Whale Rider

Talk about getting hit over the head with a Maori fighting stick.  The girl in this movie isn't just fighting against sexism on the school's football team, she is trying to overturn her entire society to show that she is the rightful leader of her people. This movie is great for girls who are a little older.  No matter how many of the movies on this blog you have your young daughter watch, at some point she will discover that there are still barriers for women in the world.  The protagonist in this film tackles the prejudice of her community (ie. her grandfather who is the current leader) head on and wins.  She has to make the ultimate sacrifice to do so, but she does what is necessary to regenerate her community.  This is one of my favorite movies, not just for girls, but for anyone. It is beautiful, heart wrenching, and uplifting all at once.

Plot synopsis: This is the story of a girl who is destined to be the leader of her tribe, yet her grandfather doesn't realize it because he expects his son (or grandson, or any male in the tribe) to be his successor. Paikea's grandfather starts to teach the young boys in the community to find one that can be his eventual replacement.  Paikea wants to take part, but is not allowed.  She studies her grandfather's teachings anyway.  Paikea and her grandfather have a loving relationship despite his blindness to her purpose.  It takes the most selfless act for him to finally realize the wisdom and power of his granddaughter.

Why this movie is great for girls: The movie follows Paikea as she struggles to define who she is, what her relationship is to her grandfather and to her community, and how to become what she is destined to be. This is a great movie about family and one of the most powerful examples of what I'm trying to find in media for girls. Paikea

Possible challenges: This is a complex story that develops slowly. Your daughter will need the patience to follow the story to its conclusion.  Also, the first scene is of a woman giving birth. It is rated PG 13, but for a silly reason. For about one second you can see a man holding a pipe. Kids won't notice it. The grandpa also uses the word "dick" when talking to the young boys of the tribe. The little boys laugh, and your kid might too!

Age recommendation: 8 and up.  This is a tricky one.  The movie is so powerful that I would hate to share it with a girl too late, but also, your daughter will need the maturity to appreciate it.  You will have to be the judge of when that magical time is.

Links:
Below is a Whale Rider trailer.