| Critics Reviews |
Average Grade: |
A- |
|
| Source |
Brief Review |
Grade* |
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eleanor Ringel Gillespie |
"A whale of a tale." more... |
A- |
Chicago Sun-Times
Roger Ebert |
"So many films by and about teenagers are mired in vulgarity and stupidity; this one, like its heroine, dares to dream." more... |
A |
Chicago Tribune
Mark Caro |
"Whale Rider integrates mythology and mystical happenings into a reality-rooted fable." more... |
A- |
Cincinnati Enquirer
Margaret A. McGurk |
"Whale Rider is one of those little movies from far away that hits home everywhere it shows up." more... |
A- |
| E! Online |
"This whale of a film will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best films of 2003." more... |
A |
filmcritic.com
Jules Brenner |
"It's a film of reality and fantasy..." more... |
B- |
Hollywood Reporter
Sheri Linden |
"...the film boasts a terrific newcomer in the lead role, exquisite widescreen photography and a powerful sense of place." more... |
A |
Los Angeles Times
Kenneth Turan |
"...a powerful film that survives a leap into the mythical." more... |
A |
New York Post
Lou Lumenick |
"Beautifully shot, acted and directed..." more... |
B |
New York Times
Elvis Mitchell |
"...cool-handed charmer..." more... |
A |
ReelViews
James Berardinelli |
"Nearly every viewer who sees Whale Rider will leave the theater uplifted and full of praise..." more... |
B |
Rolling Stone
Peter Travers |
"Be on the lookout for this one. There's magic in it." more... |
A- |
San Francisco Chronicle
Mick LaSalle |
"The movie's estimable virtues don't extend to the story, however, which is so simple that the audience gets ahead of it from the beginning." more... |
C+ |
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Paula Nechak |
"...a gorgeous and empowering movie..." more... |
B+ |
USA Today
Claudia Puig |
"...anchored by newcomer Castle-Hughes' powerful and haunting performance." more... |
A- |
In Theaters 
