New Zealand month continues as we tackle our first Māori text with Witi Ihimaera's 1987 novel and Niki Caro's 2002 film adaptation.

The book is short but beautiful, particularly the unusual "framing" device from a whale's perspective that provides an underlying religious element.

The film plays more like a standard coming-of-age tale made for a broad (read: white) audience. It's still good, but the intention is surprisingly different considering the many 1-to-1 adaptation choices that were made.

References:

> Ed. Gonzalez. "Whale Rider: Review" Slant Magazine

> Michael O’Sullivan. “Niki Caro: lifting the lid on the Whale Rider 'backlash’” Stuff

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Theme music: Ben Fox "Think About the Lights" 

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