Who has seen "Whale Rider"

[sundog]

The local video store had it for $5. So rather than rent it for $3, I just bought the used copy. Looked like something good.

I haven't watched it yet. How did you like it?

[madison2000]

1. Its wonderful. OK for kids too.

The girl in it was nominated for best actress I believe.

[berner59]

2. I loved it...

It's a fable...very sweet... Heartbreaking scene with young girl in school & her grandfather...

[papau]

3. It is great - for kids and adults - rewatching it is a pleasure each time!

Good decision.
]
:-)

[Dookus]

4. It's a great movie

well worth owning.

[gottaB]

5. I liked it

It was good for kids, but also for adults.

For $5 I'd buy it.

[neweurope]

6. I did and loved it. Very nice kiddie movie.

-----------------------

Remember Fallujah

Bush to The Hague!

[jonnyblitz]

I haven't seen it and have no interest

looks to disneyish or "kiddie" for me.

[Speck Tater]

13. Definitely NOT disneyesque.

Too gritty and real to fall into that pablum category.

[sundog]

21. hey jonny

I just watched it... It's not disney-ish at all. You probably got that idea from the marketing. Since it hardly fits into any "American-marketable" category, the studio had to push it in that direction to sell tickets.

If anything it is a drama, only the lead happens to be a young girl. It's a story of the Maori tribe in New Zealand. The whale is their spirit animal.

All I have to say is wow. Definitely the best thing I have seen in ages. Really. Definitely check it out if you get the time.

Moving just scratches the surface. It gets your gut.

On an interesting side note, the soundtrack was done by the ex-lead singer of Dead Can Dance. Good stuff. It's on the 4AD/Beggars Banquet label of all things.

[Red State Rebel]

7. Good thing nobody was riding this one....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2525550

[jonnyblitz]

8. ewwwww.

**gag****

[Catfight]

9. It's not for KIDS...that grandfather was relentless and just plain MEAN!

I was disturbed by his blatant rudeness to her because she was a girl. I would not allow my kid to watch that until they had a good sense of worth as they are, it was a hard movie to watch.

[madison2000]

10. Its a coming of age story- not for young children but maybe 8 or 9 and up.

I think its a great story.

[Catfight]

15. I'm sticking to my guns on this one, I thought it was a mean movie.

I was depressed and disturbed by it.

[TahitiNut]

16. I'd have no problem showing it to kids of any school age.

None.

[pacifictiger]

20. I'm surprised by your take on it.

I thought it was a wonderful movie! And the meanness was part of the setup message - 'tribal' expectations from family traditions can have a very stifling influence on the creativity and 'career mission' of young family members.
It is a simple tale, couched in tribal mythology, of following your gut instincts to blossom and incorporates the noble traits of courage and determination.

[Speck Tater]

11. LOVE it! A wonderful movie. (NT)

[Freebird12004]

12. loved it

[TahitiNut]

14. It's a terrific movie!!

Keisha Castle-Hughes was deservedly nominated for a Best Actress Oscar in her very first movie role.

The movie won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Foreign Film.

Not surprisingly, the film swept the 2003 New Zealand Film and TV Awards, winning Best Actress, Best Costume Design, Best Director, Best Film, Best Juvenile Performer, Best Original Music, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. It also received nominations in 6 other categories.

Here's what Roger Ebert says (with which I heartly agree) ...

It's not just an uplifting ending, but a transcendent one, inspired and inspiring, and we realize how special this movie really is. So many films by and about teenagers are mired in vulgarity and stupidity; this one, like its heroine, dares to dream.

[auburngrad82]

17. Excellent movie

[Beaverhausen]

18. Excellent but intense- I say kids should be 12 or older to see it

Really amazing acting.

[cmf]

19. Great movie

H and I both loved it.

[Scout]

22. I liked it a lot.

Good for kids and adults.

I had a little bit of trouble understanding the dialog, because of the accents. But it wasn't too bad. You can turn on subtitles if it has 'em.

[El Fuego]

23. Great movie

Seems boring at first, but there is a big payoff.

[sundog]

24. no shit... best new movie I've seen in ages

[Missy Vixen]

25. Tremendous movie

The lead actress is unbelievable.

LOVED it.

Julie

[havocmom]

26. We give it two dorsal fins up

Grand movie. Very touching. Great nuances in emmotions and some fabulous lines. Scenery was lovely and the youngsters real, not all cute-ified. Good film for the whole family.