Customer Reviews
Political correctness served with gooey sentimentality. - By: Neil French, 12 Jun 2008 
Ugh! The current self-flagellation so fashionable in N.Z. is brought to its apogee in this movie. Setting aside the fact that the European settlers have nothing to apologise for (the Maoris arguably having wiped-out the aboriginal people when they arrived around a thousand years ago, & quite reasonably don't feel guilty about it)...this film says nothing new. The camera-work is woeful, given the opportunities for beauty. The young lady who stars does a fine job, as do the supporting cast. But the end of the film...the moment when the girl rides the whale...is as mishandled a piece of film-making as you'll ever see. Or to be precise, NOT see. Presumably they didn't have the budget, in which case they shouldn't have embarked on the project. Buy 'Once were warriors' to get the best look at the modern Maori dilemma, or 'Billy Elliot' for a child conquering prejudice, & the redemption of his society. Neither bends the knee to PC, & neither is gooey. More importantly, they are complete films.
A MAORI MASTERPIECE. - By: Tom Simenauer, 25 Nov 2007 
I come from Aotearoa (new zealand) & though i am from white descendents i have always felt close to Maori people. As my spiritual path has opened up over the years every time i go back to Aotearoa i feel more & more connection with Maori life, & it is so nice to see the Maori culture growing & the people softening as their faith is slowly coming back. This movie is such a beautiful representation of that spiritual growth.
If you reallly want to get a taste of Aotearoa & its long term inhabitants & not some Bunjy jumping package tour this movie captures the mystical callling of the land & the Maori connection with it.
You will be a better person for watching this journey.
10 out of 10.
Very moving film - By: Ms. B. Fesser Almerigogna, 07 Jun 2007 Even when is a predictable film, is a beautiful one where we can see, over & over again the cultural lost of the old tribes, their problem with their lack of identity & problems with alcohol, like in other Indigenas cultures in the world once they have been touched for the white hand. Is a good reminder of the strengh of unity & the need of identity with the ancestors, with the connection with the earth, spirit & animals, the harmony in alll life. Once again I had tears in my eyes, because this film remind me what we are doing with this world & the people that still have the knowledge to connect with it.
Slow, uses stereotypes and predictable - By: Francisco, 01 Dec 2006 
I watched this film yesterday & was a little disappointed. The story is simple enough our heroine, Paikea (Castle-Hughes) is the next in line for chiefship. However, that leaves a problem, the tribe has only accepted males as leader. The problem is compounded by the fact that Paikea's mother, together with her twin brother, dies in childbirth. Paikea's father leaves to deal with his grief & Paikea (the significance of that name is given in the introduction to the film) is brought up by her grandfather.
As she approaches her teenage years her grandfather realises that it's coming to the time that the next leader is selected. Being a traditionalist, Koro is not convinced that Paikea should even be considered. She does her best to change his mind.
The film was OK but it was slow, we know how it's going to end & Koro seemed a little stereotypical to me.
Life-affirming cinema - By: PB, 21 Aug 2006 There are many reviews already, so I'll try & tell you my take without telling you the story: this film opens the door to Maori culture. It has a proper narrative arc AND character development. It is beautifully acted, & even for a thick-skinned cynic like me, will bring you to tears -- of joy & sadness. There are mythical elements neatly interwoven with social commentary & not one bum note or clunky intersection to be seen.
I cannot explain well enough just how wonderful this film is. I made my 7 year old daughter watch it, & she was moved also. The film works on many levels.
I recommend this film without reservation.
