Whale rider
(Movies) 

Originally released as a motion picture in 2002.

Based on the book by Witi Ihimaera.

Widescreen 2.35:1.

Special features: theatrical trailer; TV spots; behind-the-scenes featurette; filmmaker's commentary; deleted scenes with optional director commentary; soundtrack showcase; Te Waka: building the canoe; Art and photo gallery.

For private home use only.

Director of photography, Leon Narbey ; editor, David Coulson ; music, Lisa Gerrard ; costume designer, Kirsty Cameron ; production designer, Grant Major.

Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis.

The Whangara Māori people believe their ancestor Paikea was saved from drowning by riding home on the back of a whale. The tribal group has since granted leadership positions to the first-born males, believing them to be descendants of Paikea. But then a young mother dies in childbirth along with her newborn male son. His twin sister survives and the little girl, Pai, is brought up by her grandparents. Learning the skills of chiefdom from her uncle, Pai shows that she possesses a natural leadership ability.

MPAA rating: PG-13: parents strongly cautioned for brief language and a momentary drug reference.

DVD, region1, widescreen; Dolby digital 5.1, Dolby surround 2.0.

Closed-captioned; soundtrack in English with optional English and Spanish subtitles.

BAFTA Awards, 2003: Best Feature Film.

San Francisco International Film Festival, 2003: Audience Award Best - Narrative Feature (Niki Caro).