Whale Rider (2003)

In the heart of New Zealand's east coast, the Whangara tribe's rich history stretches back over a millennium, rooted in the legend of Paikea - their ancestor who cheated death by riding a capsized canoe to safety on a whale's back. This miraculous tale has shaped the lineage of Whangara chiefs, always male, always the eldest, believed to be Paikea's direct progeny. Yet, in a daring challenge to a thousand years of tradition, Pai, a spirited 11-year-old girl, feels an irresistible pull towards leadership, convinced she's the tribe's destined chief. Her beloved grandfather Koro, entrenched in the tribe's patriarchal customs, insists on a male successor, setting the stage for a profound clash between heritage and destiny. As Pai navigates her love for Koro and her duty to her destiny, she must dare to confront the wave of tradition and ride it to a new dawn for the Whangara tribe.

Whale Rider is a drama movie featuring Keisha Castle-Hughes.

Whale Rider is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Hoopla, Starz, Starz Amazon Channel, Starz Apple TV Channel and Starz Roku Premium Channel.

It is also possible to buy Whale Rider on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.