Whale Rider Based on the novel written by Witi Ihimaera, Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro, tells the story of the 1000-year-old Maori legend of Paikea, their first ancestor who rode on the back of a whale to New Zealand. Throughout the film, the relationship between Koro and Paikea undergoes dramatic change as he struggles to maintain traditional practices and she is driven to challenge his beliefs. They are both passionately committed to ensuring the survival of the tribe, but are unable to accept each other’s understanding of how this should be achieved. Caro skilfully uses many film techniques, such as camera angles and shot sizes, to position the audience to understand the strain the demand for change places on the relationship between …show more content…
The scene opens with a crane shot showing Koro sitting in darkness beside Paikea’s bed, while a light is shining on the white sheet between them. The darkness symbolises Koro’s stubbornness and refusal to accept that change is a necessary part of survival, while the light between them suggests a new beginning untainted by old ideas and prejudices. As he apologises to her in Maori, the subtitles show that he accepts her not only as chief, but also as the reincarnation of their first ancestor. The camera cuts to an over the shoulder shot of Paikea. This scene is extremely important, since Koro is mostly shaded and has a pained expression across his face, and Paikea is surrounded by white, the light shining on her and her white sheets make her appear divinely illuminated. As Koro apologises to her, she opens her eyes to acknowledge that she has heard him and the light spreads to him, signifying forgiveness. By the end of the story the relationship between Koro and Paikea has undergone many trials. The audience is invited to see that their relationship has now matured to one of mutual love and