Synopsis

In a New Zealand coastal village, the Maoris claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. For over 1,000 years, in every generation a male heir born to the Chief succeeds to the title. The time has arrived. The Chief's son, Porourangi, fathers twins – a boy and a girl. But the boy and his mother die in childbirth. Porourangi is left with his surviving daughter, Pai, who is raised by her grandparents: Koro, the Chief who refuses to acknowledge Pai as the inheritor of the tradition, and his wife Flowers, who sees Pai simply as a child in need of love. When Porourangi, now a feted international artist, returns home after twelve years, Koro hopes he will become his successor. But Porourangi soon leaves, taking Pai with him. The girl quickly returns home, claiming her grandfather needs her, but Koro is blinded by prejudice. He is convinced that the tribe’s misfortunes began at Pai’s birth and calls for his people to bring their 12 year old boys to him for training. He is certain that through training the future leader of their tribe will be revealed to him. Meanwhile a massive herd of whales become stranded on the beach. Koro is sure this signals an apocalyptic end to his tribe.