The Whale Rider: Historical Framework

While viewing The Whale Rider, I made sure to consider the historical context of the film. The Whale Rider focused on the traditions and life of the Maori people in New Zealand, including the gender roles within their community. Prior to watching the film we were informed of some of the traits of their gender roles, which included that men would perform the more laborious tasks (such as carving) because they viewed as stronger, which also coincided with the tradition of them fulfilling the leadership roles (such as the role of chief). Women generally performed household work and were valued for their childbearing abilities. These roles were verbally demonstrated when Pai's grandmother commented during a family dinner that, although Koro was in charge of everything outside, she was in charge of the kitchen.

I thought it was interesting to view these traditional roles in the film, and also view how they were altered throughout the film by Pai. Pai was portrayed as a strong young woman who constantly pushed the limitations of women’s roles in the film. When she wanted to listen to the Maori lessons from Koro she decided to sit in the front row, and even when Koro told her to move she didn’t move to the back row; she left entirely. I really enjoyed watching Pai’s character become stronger and more confident throughout the film, since she stretched how women’s roles were being portrayed as she pursued the role of chief.