The little girl who played the main character was just 10 and had never acted before when she landed her role in this tear-jerker of a film, but you would never know it. In fact, her outstanding performance landed her an Oscar best actress nomination. In Whale Rider, a New Zealand Maori grandfather is unable to let go of his strong belief in tribal law, while his young grand-daughter discovers an inner strength she never thought she had had, and an unprecedented connection with their ancestors - the whales. Take plenty of Kleenex!

Terrific family film. One of my wifes' favorites and I enjoyed it too. Plenty of realism and myth involved and filmed in a gorgeous country. Beautiful scenery. All the actors did a fine job. Must see.

Great movie. Very inspirational for girls who want to go against the grain. Great performances by the lead girl, grandmother, and the grandfather. The lead girl was nominated for an Oscar.

Good movie. A young girl is born into a Maori tribe that was next in line for chief. Her twin brother dies at birth he would have been the chief. The girl Pai tries hard to win her grandfathers approval but he thinks less of her since she is a girl.Pai can do everything a boy can do sometimes even better. It is heartbreaking at times to see this girl so desparately try to win her grandfathers approval. Finally in the end she proves her bravery involving whales. It is nice to see a movie where a little girl gets to be the hero. very nicely done movie and well acted by newcomer Keisha Castle- Hughes.