![[Whale Rider]](http://jonreid.blogs.com/oneanother/whale-rider.jpg)
I rented Whale Rider on Kevin Rains' strong recommendation. It is fabulous. Non-Hollywood films always surprise me with how different they feel. Yes, we're used to the stereotype of blowing up lots of stuff, but even with dramas, there is definitely a "let's keep clipping along" tempo to Hollywood films. Whale Rider is not afraid to linger. Consequently, some people don't like it because "it's too slow." I thought it was luscious.
The first time we watched it, the question it raised for me was: What if the only way to save the old ways is to break them? I love the climax of the film, when we are looking at the face of Koro, the staunch traditionalist, as his paradigm comes crashing down and he realizes that he has been opposing the very thing he thought he was seeking.
The second time we watched it, the question is raised for me was: What is my destiny, my call? For a couple months now my fire to pursue the spiritual adventure has been low. ...Not surprising, given the stress of my present unemployment. But I don't want to miss the adventure. I think God has given me something. The whale songs became a reminder to me of the greater Song, groaning in the deep.
Ok, so after you AND Beth talking about it, Whalerider just moved to the No 1 spot on our Netflix list.....
Posted by: Birgit | February 11, 2004 at 09:13 AM
"maybe the only way to save the old ways is to break them". wow. also: visually wow.
I love you Jon.
Posted by: jared | February 11, 2004 at 10:48 AM
Sing for the Saviour..You and your team bless me so much because you Worship with more than your songs of praise.. Even the [wordless] music plucked out of every string and strum speaks of God's glory..How wonderful it must sound to His ears! (And I wonder what it spells out!)
Posted by: kryx | February 12, 2004 at 11:29 AM
Gonna find out more about this movie. Thanks for sharing. I think we've liked MOST of the movies you've recommended.
Posted by: Helen | February 13, 2004 at 09:06 PM
Oh yeah, I rented it shortly after it came out on video. Agreed! Fantastic movie isn't it!?
Posted by: Rich | February 17, 2004 at 07:46 PM
Bah, I need to watch that movie. I shall see it tomorrow! (After I finish an online class project heh)
Hey Jon..what do you think of this:
http://www.blurty.com/users/vineyard
I'm just waiting for P. Dave's "approval". =)
Posted by: kryx | February 19, 2004 at 04:57 AM
Kreek't, it would be fun to have a church blog -- but blurty is frustratingly slow.
Posted by: jon | February 19, 2004 at 07:24 PM
just developed similar blog...
http://thebridgecommunities.blogspot.com
Posted by: jared | February 20, 2004 at 01:32 PM
I saw it, I saw it! For a moment I thought I was in terrible lag, but great story. Now I can totally relate to the question (and insight) of your "breaking to save" remark. And I learned a very important lesson: You can ride whales! =-P
Posted by: kreek't | February 23, 2004 at 04:06 PM
i am doing an oral presentation on Whale Rider and your information helped me thank you.
Posted by: christa | January 21, 2005 at 05:38 AM
Dass da bombest movie eva watched man... SHOUT OUT 2 mah MAORI SIDDAHS out derre... aiiiight... touchin' story n film... man...loved every minute of it***peace n owwwwwwwwwwwwt
Posted by: [ReeNz] | January 17, 2006 at 02:36 PM