The Maori people believes nature is a living thing, which they bound closely through their traditional ritual. In the movie, it is seen that they believe they are able to connect with the Whales as often calls out to them when they need help. As a very rich culture, the Maori has their own native language, music, art which are all demonstrated in the movie. To search a new leader for the tribe, Koro leads a traditional school and teaches the boys strictly on their culture. We can see how every chant they sing has to be perfect and how important the facial expression is when performing the Taiaha fight. The way Koro pass down the Maori tradition is very stern and he allows no leniency. This shows that the Moari people are extremely serious when it comes to their culture and traditions. Their rigidity might due to them not wanting any of the culture to be mixed or changed.
Personally, I find their culture quite interesting as they have such rich tradition. I like how they connect with the nature, or whale in the movie. Although it is a bit non-scientific, it makes them value and appreciate the nature more. As this is actually very important because many of us now are taking the world for granted. One thing that I feel extremely weird is the nose rubbing manner. In their culture, nose rubbing represents the formal handshake in our culture, which they use in traditional meetings or major ceremonies. The proper way to perform this action is to press one's nose and forehead against each other at the moment they encounter. The Maori people refer this action as a Hongi. They believe through Hongi, both parties are considered the equal instead of visitor and owner of the land. With this act, one is expected to share the responsibilities of the house/tradition for the time one is staying. In this movie, we can see Koro and Pai's father demonstrate the Hongi. This means that during the time when Pai's father is back home, he is expected to share the duties in the house. Even Hongi represent such great meaning, I still find it a bit too intimate for two individuals.
For more understanding of the Maori Culture please press this link:
http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/maori-culture.html
In the film, Benevolent sexism is clearly portrayed throughout the whole movie. This type of prejudice towards women refers to the chivalrous attitude which men view women as the weaker sex. According to the Maori culture, the chief leader position are supposed to pass down to the eldest grandson of the former Paikea (leader). As Aprirana is a female, she cannot inherit this role. This patrilineal descendant is formed mainly because their culture view women as weak. Although Koro and Aprirana has a strong affectionate bond, he is still mistreating her because of her gender. In the movie, we can see how he keeps blaming Aprirana for the misfortune and damage. He believes all the whales come up shore because that Aprirana tried to be a leader as a female. One clear example of benevolent sexism is when Aprirana successfully function the motor boat with a string, Koro scolded her instead of encouraging as he think females are weak and it is dangerous for a girl to function such a task. Despite how every time Aprirana would prove to Koro that she has the potential and skills, he would dismiss her and disallow her to learn the traditions. Koro has a very rigid thinking of how certain roles are solely reserved for the males. Koro also holds a strong gender bias in favoring the male more than the females. In the beginning of the movie, it was shown that Aprirana is the only survivor in the birth, which the mother and twin brother did not make it. While visiting the twins, Koro asks his wife to take away Aprirana. He feels anger towards Aprirana which he wishes the one who survive is the twin brother.
This occurrence of gender inequality could also be explained through social roles. In this movie, we can see that the Maori community give strength to the males and view women as more submissive. Each gender are expected to fulfill their gender roles of women being a weaker gender and the male as a more dominant person. This can be seen in how Koro's wife, Aprirana's grandmother, would also listen and let Koro make all the major decision. When Koro is scolding Aprirana, even if she felt unfair for Aprirana, she never voiced out. She would only go to Aprirana and comfort her after the incident is over. Not only so, in the movie, we can see how all the women knows what they are supposed to do during all ceremonies. While the males are outside chanting, they would move to aside as they are not allowed to join. Before the event, they would all gather to prepare for the event. This shows that without any notice, all females know what are their roles and what they are expected to do. As no one ever voiced out on the inequality, this is probably why the gender biases and sexism keeps on happening.
Personally, I don't enjoy this film as much. Although it is a very insight movie which helps me learn a lot about the Maori tribes, I do not like how the movie progress. First reason might probably because that I am a very scientific person. I do not believe how humans can call out the Whale and make the Whales come up shore. I mean no offense to the Maori culture, but I do not get the logic behind. I understand they have a strong bond between human and nature, I still cannot believe their ability in Whale riding or calling. Next, it is also because that I am a strong feminist. I cannot stand to see how Aprirana is mistreated and how Koro has a very rigid view for women. It provokes my feminist spirit, wanting to stand up for the female gender. However, as a whole, I would still recommend others to watch The Whale Rider as it is such an unique movie which we all don't see all the time.
*All pictures do not belong to me and can be found in Google Images
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