What It's About:

"Whale Rider" tells the story of a young Maori girl named Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) whose family is traumatized by the still-born death of her twin, a boy who would have eventually assumed leadership of the tribe. As a female, Pai is barred from proving herself worthy of such a role-even by her grandfather Koro (Paratene), the tribal elder--yet there's a mystical power within her that cannot be denied.

Why I Love It:

Visually breathtaking and emotionally uplifting, "Whale Rider" is a must-see for the whole family. Castle-Hughes is a gifted actress who manages to convey both age-appropriate longings and a mystical aura as 12-year-old Pai, defying generations of tribal tradition to achieve her proper destiny. Rawiri Paratene is excellent as Koro, Pai's grandfather and the chief of the tribe, whose stubborn pride prevents him from seeing her gifts. An ode to an enduring myth of the New Zealand Maoris, "Whale Rider" is an ethereal film that stays with you.