I decided to rent this family film for all of us to watch after reading some nice and stellar reviews of it. What we got was an excellent movie - period.

We sat down to watch a film about a girl name Paikea who is the last descendant of her family’s line. That line is a tribal line rich in history. Her name is also the name of the founding member of the tribe of many many generations ago that arrived on the island from Hawaii riding the whale. There is much angst in the village that there is no appropriate male “heir” to be tribal leader. Now do not think this is a primitive tribe. This tribe lives in modern times. This film is a powerful coming of age story that really rings true with anyone across cultural and ethnic lines. The film progresses only to find that the girl is the true leader. This is known to the audience the entire time but to watch the other members of her family struggle or encourage or even downright despise her for it is great film. There is more to these circumstances but I will let you watch to learn more.

The ending is very powerful ( Catherine was in tears ) and unforgettable.

On a “movie” note - the film is rated PG-13. The worst word in the film is either bastard or dick (take your pick) and there is a very brief suggestion that the uncle has smoked pot. I think this rating would have stopped me from showing my 6-year old normally, but thankfully most of the reviews make a point of indicating how very bogus this rating is. Just rent it.