Fresh
Newcomer Castle-Hughes' unaffected, confident turn makes it credible our heroine might retain her determination and self-worth despite serial setbacks.
Dennis Harvey, Variety
Whale Rider
In the ways of the ancients she found a hope for the future.
2003 · 1h 41m · PG-13
Drama, Family
Directed by
Niki Caro
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Whale Rider
Overview
A contemporary story of love, rejection, and triumph as a young Māori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
91%
Tomatometer
Fresh
The filmmaker knows how to seduce an audience without making it feel had. When a movie's this likable, it would take a very tough crowd not to be pleased.
David Ansen, Newsweek
Fresh
The most effective and moving female empowerment movie in awhile.
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle
Rotten
[The story] is so simple that the audience gets ahead of it from the beginning.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
Rotten
The film is closer to a feminist tract. And, like all propaganda, it wants to do all of your thinking for you.
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
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