Review: 'Whale Rider' is look into unusual culture through a child

Whale Rider    PG  13          

            Niki Caro's saga of a Mauri tribe called the Whangara village beset by strange events 11 years following the birth of a girl child, Keisha Castle Hughes, a gruff chief tries to train the local boys in the old ways of the bo staff, but his daughter has other plans, to train also, and to earn the respect of the elders, and the ancient story of the Paiaka, the Whale Rider. It was the greatest New Zealand movie of 2003 and the best children's movie of the year. Has a good message. Fascinating look into another culture. 
Review by Adam Browne