bruntunbruntun
Rated 01 Sep 2012
85
40th
i'm a 35yr old guy. this drew tears. pretty special movie.
Rated 01 Sep 2012
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 07 Feb 2011
20
41st
"Caro seems less concerned with evoking the economic or socio-political baggage bringing the film's characters down than she is with telling the same sappy tale of patriarchal perseverance we've seen so many times before." - Ed Gonzalez
Rated 07 Feb 2011
glmglm
Rated 02 Jan 2011
85
80th
85.000
Rated 02 Jan 2011
afx237viafx237vi
Rated 28 Oct 2010
70
69th
Somewhat formulaic in terms of the overall story, but different enough in terms of setting and characters to make it worthwhile viewing. A film about Maori culture and tradition, but also about stubbornness and individual determination. Despite the uplifting ending, Caro's direction gives the film an underlying hint of melancholia and sadness that makes you wonder what lies ahead for the culture portrayed.
Rated 28 Oct 2010
nimnonimno
Rated 10 Jan 2010
65
57th
This was a surprisingly good and honestly-acted film. Not Hollywood-style and probably boring to most American movie-watchers perhaps, but it was believable and engaging and guaranteed to bring a tear or two to your eyes.
Rated 10 Jan 2010
paulofilmopaulofilmo
Rated 22 Aug 2009
75
94th
Had me in tears. I love the cultural pride, the mysticism. Yes, it's technically substandard, but I can't be a stickler with a film with so much dignity.
Rated 22 Aug 2009
bok_dongBok dong
Rated 21 Feb 2009
34
42nd
this is my step mums favorite fillm
Rated 21 Feb 2009
muutanetmuutanet
Rated 02 Feb 2009
67
60th
The other important movie about Maori culture. Since Once Were Warriors is dealing with more modern life, this has still more stronger roots on past and Maori mythology. And you know from the star how the story will end.
Rated 02 Feb 2009
realmacgyverRealMacgyver
Rated 31 Dec 2008
90
94th
Fantastic film with a very strong central performance by Keisha about a culture I knew little about. Great stuff
Rated 31 Dec 2008
cultofsamecult_of_same
Rated 15 Nov 2008
60
72nd
How come all popular Maori film involves some form of child abuse?
Rated 15 Nov 2008
lebarLebar
Rated 17 Oct 2008
85
91st
great story...nice one !
Rated 17 Oct 2008
tathieltathiel
Rated 04 Oct 2008
90
95th
Great movie. Stunningly beautiful.
Rated 04 Oct 2008
otavio42otavio42
Rated 08 Jul 2008
60
5th
Só valeu a pena porque vi umas baleias. Gosto de baleias.
Rated 08 Jul 2008
queencelloqueencello
Rated 02 Jun 2008
100
95th
beautiful movie- beautiful cinematography, beautiful setting, nice symbolism in writing (hits you over the head after the 16th viewing, but good before that) Castle-Hughes is beautiful and has a wonderful scene. Also the insight into the Maori culture is fasciinating
Rated 02 Jun 2008
critickerkawcritickerkaw
Rated 01 Apr 2008
93
75th
A beautiful film, at times quite sad, but ultimately triumphant.
Rated 01 Apr 2008
john_lockeJohn Locke
Rated 28 Feb 2008
87
53rd
See it.
Rated 28 Feb 2008
dsheehydsheehy
Rated 24 Nov 2007
75
60th
not bad for a NZ film
Rated 24 Nov 2007
darkmandarkman
Rated 17 Sep 2007
90
98th
This movie won't let you untouched. The acting of Keisha Castle-Hughes is simply amazing.
Rated 17 Sep 2007
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 14 Aug 2007
81
69th
Cute and touching, and interesting to see a culture I knew little about, but I probably wouldn't bother to watch it again.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
screensirenscreensiren
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
55th
Excellent NZ movie, insightful look into Maoridom. Keisha portrays her character really well, as do all the other kiwi actors! Bit of a tear jerker too.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
moviecrismoviecris
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
35th
This girl is quite a discovery! Hope she keeps it up and in other roles as interesting as this one! A peek into a culture few of us know anything about; we get to observe this Maori village's struggle to maintain in touch with their roots while dealing with the modern world. This through the relationship between a grandfather and his granddaughter, whom he has trouble accepting because she isn't a boy. Compelling story.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
taleaTalea
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
89th
Terrific! A wonderful look into a little-known culture, with a stunning performance from its young lead.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
cellophanecellophane
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
77th
Incredibly moving and marvelously acted.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
medMed
Rated 14 Aug 2007
92
90th
A beautifully understated movie, with one of the most moving performances from Keisha Castle Hughes that I have seen. I
Rated 14 Aug 2007
punchinelloPunchinello
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
82nd
Charming and touching film, its inspiring to people of all ages and walks of life: A true sign of excellence. Great performance by the lead actress.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
vadermatrix1VaderMatrix1
Rated 14 Aug 2007
25
26th
boooring
Rated 14 Aug 2007
darkkatodarkkato
Rated 14 Aug 2007
97
97th
Why did I rank this movie so high? Simple, this is the only film that sent me into a pathetic bawling fit - when Paikea makes her final sacrifice for her Maori tribe...oh...oh geez...ghgh..
Rated 14 Aug 2007
fbcFBC
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
82nd
Keisha Castle-Hughes's performance is one for the books. SHE'S FANTASTIC.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
vince_leoVince Leo
Rated 14 Aug 2007
71
62nd
While there is predictability to the plot and a casualness in energy overall, there is always beauty in seeing a film where every performance is heartfelt and every theme believed in through and through.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
mullacymullacy
Rated 14 Aug 2007
79
61st
Great NZ story, beatifully shot and a nice tale.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
3names3Names
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
48th
A wonderful film, but not worthy of an Oscar nominee for the girl...
Rated 14 Aug 2007
pantone801pantone801
Rated 01 Aug 2007
85
93rd
I adored this film, Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for an Oscar for her amazing performance. This film also showcases the beautiful remove east coast of New Zealand.
Rated 01 Aug 2007
kingmongoKing_Mongo
Rated 28 May 2007
85
76th
Slow-moving but sensitive.
Rated 28 May 2007
caocaocaocao
Rated 21 May 2007
82
96th
Very emotional work. A flooring debut performance by Keira Castle-Hughes. The rest of the key performances, the writing and the direction all deserve high marks. Powerful themes of disappointment and leadership. Awesome stuff.
Rated 21 May 2007
wardmobwardmob
Rated 09 Apr 2007
80
65th
riveting!!
Rated 09 Apr 2007
jeg2jeg2
Rated 26 Feb 2007
80
93rd
Marvelous film. The young heroine's oration near the end was a classic film scene. The movie certainly lets us think beyond our own culture.
Rated 26 Feb 2007
weirdyodaweirdyoda
Rated 22 Dec 2006
94
93rd
An incredible family drama about New Zealand culture.
Rated 22 Dec 2006

Collections

Loading ...

Similar Titles

Loading ...

Statistics

Loading ...

Trailer

Loading ...