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Whale Rider Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    79

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 100

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    The genius of the movie is the way is sidesteps all of the obvious cliches of the underlying story and makes itself fresh, observant, tough and genuinely moving.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

    An inviting international audience-pleaser.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    Variety Dennis Harvey

    Combines straightforward coming-of-age narrative with Maori mysticism to most engaging effect.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    The New York Times A.O. Scott

    Wickedly absorbing.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter Sheri Linden

    The film boasts a terrific newcomer in the lead role, exquisite widescreen photography and a powerful sense of place.

    Read Full Review

  • 88

    out of 100

    USA Today Claudia Puig

    Caro gives the fablesque story -- based on a 1,000-year-old Maori legend -- both a contemporary and timeless quality, anchored by newcomer Castle-Hughes' powerful and haunting performance.

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  • 90

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan

    A substantial film of unexpected emotional force. And when at a certain point it seems to slip the bonds of this world and take a leap of faith into an almost mythological dimension, it breathlessly takes us along for that memorable ride.

    Read Full Review

  • 90

    out of 100

    Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern

    Seduces us with its leisurely pace and felicitous details into believing that something miraculous is afoot in a mundane rural community.

  • See all Whale Rider reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 11+

Excellent to watch and discuss as a family.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this movie has some tense family confrontations. The death of a mother and baby in childbirth is very sad. A character is injured, but ultimately recovers. There is brief strong language. Characters drink and smoke and there is a brief drug reference. The movie presents a minority culture with great dignity and respect, and the theme of equality is exceptionally well handled.

  • Families can talk about talk about the traditions of their own cultures.

The good stuff
  • message true3

    Messages: The importance of family and traditions is stressed. Features a strong, young female character.

What to watch for
  • violence false0

    Violence: Training in traditional fight techniques.

  • sex false0

    Sex: Mild sexual references.

  • language false3

    Language: Brief strong language.

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: Not an issue

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink and smoke and there is a brief drug reference.

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© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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