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BlogHere are the thoughts and news of the people in our community. Leave a comment as you wish. If you want to join the blogging ask Mark.
Tuesday, January 27, 2004Whale Rider Last Friday I commenced my image pilgrimage. It started by turning my front room into a mini cinema! I got the church projector, hung a white sheet over the end wall and reconfigured my surround sound, and we were away. I think this will be a monthly thing! We thoroughly enjoyed Whale Rider. It is remarkable story of a small Maori community dealing with the challenge of change. The tribe chief, Koro, passionate about the ancient traditions finds the next generation sadly lacking in their zeal. His woes continue as he finds his next hope for a new chief, his grandchild, is born a girl. This girl is remarkable, however. Clever, skilled in many ways, a clear leader, with a clear sense of destiny and purpose. Clearly the one the tribe needs. But the old ways will not allow it. Thoughts on the old chief: Koro, desperately holding on to the traditions, resulted in him putting immense pressure on the next generation. This is what caused the next generation to lose interest, asking the question: “What if I am not who you want me to be?”. Koro’s strong passion resulted in his rejection of the next generation, his children. He looks elsewhere in the tribe, looking for another to fit his mould but is consistently disappointed. Even this is not enough to cause to see what is under his nose. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to give up what you see as core to your belief system when those coming after you don’t see things the same way. In the end it just about breaks a strong man. It took near loss of everything to see what was going on, and allow his love for his granddaughter to make room. Thoughts on the next generation: Pai’s childhood is actually heart-wrenching. She suffered rejection upon rejection, but still she persisted. Her sense of responsibility and destiny prevents her running away however. Her love for her grandfather, and the tradition that he stands for is what keeps the relationship and the future of the tribe intact. Her actions often looked rebellious to her grandfather, but she didn’t let that either result in hatred or giving up, even though people before her had bitterness and had given up. That love and that courage is what caused her to lay hold of all she had in her heart, and was the very qualification for it. The film is fantastic. A great story and beautifully shot. I defy you not to be moved by it! Posted by: Mark | 8:52 pm |
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