Whale Rider: Critic Reviews

100%

MovieWeb: 0 reviews

90%

RottenTomatoes: 145 reviews

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Lisa Schwarzbaum Entertainment Weekly (Top Critic)

67

An inviting international audience-pleaser written and directed with ardor by New Zealand filmmaker Niki Caro.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Elvis Mitchell New York Times (Top Critic)

80

Once the picture kicks into gear, it has the inspiring resonance of found art.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Claudia Puig USA Today (Top Critic)

88

Caro gives the fablesque story -- based on a 1,000-year-old Maori legend -- both a contemporary and timeless quality, anchored by newcomer Castle-Hughes' powerful and haunting performance.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Ann Hornaday Washington Post (Top Critic)

A thoughtful, vivid spiritual coming-of-age story that transcends its particular cultural context.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Desson Thomson Washington Post (Top Critic)

Watching this delightful film, one can see why it has been winning audience favorite awards at film festivals.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Ty Burr Boston Globe (Top Critic)

75

At its transporting best, Whale Rider seesaws between archetype and innocence -- it's a re-founding myth that happens in real time, before an audience's wondering eyes.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Michael Atkinson Village Voice (Top Critic)

Caro strives to poeticize the native sea legends (the lovely underwater whale footage is, alas, all digital), but the aboriginal hoopla comes off as tribal ritual for its own sake.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Jami Bernard New York Daily News (Top Critic)

75

Pai is resourceful and in harmony with the natural world in a way that will charm and enthrall young viewers.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Eric Harrison Houston Chronicle (Top Critic)

100

The most effective and moving female empowerment movie in awhile.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Philip Wuntch Dallas Morning News (Top Critic)

84

A film of elegant simplicity that seamlessly combines reality and mythology. It's also one of the year's most beautiful films.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Lisa Kennedy Denver Post (Top Critic)

88

Whale Rider is one of those book-me -a-ticket yesterday movies.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times (Top Critic)

100

The genius of the movie is the way is sidesteps all of the obvious cliches of the underlying story and makes itself fresh, observant, tough and genuinely moving.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Mark Caro Chicago Tribune (Top Critic)

88

A true crowd-pleaser that never panders to achieve its effects.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Carrie Rickey Philadelphia Inquirer (Top Critic)

88

The rhythms of Whale Rider are hypnotic as the ebb tide, haunting as the song of the humpback sea mammal, bracing as the ocean spray.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Colin Covert Minneapolis Star Tribune (Top Critic)

63

A story that J.K. Rowling fans young and old will savor.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Tom Long Detroit News (Top Critic)

59

It's enough to make you think people really can talk to whales.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Richard Nilsen Arizona Republic (Top Critic)

60

Refuses to get its toes wet, instead retreating into goody-goody fantasy.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Rex Reed New York Observer (Top Critic)

Unexpectedly touching, generous with its insights, and offers an exceptionally human glimpse into the heart of a land as exotic as it is remote.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Dennis Harvey Variety (Top Critic)

Newcomer Castle-Hughes' unaffected, confident turn makes it credible our heroine might retain her determination and self-worth despite serial setbacks.
Full Review » 4 years ago
Lou Lumenick New York Post (Top Critic)

75

A contemporary version of an aboriginal legend from New Zealand that should delight audiences of all ages.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel (Top Critic)

60

The film is closer to a feminist tract. And, like all propaganda, it wants to do all of your thinking for you.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Peter Howell Toronto Star (Top Critic)

80

It's a film about gender empowerment in which the struggle between the sexes isn't reduced to crude stereotypes, and the lessons learned come honestly and with a sense of genuine revelation.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Rick Groen Globe and Mail (Top Critic)

75

Despite their age difference -- one so venerable, the other so callow -- [Paratene and Castle-Hughes] both exude an intrinsic majesty that the camera adores.
Full Review » 9 years ago
James Berardinelli ReelViews (Top Critic)

75

The story itself is richly rewarding and uplifting -- the coming-of-age tale of a girl who must defy the odds to achieve her goals.
Full Review » 9 years ago
Sheri Linden Hollywood Reporter (Top Critic)

The film boasts a terrific newcomer in the lead role, exquisite widescreen photography and a powerful sense of place.
Full Review » 9 years ago