Whale Rider (2002) is a New Zealand film which is based on the Maori Tribe (Whangara tribe in particular). It is a film a bout the chief of the community who is trying to find a male successor to lead the tribe to a better future. Koro the chief, finds it difficult as his first born child rejected this offer, moreover the son of Koro (Porourangi) lost his first born male child and his wife. The only one left was that child's twin Paikea, but according to customs and traditions of this tribe, Paikae a femal cannot take the role of the successor, only a male can. The movie shows the struggle of girl who wants to accepted by her grandfather, to show him that she is capable and the story of a grandfather who is blinded by his culture and traditions.
Paikea, while loved by her grandfather (Koro), only took up roles of a female in her tribe, she was never allowed to do the things or take up responsibility such as the boys in the tribe. She knew about her past where her twin brother passed away causing her grandfather to hold a slight grudge on her (thinks she caused it), he also affiliates all the other bad luck the tribe has had to her, this is because she had broke the rules and traditions of the tribe.
From this movie the stereotype of gender can be clearly seen. The female in this indigenous tribe has a submissive role, they never make decisions and can never be a chief of their tribe. Specific roles are given to them and when it is not obeyed, consequences are there.
Besides that, sexism can be seen as well. Koro gave the boys who were trying out for chief more attention than he gave to Paikea. She could not do the Taihaha (ways to battle) because she was a female, when Koro saw her doing so he said that she had dishonored the ancestors. Koro treated her differently and did not want to see that she was capable because she was a girl.
Erikson's psycho-social development
Koro's attitude and actions can be seen from Erikson's point of view.
He finally sees that his son Porourangi does not want to take up the role of chief. Koro was unhappy and distress by this, though after contemplating his emotions had change as he came up with an idea. He needed to teach the young generation the ways of the tribe so that in future they can take after him and he can choose a successor whom can take over his role since he is not getting any younger. He groups all the first born boys in his community to teach them and train them the ways of his ancestors.
This can be seen in the 7th stage of Eriksons psycho-social development
Generativity vs Stagnition
- Koro volunteers to teach the younger generation what he knows not letting the knowledge he has go to waste. This is him contributing back to the society through raising they boys in their traditions and being active in his community
Towards the end of the film, when the boys are finally ready for their final test, Koro throws the tooth of the whale (Rei puta) in the sea and they first boy who finds it is heir to the thrown, although no one finds it. Who was very unhappy and fell into depression as he could not find an heir and that his community would probably go their own way leaving the tribe to deteriorate.
This can be seen in the 8th stage of Erikson's psycho-social development
Ego Integrity vs Despair
This is where Koro contemplate his accomplishments and see if he had a successful life. He thinks he has done nothing to save his community hence feel hopeless.
The main theme surrounding this film is old vs new. Koro wants his culture to remain exactly as it is with no change. That is exactly why his tribe is falling apart and is not developing financially and so on. But in a ever-changing world, a few changes has to be made in order to live happily. How can the things surrounding us change but not us. This would lead to stagnation thus only deteriorating the tribe causing the people in it to leave. At the end Koro finally realizes this and is aware that Paikea is the next heir of the throne who can lead his people to a better future.
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