Whale Rider

First off, Whale Rider was ah-maz-ing! I absolutely love everything about this movie. Although, it did start off slow... It didn't catch my attention right away. However, whenever the plot of the story, begins to climax. I was already intrigued by the magical folk tale.

Pai & Kora

In the movie Whale Rider, you noticed a constant theme. Rebirth and Resurrection. We didn't know why it was important when they showed the scene of Pai and her twin brother being born. Pai brother, unfortunately, died with Pai's mother while giving birth. Pai was a born-again chief of the Maori people! What I want to talk about specifically is the relationship between Pai and Koro. Pai and Koro relationship stood out to me the most. It made me emotional, sad, and angry at the same time. I was slightly irritated with their relationship (Pai having a hard time getting his attention, how Koro wanted a grandson. However, I learned that it was a lesson that he needed to learn about his grandchild. Koro also needed to learn that not all of the men in his family are born to be leaders (i.e., his son Porourangi). It was more so that it was okay that his granddaughter, a female was born to be the chief.  Koro eventually learned his lesson that he had to give his respect/trust to his granddaughter. She was the magical leader of the Maori people! 

Focus: The focus on this particular shot is breathtaking. You can see the relationship with Pai and nature. If you notice, this movie used a lot of zooming out (nature shots) and zooming in (faces). Pai and Koro are more in tune with their ancestors and spiritual beings. Pai starts to communicate with her spiritual whale form. Also, because of Pai unity with the old folk tales ways it brings her closer to nature. Nature is the key for Pai to have a closer relationship with her ancestors and gods. 

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The Road Home

DVD Cover

DVD

Uh oh.... Not another black and white film.  That's exactly what I was thinking when I was watching the beginning of The Road Home.  The Road Home has an interesting way of starting off.   It talks about the present in black and white. It also talks about the past in color. 

"Know the present, know the past"

The Present

My interpretation of the black and white versus color scenes was her memories with her husband. It all makes sense now with the black and white versus color. Usually when we watch movies or films, they talk about the past in black and white and the present in color.

The Past 

When we saw the film in color. You noticed how the director uses colors such as pink and red, and yellow. The red was used a lot because it symbolized luck. The village was VERY lucky they were getting a teacher to start a new school. 

Love Story:
It was a cute love story, but you notice the color pink a lot whenever the two are together in the film. You can see the chemistry in the film. But because of the cultural revolution that was going on. You got the chance to see why she was heart broken a few times when it was time for him to go back to the city. The director found a way to combine cultural and a love story in one of his scenes. 

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