Film Study 3 - Whale Rider (2002)

 

This incredible film came out when I was in college and I LOVE it still to this day. It is based on a book written by Witi Ihimaera, directed by Niki Caro, and beautifully portrayed by Keisha Castle-Hughes. Some people would call this film slow, but i'd say it is magical and well worth the watch. This New Zealand film delves in to the legend of Paikea whom I drew many years ago and gives us a strong young woman who fights against tradition and expectations.

This is a new series for me (a visual artist) exploring the language of film and tv. I love the medium like s many people and I want to learn more about how the best do what they do. Part of that is learning who does what, re-examining film and tv I love, studying shot composition, lighting, and camera moves. Anyway, if you're curious follow along.

Here's the previous film study- Creed

Character 83-Paikea Revisited

A couple of years ago I did this piece of Paikea-the Maori legend. This is a revisiting of that legendary figure as the actress Keisha Castle-Hughes played her in the film Whale Rider during a very emotional scene. If you haven't seen it I urge you to watch it! Here's a film study of the movie.

Dig this? Check out my collage of characters from that same year

Character 27-Paikea

Was watching "Whale Rider

" again recently and thought it'd be fresh to see a more teenage Paikea on a motorcycle, super heroin style. Shout out to Keisha and to Witi Ihimaera, author of the story the film was based on.