The Whale Rider: Historical Framework

Let me start by first just saying I am in love with Nanny in the movie (everyone needs a Grandma like her!). She is such a strong, independent, and funny lady.

This film takes old traditions, beliefs, and values, and challenges them head on, ultimately bringing the community together. It can be analyzed using the historical film framework in many different ways. The director clearly has great respect for the Maori culture, and it shows in this film. Her opinion is to embrace the culture, but also adapt it to the new ways of living. The films historical context is different than our own time because women are currently more accepted as leaders (not as much as we should be). In the film Koro was not willing to accept Pai as a strong leader, women were looked down upon. Even the Nanny said she did not let Koro see her as the boss. In our time, it would be more accepted that a woman wanted to step up and represent a cultural group. Influences of past literature on this film were the folktale of the "whale rider", Paikea. This story carried the film. We immediately know the two will be linked when Pai is born and named after the folktale. These are the key questions that help relate The Whale Rider to a historical framework.

The Maori culture believes they are direct descendants of the "whale rider", and it is a folktale that has been told for many generations. The film played off of this cultural importance and stayed true to their beliefs. It also focused on the meeting place, the Marae. Many of the concerts, training, and events occurred here, which is true to the Maori culture. Historically, they value family, which was seen in the film. The family, despite their differences in age and culture, remained close at the end of the day. Ancestors are also important to the Maori culture, and this was brought up several times in the film. The film stays true to the historical culture, which I really enjoyed. Ultimately, I believe Pai shows the core values of Maori culture with her strong will, determination, compassion, and togetherness. The film shows us that leaders can emerge from anywhere, and it is important to allow others to grow and become the person they are meant to be.