Whale Rider Analysis

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Whale Rider Analysis We will screen the film Whale Rider in two parts as a class. This viewing will be a full-on, whole film analysis exercise that will culminate in a short writing exercise. As you screen Whale Rider, consider and take notes to answer the following: What distinct cultural & geographical elements speak to this film's theme? Some distinct cultural and geographical elements that speak to this film’s theme are the ocean, small town/village, constant referral to tradition and ancestry, and worship of the whales. How is culture represented? Throughout the film, culture is represented in many ways. First off, the setting takes place in a small town that parallels similar to a village. Everyone knows everyone and it seems as though everyone comes from the same descent. English is the dominant language however they can still speak their own distinct language. They have various traditions and practices that seem to only be known by them. What value statements about gender are evidenced in this film? How are those statements made clear to the viewer? Some value statements about gender that are evidenced in this film are when the grandfather only wanted boys to be a part of the chief training and when the two twins were born, he was very angered that Paikea who is a girl survived rather than the boy. These statements are made clear because the grandfather took the chief tradition very serious and only males were allowed to be chief. In their culture, the males are in charge and females come second. What value statements about youth and age are evidenced in this film? How? In this film, youth and age are very important. At many times, the elders and towns people were always taking time to attend the young children’s concerts and plays. The kids would be singing songs of their culture showing continuing tradition. The townspeople see the

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