(The Whale Rider is a great full of engaging images and emotional overtones. As a female viewer I connected to Paikea Aspirana, I found her bravery and her ability to accept the fact that she was going to die at the end of the film inspiring).
Applying the historical frame work to The Whale Rider amplifies the worldview of Maori people. The role of women in the community is an aspect of the culture which gives readers an understanding of the history of Maori people. As a community the Maori people depend males to ride whales which ultimately keeps their community thriving. Although Pai has the gift of understanding the whales, her community rejects her abilities and gifts because she is a girl. The rejection Pai experiences reflects the deeply held belief that descendants of the prophet Paikea must be male, and that every generation needs a whale rider in order for the community to continuing thriving. This belief is so deeply embedded in the minds and hearts of the people that the first person Koro, Pai's grandfather, asks about his daughter dies giving birth to Pai and her twin brother is his grandson. The fact that Koro does not show any outward concern in the moment for his dead daughter illustrates how changes in the beliefs and values of individuals, particularly the elderly, in the community will be slow, painful, and not without a significant cost to Pai and her community.
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