SPOILERS FOR THIS MOVIE AND FOR KING OF MASKS
I was surprised that none of the comments I read so far drew parallels between Whale Rider and the fantastic Chinese movie, King of Masks:
Whale Rider (Set in modern New Zealand): Old man needs to pass on traditions (Maori customs/chiefdom) to male heir, his actual first born fails him (not into being chief), believes he has found an heir in grandson, grandson fails him (dies at birth), ends up with a useless girl, gruff with girl, girl tries to please grandfather, girl sacrifices herself, grandfather finally realizes her merit, tradition passed on to girl
King of Masks (set in late 1800s or early 1900 China): Old man needs to pass on traditions (mask performance artistry) to male heir, his actual first born fails him (dies in childhood), believes he has found an heir in (adopted/purchased) grandson, grandson fails him (is really a girl), ends up with useless girl, gruff with girl, girl tries to please grandfather, girl sacrifices herself, grandfather finally realizes her merit, tradition passed on to girl.
So what? Stories are regenerated and retold all the time, it doesn't make them any less fun to listen to. Both movies were fantastic. I'd give King of Masks a higher rating between the two for depth -- Whale Rider was a much "lighter" movie, though as far as visuals it would rate higher if you're into beautiful geography and vibrant color. I watched both with my six-year-old son, and he loved them both, too. I agree with the person who said they wished they had seen it in the theater to fully appreciate the cinematography. Great movie!
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