No, this isn't a movie about riding Scotty's wife...

It's the tender story of a young Maori girl trying to prove that she can be a
leader as her tribe faces a test of strength. Probably the worst failing of
this film is it's lack of texture. While beautifully shot, the lack of intimacy
between camera and settings lead to a postcard view of the territory.
Ultimately it lacks the hands-on feel achieved by a film like The Shipping News
or even the 70's White Dawn.
Another great misstep is the partially synthesized score that meanders through
much of the film, rendering an afterschool special feel to some key moments and
making the whole affair overwrought.
The qualities of Whale Rider are more in the performances than the writing or
story. The background of the people and culture is highly superficial. A deeper
exploration of their world would have led to a more charged drama. Finally, the
editing fails to serve the movie as a whole, undermining some key scenes with a
pronounced lack of timing, both in the whale riding and stick-fight sequences.
Still, this is a worthy Oscar entry and a notable effort that departs from the
current oil slick of movies currently in release. The Captain's rating ***

Capt RB