I saw Whale Rider for the first time this weekend, on DVD. Though I do not intend to be a film critic on this blog, this movie is so astounding that I would like to share my excitement about it.

It is a work of art visually and it moves the heart, mind and spirit. The multiple themes running through it make for an excellent story, but uppermost is that of the culture and traditions of the New Zealand Maoris. The DVD gives excellent background information about the filming, so if you have already seen it in the theatres, it’s worth seeing it again for this reason. I plan to view it again, it’s magic, to quote the film ads!

Read an excellent review*, but be warned that it describes the story at length, so see the film first.

Update Jan.2014 *link has expired. You may like to read more about it in wikipedia.