The story is very simple, and writer-director Caro it very straightforwardly, starting with the myth of the whale rider who brought the Maoris to New Zealand in the first place. We never have any doubt about who the real future chief will be, but Caro keeps us interested through details that capture our imagination--cultural life, story twists, stunning imagery. Yes, this is an uncomplicated parable about letting go of the things that hold us back, even if they're time-honoured traditions. But it's elevated to timeless cinema by the raw beauty of the setting (the residents refer to it as a dump, even though it's staggeringly beautiful), the strong themes in the story and fine performances all around. Castle-Hughes is fantastic, grabbing hold of the screen and never letting us go; her range of expression and intelligence is remarkable! Meanwhile, Haughton shines as Pai's tenacious, quietly rebellious grandmother--she knows the truth even if she makes sure she never rocks the boat. There are enough of these subtleties to make the childlike tale spring vividly to life, especially in a climactic sequence that combines emotion with brute physicality.