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Essay / Portrayal of modern Maori culture in The Whale Rider -Hughes) grew up in an entirely Māori community. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay The Maori, a Polynesian people native to New Zealand, are the descendants of Paikea, the courageous leader who escaped death on the back of a whale to direct them. and restore their tradition. In each generation for more than a thousand years, only a male heir must succeed to the title of chieftaincy. Unfortunately for Paikea, her mother and twin brother died during birth, upsetting ancient customs, without a male heir there would be no hope for future generations. At the age of 12, Grandma (Vicky Haughton) and Uncle Rawiri (Grant Roa) help Paikea in her quest to claim her birthright. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear to Paikea that she would have to do the impossible; winning against his old-fashioned grandfather Koro (Rawiri Paratene), whose attitude blinds him to Paikea's potential as a successor. It is only when disaster strikes that Paikea manages to prove to his grandfather that the village's connection to the spiritual world of the Maori endures. Set in the small village of Whangara, just off the coast of New Zealand's North Island, Whale Rider is set in modern times with many references linking it to the late 1970s and early 1980s. Although small, Whangara is home to the Maori, a close-knit community who pride themselves on respect, passion and strongly believe in their ancestral traditions. The Maori are said to be the descendants of the Polynesian people, saved by the courageous chief Paikea. Their tradition plays a central role in the film, with many of the intrigues and conflicts surrounding the traditions manifesting differently in each of the unique characters. This is seen across different generations, for example, the eldest in the lineage, Koro, who remains true to traditional Māori cultural beliefs and practices. This evidence is not only seen in the way he communicates with Paikea, but also in his character as a leader. One of the main themes explored in Whale Rider is how modern colonization has disrupted not only Māori traditions, but also how it has caused common problems within the community. From the beginning of the film, when Porourangi (Cliff Curtis) first left the village after the death of his wife and newborn child, the people of Whangara are depicted as a generation that has left their cultural ways behind. This is also supported by Porourangi's brother Rawiri, Paikea's uncle. Rawiri and his friends can all be seen lounging, drinking and using some sort of illicit substance, behavior unknown to tradition. Māori lived off the land, hunting, growing food and contributing to their history through traditional songs and arts. Despite their firm communion, high level of respect, and passion for their culture, Whale Rider describes the community as having many societal problems that create an image of a culture broken by the modern era. Through myths and legends, Whale Rider uses narrative structure in many forms to better depict the history of Paikea. It is primarily used to connect the plot through a number of techniques, including point of view. Caro uses Point of View in a very powerful way, notably through Paikea's narrations which combine with the music and the atmosphere of the film, sometimessad, anxious or inspiring, creates a strong bond between Paikea and its audience. In the case of Paikea, who becomes the future leader of her people, changing the point of view reinforces the effect of showing the different characters feeling the situation. Although Paikea is usually always the focus of a scene, Caro incorporated many scenes throughout the film. which Paikea is not present, allowing other characters to share their opinions as well as background information that the audience may not have been aware of previously, thus adding context to the film, e.g. the emotional argument between Porouragni and his father after his return from Germany. The changes add dimension to the story and focus on all of the main characters' points of view, ultimately bringing the plot to life. The use of soundtracks and camera angles were another reason for the film's success. At one point in the film, Paikea's father comes home and asks her if she would like to return to Germany with him. After careful consideration, Paikea accepts the invitation and the film cuts to a clip of them driving in Porourangi's car. That's when the cameras face the ocean and ethereal music begins to play. This combination of mysterious music and focus on the ocean shows the audience the strong spiritual connection Paikea has with Taniwah, the mythological whale that ancestor Paikea rode to Whangara over a thousand years ago. Caro further emphasizes Paikea's spiritual connection to the ancients through symbolism. Paikea is portrayed as a very interested and determined young girl. In one of the film's first opening scenes, Paikea approaches her grandfather as he works on a boat's engine. Using a piece of rope, he explains to Paikea that each thread resembles that of their ancestors. Everyone plays their own role and together they are strong. This is when Koro tries to start the engine but the rope breaks, symbolizing the broken community and how it is slowly falling apart. It is only when Paikea repairs the rope and starts the engine that the audience sees that the rope symbolizes the ancestral lineage of the Māori community, with Paikea being the missing thread. Another example of rope being used as symbolism is after Paikea appealed to the elders and they responded. Taniwah was one of several whales that washed ashore the next morning. On behalf of Koro, his son Rawiri ordered the village to return Taniwah to the water. They used a tractor and a rope, but as Paikea was a girl she was not allowed to help, causing the rope to break again. It's not until later in the film that Paikea talks to Taniwah and saves the rest of the whales. This once again signifies how the rope symbolizes the unity between the community and how Paikea is the missing thread that unites the community. The film focuses on the dynamic relationship between Paikea and her grandfather Koro. From the beginning of the film, Koro is mainly interested in the continuation of the royal lineage via the arrival of a grandson – Maori tradition only allows male successors. When only his granddaughter survives, he is not only bitter towards her, but is also concerned about remedying the situation for the sake of his people. Although she was rejected by her grandfather Koro, Paikea's grandmother Nanny Flowers (Vicky Haughton) opposed her methods. , forcing him to accept her as his granddaughter, "She is of your royal blood," Flowers argued. Although the setting of Whale Rider is very important to the film's narrative, one of the key themes explored by Caro is the changing role of women in a modern society. Still strongly attached to the old ways, Koro and other members of.
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