Storyline

On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their presence there dates back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. From then on, Whangara chiefs, always the first-born, always male, have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand tribe, believes she is destined to be the new chief. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must fight him and a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny.

Plot Keywords

f rated, apology, legend, female protagonist, girl, tradition, new zealand, whale, title directed by female, independent film, speech, teacher, trophy, twin, loss of mother, warrior woman, applause, grandmother granddaughter relationship, grandfather granddaughter relationship, underwater

Short Review

Newcomer Castle-Hughes' unaffected, confident turn makes it credible our heroine might retain her determination and self-worth despite serial setbacks.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Prime Video, Included with your IMDb TV subscription

2. Apple iTunes : Track Price: 7.99, Track Rental Price: 3.99, Collection Price: 7.99, Track Hd Price: 9.99, Track Hd Rental Price: 3.99, Collection Hd Price: 9.99

3. Vudu : [SD - Buy: 8.99, Rent: 2.99] [HDX - Buy: 9.99, Rent: 3.99]