How you can say a lack of intimacy I don't
understand, I felt transported. I lived there, as a fly within their culture
and got insight to a life and region I have never experienced.

Have a look (if you haven't already) at the incredible Once Were Warriors,
about the same people with far more texture offered by this film. This movie
had essentially the same plot and cliches as The Next Karate Kid for Bend it
like Beckem.
Anyway...it's all subjective and I don't feel Whale Rider is a "bad" movie,
just not as good as some reviews make out.


RB