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//**March 30, 2010**//

__"The Whale Rider" Film Questions:__


 * 1. Point of view:**

First Person--> Kahu (Paikea) It is important that the story is told in Kahu's point of view because it then makes a connection that she is the next whale rider. This happens by bringing her authorty. This helps the viewer understand just how important Kahu really is.


 * 2. How was the legend portrayed?**

The legend is portrayed specifically in one scene where Kahu, along with many boys in her class, put on performance sung in the Maori language. In the Maori traditions, this is a very sacred and special tradition, so Kahu took this very seriously, where as the rest of the kids in her class could "care less" about what is going on. This just shows how Kahu's understanding for the tribe and traditions is very great.


 * 3. What are the benefits of a movie vs. a book?**

There are certain aspects of the movie that makes it better than the book, such as getting a better understanding of the characters due to facial expression and body language. Seeing the movie can also help to portray the setting and style, where as it also supports visiually by showing what happens where, along with expressing the events through sounds and lighting effects that you couldn't get in a book.


 * 4. What would the purpose be to the story-line in having a twin brother die?**

Because traditions show that a man has and always will be the whale rider, having the twin brother die really shows and portrays how change is coming with kahu. Koro is in suck a need of having aboy, that when the boy dies, he throws Kahu to the side.


 * 5. What are some discrepancies from the book?**

After reading the book, you realize that there are a lot of differences between the two. I would prefer the book because unlike the move, you get to create the setting and what the characters look like, not what Hollywood thinks they look like. Some things that are really different between the two is that in the book there is no twin brother, and in the movie, Kahu never bites Koro's toe. Many important things, or events in the book do not take place in the movie, and vise versa.


 * 6. Is the main character's name more significant being deemed "Paikea," or "kahu?"**

The main character's name is more significant being deemed Paikea because this gives a stronger connection between her and the whales due to the fact that Paikea means Whale. It gives a stronger acceoation that he ill be the next whale rider.


 * 7. When does Koro accept and love Paikea in the movie? How does he show his acceptance? When does Koro deny Paikea his acceptance?**

We first see Koro deny Kahu when she is first born. Right away she loves him, but he refuses to even look at her. As she grow older, so does their relationship. They soon hold a lot of love for each other, and that is really expressed when we see Koro taking Kahu to and from school, and the fact that we always see them riding the bike. As time passes, and Koro begins to see that Kahu is the chosen one, he begins to push her away. We see this when she comes running to Koro telling him that she is not moving away with her father. Koro simply looks at her, and tells her to be on her way. This is the begining of when he begins to push her away.


 * 8. Who does Koro really have the issue with. Why is this?**

As the leader of the Maori tribe, it is Koro's job to find the next whale rider. When Koro's son, Pourangi is born, Koro wants him to become the next rider, but that is not Pouragni's destiny. Since her turned down the leadership, Koro is back at square one where he must get a by that is a first born.


 * 9. How do the Whales respond to the calling of Paikea? What do their actions symbolize?**

When Kahu sees Koro's grief, she calls to the whales to help them. The whales respond to her calling by coming up to shore, where they all lay dying. This shows that the whales are trying to tell the people that they are changing too much. They are missing the connection to the whales.


 * 10. What does the whale tooth around Koro's neck symbolize?**

Koro always wears a whale tooth around his neck. This tooth proves who will be the next leader. When Koro throws it into the sea, he says it means spirit, meaning that the whale tooth symbolizes spirit for the next whale rider.


 * 11. How did the whales force the issue, showing the people that they had changed too much?**

The whales coming to shore to die really opened the eyes of the Maori people, and it let them know that there was too much negative change. Because the connection between the Humans and the whales has become lost, there is no reason for the whales to live.


 * 12. What is symbolic about the boat?**

The boat symbolizes the the great ancestors of the Maori people. This is because if it was not for the great ancestors that sailed to Whangara in the Waka, their traditions and lifestyle would not exist.


 * 13. How does the movie show that tradition was kept yet change has occurred?**

Even though the traditions are still there, the Maori culture has fallen apart, due to the sudden changes in spirit. None of the Maori people have any spirit left, and because of that, it causes them to have a negative habit whether it is smoking, drinking, or even eating. The rules and traditions are there, but the spirit is not.


 * 14. What is the final solution?**

When the whales come to shore to express their worry about change, Koro believes that if they could get the Ancient Bull whale into the water, then the other whales would follow. Pulling the Ancient One is no longer an option, and when the people begin to turn away, Kahu comes to the Whale, and commands it to return to the water. This shows that Kahu is the chosen one.

//**March 23, 2010**//

__Creative Essay:__




 * //March 16, 2010//**

__Persuasive Essay - Letter to Koro Apirana:__




 * //March 3, 2010//**

__Reasons why Koro cannot Ignore Kahu's rights:__



Since reading // The Whale Rider //, we've learned about how tribal and family ways are most important in life. Important characters that have a great affect on this book include:


 * Nanny Flowers --**
 * The great grandmother of Kahu[[image:kahu_with_gma.jpg width="240" height="172" align="right" caption="Kahu with Nanny Flowers"]]
 * Married to Koro Apirana
 * Comes from a tribe where women rule (:D)
 * The only one to see how truly important Kahu is


 * Kahu --**
 * The daughter of Porourangi and Rehua
 * THE NEXT WHALE RIDER
 * She's a girl!!!!
 * Not accepted by Koro Apirana
 * Named after the great Kahutia Te Rangi (last whale rider)[[image:kahu.jpg width="252" height="171" align="right" caption="Kahu"]]
 * Birth cord buried under the Kahutia Te Rangi statue


 * Koro Apriana --**
 * Better known as Paka
 * Married to Nanny Flowers
 * Leader of tribe --> MEN COME FIRST!!!
 * Cannot accept Kahu
 * Must keep the traditions of the tribe going --> Needs a great grandson!

//**March 2, 2010**//

__Vocabulary From Chapter 1-6:__

>Iridescent >Nostalgia >Aurora >Burgeoned >Vivacity >Rhapsody >Glissando >Dinghy >Shoals >Prestige >Apex >Revving >Spume >Succored >Leviathan >Wrangling >Erect >Siphon >Benign >Ululation >Tutelage >Impetuously >Virile >Ecstasy >Undulating >Inevitability >Lambent >Hastily



code Tony                                         Forbidden Love                                     Maria code





//**February 6, 2010**//

__Second Character:__

Chosen Character: Doc, owner of the Drug Store

- A character that really stood out to me was Doc. This is because in the scene where Anita is trying to send a message to Tony, the Jets begin throwing her around and hurting her. Then Doc comes in and yells for them to leave her alone. To me this shows that he focusses on what is on the inside. He could care less what race she is, he just couldn't stand watching them hurt her. He then preaches about how what they're doing is wrong, which shows that he cares about the Jets and their actions. Another example is when he tells Tony that Maria was "killed." Doc shows a lot of sympathy for Tony. When he breaks the news to Tony, he tries to hug Tony, which shows that he truly loves him and cares.
 * 1. How did the Director show this eccentricity? (refer to speech, appearance, actions, and habits)**

//**February 6, 2010**//

__Ending:__

**1. Describe the ending. What was the mood? How did you respond to it?** -In the last scene, Tony is led to believe that maria was killed by Chino. From there, Tony is so heart broken that he begins calling out to Chino "Come and get me Chino." When he goes to the basketball court, Maria sees him and runs towards him right when Chino shoot Tony. Maria catches Tony and holds him under the light. Maria begins to sing to Tony when he dies in her arms. Maria then can't grasp the fact that Tony is really gone, and she begins to yell at both the Sharks and the Jets. She then states that it was hate that killed Tony, Riff, and Bernardo, and that she now has hate. The last thing you see is the Jets and the Sharks carrying Tony away. Then you see the expression on Maria's face, as she slowly walks away from the basket ball court. The look on her face shows revenge and anger. The mood I got was sadness when Tony dies, but then when you see Maria walking away, the look on her face and her posture makes you feel like something else will happen. It makes you think what will Maria do next? - The shots I remember the most is when Maria is holding Tony. The camera angle shows a close up on both of their faces and it lets you know how much love they had for one another and it makes you sad to think that their lives together is over. Another shot I remember is when is when the Jets and the Sharks are carrying Tony aways and Maria is walking behind them. A High angle is portrayed. I think this is really smart because it shows just how quickly something perfect (love between Maria and Tony) can go wrong. It is also an interesting shot because it is the same sort of angle that the movie starts with; a high angled shot over New York.
 * 2. Mention two or three specific shots.**

//**February 6, 2010**//

__More Shots:__

a) The first shot that really caught my eye, was when Tony first say Maria in her white and red dress as the dance. As they both looked at each other, everything slowly faded into a blur to where your eyes only focussed on them. This gave the scene a great romantic mood and it made you feel like you were really there, and all you could see was Tony and Maria in love. b) The second camera shot that I remember was right when the rumble began. This shot is probably my favorite shot because it says so much in a camera angle. When the Sharks are waiting at ground level under the bridge, the Jets come through a fence onto a high ledge. This shows the Jets looking down onto the Sharks. The meaning I got from this is showing that the Jets are at a higher, more important status or level that the Sharks. It makes the viewer want to go against the Sharks. ** c) The third shot that I liked was when Tony has been shot by Chino and Maria is holding him in her arms. The shot is at a close up between Maria and Tony, and the emotion shown on their faces really help to set a sad and melancholy mood. It also shows how much love they have for each other.
 * 1. Describe THREE shots (NOT scenes) that you found especially effective. Say what effect was achieved.

//**February 6, 2010

__Themes/Ideas__

1. What are three main ideas this film dealt with? **// ** -Three main ideas or themes Westside Story portrays would be: **
 * Forbidden love[[image:west-side-story1.jpg width="360" height="240" align="right"]]
 * Gangs
 * Racism

**2. What did the film make you think about them?** -While watching the film, it really makes you think about how imperfect the world is. The first thing we learn is about the gangs, which includes the Sharks and the Jets. From there, we then learn that the main reasoning for their battles is because of their race. It really makes you think about how we treat people these days because of whats on the outside, not the inside. It makes me mad to think that the Sharks have come to America to have a better life, but then they are judged by their color and accent. It really makes you want to change how people treat others. Then there is Forbidden love, where Tony, who is a Jet, falls in love with Maria, who is a Shark. Even though they are in love, they cannot be together because of the difference between their gangs. This just shows that the people around you can really affect who you can and can't be with, even though Tony and Maria don't give up on each other.

//**February 3, 2010**//

__Character:__

Important Character: Lt. Schrank, the precinct's police Lieutenant

-With Lt. Schrank, I think the directors try really hard to make him look tough and professional. He always has a hard, smug look on his face, almost as if he's saying "You're wasting my time." The camera angles really help to focus on this because in every scene he is in, there is a close up, which helps to show his expression. Not only that, but his posture also shouts "though guy". With his hands on his hips and sort of leaning to the side, he thinks he can get it all under control, but can he? As for his clothes, he is supposed to be professional and almost proper, as if he isn't going to put up with anyone trying to out do him, but what we learn about him later on, is that Lt. Schrank is a lot less professional that he is made out to be when it comes to racism and change. He hasn't adapted to the fact that things have changed and he can't keep the JD's from being JD's.
 * 1. What aspects of this character do the directors pick out? ( E.G. costume, voice, personality, mannerisms, characteristics) Mention use of CAMERA in achieving this.**

a) One of the first scenes that Lt. Schrank is in is when the chase/fight between the Sharks and the Jets. In this scene, we are introduced to a put-together man, who looks like someone you wouldn't want to deal with. He seems like he is good at his job, but once he noticed Baby John's face, his switch flicks and he barks for the Sharks to get out of there. Yeah, he threatens the Jets, but not nearly as bad as the Sharks. This is when we first see that he is racist. b) The second scene he is in is when the Sharks and the JEts are having their meeting where they decide what will go down at the rumble. Lt. Schrank walks in already knowing what they are up to, but plays it cool. After about two minutes, he goes off on Bernardo again this time calling him a racist and cruel name. Once he kicks the Sharks out, he offers to help the Jets take down the Sharks. This is where we really see his true colors and know that he isn't such a good guy after all. ***only two scenes right now***
 * 2. Describe THREE SCENES this character is in, and say what aspects of his/her character are shown in each.**


 * //January 25, 2010//**

__Important Scene:__

-An important scene would be at the dance in the gym. This is where Tony first sees Maria and instantly they fall in love. From there, the Jets challenge the Sharks for a midnight rumble.
 * 1. Choose an important scene. What happens?

****2. Why is it important? (Effect on character/situation/theme)** - This scene is important because it introduces the message of the film, which in this case out be forbidden love and racism. What Tony and Maria share is so special and so meaningful, yet they have to be together in secrete because of the race between her and Tony. - The mood presented by this scene would be romance between Tony and Maria. It also gives a thriller or what happens next feeling when the rumble is planned out between the Jets and the Sharks. We don't know what is going to happen, who will win, or what good will come out of it if any good does come out. It leaves that sort of need to keep watching feeling because it leaves you hanging wondering what will happen next.
 * 3. What mood is present?**

- For the romance between Tony and Maria, the camera blurs out everything within the shot except for the two love birds because this helps to show that it's only them in love. No racial issues or difference issues involved. Then everything goes black when Tony and Maria begin to dance. Between the Jets and Sharks, close ups are taken of Riff and Bernardo to help set mood to the scene. Middle shots are also portrayed so we can get a better understanding of what is going on because we can see more than just their face in the camera.
 * 4. How does the CAMERA, with shot selection and editing, suggest this mood? Give details of three or four shots.**

- The sound in this scene matches with the movement of the characters. When someone kicks or jumps, the music grows loud and bold, which draws the viewer even more into the film. With the dialogue, it helps for the viewer to get a better understanding of what is going on because we hear exactly what is said.
 * 5. What place do SOUND and DIALOGUE have in this scene?**

- The scene gave me a good feeling about Tony and Maria because they both have each other and they are happy, but at the same time, it sort of makes me worried because what is Riff or Bernardo finds out? What will happen then? It also left me curious about what will happen next in the rumble between the Jets and Sharks.
 * 6. What effect did the scene have on you?**

//**January 19, 2010**//

__Opening of the film:__

- In the opening scene of Westside Story, we are introduced to the setting by using a High angle shot, better known as a birds eye view of New York. This help give a better understanding of where the story takes place.
 * 1. What happens in the opening moment?**

- By looking over New York in the first scene, the mood is set as an unexpected thriller feeling. Seeing how large the city is, and how the director blends it into the film, makes the viewer interested, because there is no telling what could happen next.
 * 2. What mood does this set?**

- At the very beginning of scene one, a __high__ angled shot is portrayed giving us a look at the setting, New York, and how large it is. From there, __cut__ editing takes place. We are shown on specific part of New York, then randomly it changes from high rise buildings to small apartment complexes. Another example of camera movement is at the ending of scene one, the camera __zooms__ into one location to give a feeling that we will be entering that location.
 * 3. How does the CAMERA, with shot selection and editing, suggest this mood? Give details of three or four different shots.**

- The sound is what portrays the mood. Without sound, you don't really get that feeling where you get really into the film. When the first scene begins, there is no sound at all, only New York is on the screen, but then slowly, faint music begins to play. The music gives off a thriller, or almost horror vibe because of how it begins to grow louder and louder. It's very suspenseful and you don't know what to expect from it.
 * 4. What place do SOUND and DIALOGUE have in the scene?**

T he Boy in the Striped Pajamas :



 * //January 12, 2010

__The Analytical Paragraph:__

December 14, 2009

__Narrative Essay - Opportunity for Death:__



December 9, 2009

__Situational Irony:__



November 30, 2009

__Dramatic Irony__:



November 22, 2009

__What Bruno doesn't Understand-Ch. 4-5:__



November 18, 2009

__What Bruno doesn't Understand - Ch. 1-2:__

//**

// Animal Farm: //

 * //November 15, 2009

__Boxer Paragraph:__



November 15, 2009

__Outline of Boxer, Clover, and Mollie:__ //**

__The Battle of the Oakwood:__
 * //November 10, 2009//**



**//November 9, 2009//** __Outline and Intro for Allegory:__

__Information for my Allegory Improved:__
 * //November 9, 2009//**

//**November 8, 2009**// __Information for my Allegory:__



//**November 3, 2009**//

__Chapter 1-4 Reflection Questions:__