Whale Rider
All other reviews have said everything. It is a magnificent film. One thing I would like to mention is that while watching the film you need to put in the perspective of the Maori people in New Zealand and no disrespect to their beliefs and traditions, however it may seem incredible Thayer.
If you can associate that thought WTH then you will understand and feel the film at its very core. It is not something very common to Western culture where women are undermined and girls compared to boys / men. But even in the third world and especially in the tribes of birth 
of girls / daughter is not yet rated and the whole world wants a son.The film in this situation where “Paikai” the star of this film is rejected by his grandfather, but she is determined to prove that it is nothing less that children and to comply with a myth about the whales.
It is a simple story, but when you look at the beautiful backdrop of New Zealand people and fantastic films, play music and bring along an impressive performance of Keisha, the child star in the role of “Paikai” moves your heart. Brillintly told story. Highly recommended.