80
Metascore
31 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThe genius of the movie is the way is sidesteps all of the obvious cliches of the underlying story and makes itself fresh, observant, tough and genuinely moving.
- 90Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonEvokes its spirituality with deft strokes and wonderful humor.
- 88USA TodayClaudia PuigUSA TodayClaudia PuigCaro gives the fablesque story -- based on a 1,000-year-old Maori legend -- both a contemporary and timeless quality, anchored by newcomer Castle-Hughes' powerful and haunting performance.
- 88Philadelphia InquirerCarrie RickeyPhiladelphia InquirerCarrie RickeyThe rhythms of Whale Rider are hypnotic as the ebb tide, haunting as the song of the humpback sea mammal, bracing as the ocean spray. It's a movie that rewards the patient viewer.
- 88Chicago TribuneMark CaroChicago TribuneMark CaroOne may gripe that the tale at times seems familiar, yet that familiarity is also part of the movie's power: Here's a story from halfway around the world that somehow connects with the hearts of viewers of almost any culture.
- 80Dallas ObserverGregory WeinkaufDallas ObserverGregory WeinkaufOnce in a while a film comes along that is as sound, smart, sweet and significant as can be, and Whale Rider is such a film.
- 80The New York TimesA.O. ScottThe New York TimesA.O. ScottWickedly absorbing.
- 75Miami HeraldConnie OgleMiami HeraldConnie OgleThere is magic here, enough to make Whale Rider worthy of the audience-choice awards it has earned at film festivals worldwide.
- 75Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumEntertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumAn inviting international audience-pleaser.
- 70The A.V. ClubKeith PhippsThe A.V. ClubKeith PhippsThough there's a formula at the film's core, Whale Rider still has the good taste to make that formula go down easy.