Whale Rider

Background: 2002 New Zealand- German family drama film

Director: Niki Caro

<Whale Rider> described conflict between family love and traditions of Maori. According to Maori’s culture, only the first born son has qualified to become the leader. Pai, a little girl who grew up with her grandpa- Koro, a traditional elder who deeply believe in Maori tradition and eager to inherit the knowledge and skills of Maori to the "leader". Even though he loves Pai very much, but Koro used to scold Pai strictly when they have conflict about traditions. 

For some traditional elderly, they think that they have obligation to inherit their culture to their sons, as known as their cultures or family honor. For Koro, he might think that maintaining family honor and cultures are more important than either individual freedom or individual achievement. It is important for his later generations to fulfill expectations of family and society in order to develop sense of belonging to their Maori’s culture.

Pai is interested to be a leader and she did have potential; however females and second born son are not qualified. Pai’s second uncle used to be a champion of taiaha (fighting stick) competition, but his capability was neglected since that he is not the first born son. Stereotype threat can hamper one’s performance. Even though Pai’s second uncle has potential to become a good leader, but he did not fight to do so as he thinks that he is not qualified. Pai’s father is the first born son but he refused to be the leader and working at France. Just like professor John Ogbu said, oppositional identities occur when some members choose to adopt dominant culture while some of them choose to reject it.

After Pai saved those whales and almost died, her grandfather Koro finally realized that what he did was wrong. He asked for Pai’s forgiveness and accepted her to be the leader. Both Koro and Pai are lucky. Pai survived and has the chance to be leader; Koro has the chance to ask for Pai’s understanding.