This film is different from anything I have watched before. It’s a brief glimpse into the Maori culture, tradition, and music of the Whangara tribe around New Zealand, which I knew nothing about before. The story doesn’t focus much on the culture, but it’s there throughout, guiding the intricate plot.

The Whangara believe that a thousand years ago, a whale saved their first leader, Paikea, after his canoe sunk. According to the Whangara belief, the first-born son of Paikea's descendants always became the next chief. Pai is one such descendant, but she is an 11-year-old girl. She was named after Paikea by her widower father Porourangi after being born against her grandfather Koro’s wishes. Koro is the chief, and he is getting up in age. His firstborn son, Porourangi, had failed in his eyes, so he had to find the next chief elsewhere. In clinging to ancient customs, Koro believes a girl can’t be a leader. He believes Pai is worthless for not being born a boy and refuses to consider her. He instead opts to find the next chief from the tribe’s boys. Pai never loses hope, continues to show her love for her grandfather, and fights to earn her respect. Even against insults and scolding from Koro, reminding her continuously that she was a girl.

It’s a very well-done film, even if the plot is simple. The actors are new, but they did well. Especially the girl who plays Pai, who had a superb performance. Pai shows girls are no less than boys, even in the face of ancient traditions. Koro has the right intentions, but his flawed, narrow-minded thinking in terms of tradition made him overlook a natural leader in front of him.

Would I recommend this? Yes. This film is captivating, beautiful, and touching. The underlying messages are inspiring and universal to people everywhere. The film was also filmed in the Maori region of New Zealand and has good cinematics.