Taiaha

He bikes her to and from school everyday to show that he still cares for her. They shared a special bond, that bond was broken later on through the film when he finds out that Paikea was trying to learn how to do the taiaha. He rages out at her for ruining all the time and effort he put into teaching the boys the skills they needed. After the final test he did on the boys to see who the final leader was, he realises that he had failed himself and his ancestors by not

In our society filled with social injustice and violence, is it safe to protest unjust actions by the public? As seen in many current events and fictional representations, the world around us still suffers many social issues. When people are faced with injustice, every individual has the should protest and fight for their rights, but not without considering the consequences. Sophocles’ play Antigone is an example of when failing to consider the consequences can be fatal, as seen in the actions

‘Whale rider,’ is a film directed by Niki Caro. It explores themes of duty, culture and tradition through the eyes of Paikea Apirana. She is the protagonist in this film and narrates sections too. Viewers are introduced to different characters throughout the movie, who have different opinions about their culture and how they should uphold them. Culture, tradition and duty are perceived differently by the various characters. Paikea is very passionate about her history and ancestors. Even though just

Whale rider, a film written and directed by Niki Caro, explores the journey of a young girl Paikea and her struggles as she fights for her rightful place as chief. Facing tradition and her grandfather Koro, she tests gender norms and conventional ways of living. The film demonstrates the ways tradition and culture shape the present and future in both positive and negative ways. Relationships between family and friends, change of customs and lifestyle as well as gender roles are explored to create

Breaking The Traditional Billy Elliot is a movie about the story of an eleven years old who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. Billy lives with his widow father Jackie, his older brother Tony, and his grandmother. The background of the scene tool place in 1984 where strike against the Thatcher closure of British coal mines. Billy doesn’t like the brutal boxing lesson at school. Instead, he secretly come to girls’ ballet lesson from Mrs. Wilkinson. Jackie finds out about that secret. He and Tony

Kupe is thought to be the first Polynesian to arrive at New Zealand near 800 A.D. Upon arrival the Polynesian Maori people named the land “Aotearoa” which translates to “Land of the long white cloud.” He used waka hourua canoes (translates to double canoes), and sailed from an island in the South Pacific Ocean area known as Hawaiki near the Cook islands, Tahiti and Hawaii. The Maori trace their people back to seven tribes through a whakapapa, or genealogy. There were conflicts between tribes, but

In the film “Whale Rider”, we explore the traditions of the Maori tribe located in New Zealand. This tribe holds their traditions very high and only direct descendants of the Whale Rider himself can become the chief of the tribe. The main character in the film is a twelve-year-old girl named Paikea. Her twin brother died during childbirth, leaving Paikea as the only child. Because Paikea is a girl, she cannot be the leader of the tribe. Since there is no one in his family to become the next leader

Pai for fixing his engine with rope as this demonstrated leadership ability. Since women were not allows to fight in war, one could also assume that women were also not allowed to use any tool of war. Koro didn’t allow Pai to learn how to use the Taiaha war staff, and he was furious when he found her wielding one and using it to win against another boy. Traditionally, Maori women were to be the

communicating with the Maori spirits Rewi and Te Rauparaha. He begins by shouting the only Maori words that he knows, “Tihei Mauriora”. He then goes on to say; “My name is Tu the freezing worker  Ngati D.B. is my tribe,  The pub is my marae, My fist is my taiaha,  Jail is my home.” This shows that the loss of culture experienced by Tu during his life has caused him to lose his way, and he has come back to his roots to try and fix things. Unfortunately in today’s society culture seems to back a back seat

Many in the world struggle to keep sight of who they are in a society that pushes its expectations upon people. Everyone has different ideas and experiences dealing with the world around them, and depending on who one is, simply staying true to one’s core identity can be a challenge. As Ralph Waldo Emerson, an accomplished poet, wrote, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” I agree, as constant exposure to a world that prefers