The vast picture show, in a warehouse near you Aug 23, 2007
Swasey's family liked "Whale Rider," a movie about a young girl from New Zealand aspiring to become chief of her tribe ... But, actually, Swasey said, like "Whale Rider," the first two also have strong, young female protagonists, and "Shine" is set in nearby Australia. (Boston Globe -- Business)
Go big or go home Aug 1, 2007
The film, which will star Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider), has a projected budget of $7-million to $10-million. He's still seeking a co-production arrangement and some foreign financing. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Film Weekly goes to America - and cries Jul 29, 2007
It's some time now since I saw it so it's hard to recall individual scenes, but Whale Rider made me blub like a big girl ... Whale Rider - I start to cry at the start now, just knowing what is to come. (Guardian Unlimited)
Short Cuts - In Theaters: Sunshine (2007) Jul 29, 2007
With Whale Rider s Cliff Curtis as a shipboard psychiatrist who may be cracking up himself and Rose Byrne as the Icarus pilot and chief emotional sounding board, we end up with human beings instead of heritage, a collection of strong willed but basically breakable people who must face the ultimate question how far will you go to try and save your fellow man. This altruistic agenda, this the needs of the many outweighing the needs of the one position may remind audiences of the whole Gene... (PopMatters)
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1078541430 Jul 24, 2007
Anna Paquin; Bright Eyes; Holly Hunter; Jodie Foster; Judy Garland; Keisha Castle Hughes; Mary Badham; Paper Moon; Patty Duke; Ryan O'Neil; Shirley Temple; Tatum O'Neil; taxi driver; The Exorcist; The Miracle Worker; The Piano; The Wizard of Oz; To Kill A Mockingbird; Whale Rider; abigail breslin; Best Supporting Actress; Linda Blair; Little Miss Sunshine; Mike Richards; Featured video. Featured Video Channels | | You need to upgrade your Flash Player This is replaced by the Flash content. (Variety)
Danny Boyle can't find room for love in outer space Jul 20, 2007
" For example, in a scene in which Cliff Curtis (Whale Rider) dies in a dust storm, massive blasters hammered the actor with biodegradable dust ("disgusting stuff that goes in Cornish pasties. ") "He was very brave," Boyle says, after an energetic demonstration of the actor's ordeal. "So what he did was just act the dust; he didn't have to act the bigger picture of the sun and the power of the universe. (Globe and Mail)
Yippie-ki-yay, melon farmer Jul 11, 2007
Why, then, does such apparently family-friendly fare as Whale Rider or The Pursuit of Happyness qualify. Or, conversely, 2005 s Mr. and Mrs. Smith, which concerns itself with a pair of married and quite memorably sadomasochistic assassins and their persistent attempts to cap first one another, then virtually every other member of the dramatis personae. (San Antonio Current, TX)
Darfur benefit collection's payoff exceeds mere art Jun 11, 2007
Gerrard -- a solo performer as well as a collaborator along the way with Brendan Perry (in the seminal Dead Can Dance), Patrick Cassidy, Hans Zimmer and Pieter Bourke -- has earned most of her acclaim in recent years for her scores of "The Gladiator," "Whale Rider" and "The Insider.". "The Silver Tree" includes unused pieces Gerrard wrote for her film projects, and they're so abstractly powerful that anything her audience might gaze upon while listening could take on extraordinary depth -- a... (Scripps Howard News Wire)
MFG provides funds for projects May 31, 2007
Producing shingle Pandora has a track record of cross-national productions that include films by Indian-born helmer Pan Nalin ("Samsara") as well as Kiwi pic "Whale Rider.". The animated life of Jesus from the perspective of his companions Paul, Judas and Mary Magdalene will be drafted by Andreas Hykade, who also received MFG support for a TV kids series. (Variety)
Kate Moss`s new clothes prove a hit with fans May 3, 2007
New Zealand teenage movie star Keisha Castle-Hughes, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Whale Rider, has become a mother. The teen thriller "Disturbia" led the North American box office for a third weekend, as another slew of lowly new releases tried to get a toehold before next Friday's release of "Spider-Man 3," the first big film of the lucrative summer moviegoing season. (Antara)
Keisha becomes a mum May 2, 2007
WHALE Rider star Keisha Castle-Hughes, 17, and her partner, Bradley Hull, 20, have had a girl, Felicity-Amore. Castle-Hughes was only 13 when she became the youngest best actress Oscar nominee. (Melbourne Herald Sun)
Names in the news - She'll sell PJs, too May 2, 2007
In other maternity-ward news, Keisha Castle-Hughes, the youngest actress to receive a best actress Oscar nomination for Whale Rider at 13, has become a mother. The now 17-year-old star and her boyfriend Bradley Hull, 20, became the proud parents of a baby girl last week, People reports. (Akron Beacon Journal, OH -- Entertainment)
Whale Rider Teen Gives Birth May 1, 2007
The 17-year-old Whale Rider star gave birth to a baby girl last Wednesday in New Zealand, her publicist confirmed today ... She was 13 when she scored a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her acting debut in 2002's Whale Rider, going down in history as the youngest person to achieve such a feat. (E! Online)
Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes Gives Birth May 1, 2007
The 17-year-old, who won an Oscar nomination for 'Whale Rider' in 2004, gave birth to Felicity-Amore last Wednesday; her publicist tells People Magazine. It is her first child with boyfriend Bradley Hull. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Baby for 'Whale Rider' star May 1, 2007
The 17-year-old Oscar-nominated star of Whale Rider gave birth on Wednesday last week and named the baby Felicity-Amore, her manager Gail Cowan said ... Castle-Hughes became the youngest actress to be nominated for a best actress Academy Award in 2004 following her role in Whale Rider. (iAfrica.com)
Qantas bid remains on a knife edge May 1, 2007
Mathew MurphyMay 1, 2007. Other related coverage. (The Age, Australia -- Business)
Keisha: New Mum Apr 30, 2007
Whale Rider actress Keisha Castle-Hughes is over the moon ... She received the nomination for her performance as Paikea in 2002's film Whale Rider. (Sky News)
Whale Rider star wanted to hide after pregnancy Apr 24, 2007
Khaleej Times Online - Whale Rider star wanted to hide after pregnancy ... WELLINGTON - Whale Rider actress Keisha Castle-Hughes said she felt she had to hide away after a public controversy erupted over her teenage pregnancy. (Khaleej Times)
Pregnant 'Whale Rider' teen afraid Apr 23, 2007
Whale Rider' actress Keisha Castle-Hughes said she felt she had to hide away after a public controversy erupted over her teenage pregnancy. Castle-Hughes, who won a best actress Oscar nomination in 2004 for her starring role in the New Zealand film, was 16 when she became pregnant last year. (iAfrica.com)
Victims' relatives question the value of Lockerbie film Apr 10, 2007
New Zealander Niki Caro, who directed the Oscar-nominated features North Country and Whale Rider, is working on the adaptation of the memoir The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky, written by Ken Dornstein, whose brother David died in the attack. The movie will tell the tale of Dornstein as he retraces his brother's life, which was plagued by mental illness and dashed early hopes. (Guardian Unlimited -- Film)
Plans for Lockerbie bombing film Apr 10, 2007
New Zealander Niki Caro - whose previous films include the critically acclaimed Whale Rider - is said to be developing a script for the film. All passengers and crew on board the Pan Am flight 103 died when it exploded over the Scottish town in 1988. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Anger over Hollywood film about Lockerbie bombing Apr 9, 2007
Ms Caro - whose previous films include the critically-acclaimed Whale Rider - is adapting The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky, which was published last year. The book tells the story of Ken Dornstein's retracing of his brother's life, which was marred by mental illness and unfulfilled early promise. (Scotsman)
On her own wavelength Mar 31, 2007
In films including Gladiator, Whale Rider and The Insider, you've most likely even shed a tear to her music. Remember that scene in Gladiator when a dying Maximus has visions of being reunited with his slain wife and child. (The Age)
Dailies Digest: Today's Top Stories Mar 31, 2007
com - Entertainment news, movie reviews, industry events - Variety Magazine Online. 300; box office; Greg Foster; harry potter; IMAX; Reelz; Disney premiered its futuristic animated movie 'Meet the Robinsons' in Hollywood. (Variety)
Lockerbie victim's story coming to film Mar 29, 2007
Ken Dornstein's memoir "The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky" -- about the death of his older brother, David, in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland -- is being made into a movie by "Whale Rider" director Niki Caro. Dornstein, a Somerville resident and editor for the PBS series "Frontline," wrote his book more than 10 years after his brother died, at a point when he could finally sort through the many notebooks and journals his troubled brother left behind. (Boston Globe -- Living)
`Diamond,' `Nativity' join disc parade Mar 27, 2007
One of the film's strengths was New Zealander Keisha Castle-Hughes, 16, (a best actress Oscar nominee for Whale Rider). Castle-Hughes makes a lovely Mary -- the right mixture of innocence and young wisdom. (Akron Beacon Journal, OH -- Entertainment)
Lil Jon sets pendant Guinness record Mar 24, 2007
Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes ( The Nativity Story, Whale Rider ) is 17. Sunday: Movie critic Gene Shalit is 75. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Give 'em their due Mar 15, 2007
Keisha Castle-Hughes: The young Whale Rider star and her high school sweetheart, Bradley Hull, are expecting their first child. June. (USA Today -- Life)
A winning feel for the offbeat pays off for indie movie chief Feb 25, 2007
He turned such tough sells as "Memento," "Whale Rider" and "Y Tu Mam Tambi?n" into mainstream hits through clever marketing and a knack for getting them into the right theaters. He was crucial in making Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" a blockbuster and helped guide "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" into one of the most profitable independent runs ever. (Los Angeles Times)
Official Oscar Quiz Feb 24, 2007
Keisha Castle-Hughes, at 13, for Whale Rider in 2003. 3. (Monsters and Critics.com)
Oscars nods don't guarantee success for kids Feb 23, 2007
"Justin Henry, 8, "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979)Post-Oscar: Appeared in 1980s teen hit "Sixteen Candles" and episodes of "ER." His last screen credit was in 2004.Keisha Castle-Hughes, 13, "Whale Rider" (2003)Post-Oscar: Starred in the Biblical movie "The Nativity Story" and had a cameo in the final "Star Wars" film.What's next: The now 16-year-old actor will star in "Hey, Hey, It's Esther Blueburger" and is expecting her first child this year.Anna Paquin, 11 years, "The Piano" (1993)Post-Oscar: Had... (Florida Today)
Oscar's kids Feb 21, 2007
Keisha Castle-Hughes, 2003, Whale Rider ... Nomination: Lead actress, 2003's Whale Rider. (USA Today -- Life)
Progress didn't come overnight Feb 20, 2007
2004: Keisha Castle-Hughes ("Whale Rider"), who is half-Maori, competes for best actress. Other nominees: Benicio Del Toro ("21 Grams"), Djimon Hounsou ("In America"), Ken Watanabe ("The Last Samurai") and Iran-born Shohreh Aghdashloo ("House of Sand and Fog"). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Fylmz Festival Finalists to Meet with Newmarket Films Feb 15, 2007
Newmarket Films has developed and distributed runaway independent hits like Donnie Darko, Whale Rider, Monster and The Passion of the Christ ... Newmarket Entertainment Group's distribution arm, Newmarket Films, was created to release Memento, and followed it up with a surprising string of critical and box office successes that sound like a roll call of great indie cinema: Donnie Darko, Whale Rider, Monster, and The Passion of the Christ. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
French Actor Gaspard Ulliel Takes The Lead in 'Hannibal Rising' Feb 10, 2007
"My first meeting was with the French producer, Mr. Tarak Ben Ammar, Ulliel tells MediaBlvd Magazine. We went to dinner in Paris and talked about the project. I was very excited, and also very surprised, that he came to me for this role. Then, I met producer Dino De Laurentiis, and he insisted that I meet the director, Peter Webber, because I was hesitating about accepting the project, after reading the script. I was very scared. I knew that it was very risky for me to go into this project... (MediaBlvd Magazine)
Filmstiftung NRW gets $17 mil for pics Feb 5, 2007
Further international co-productions funded were "The Plant" by Finnish helmer Mika Taanila, and Armagand Ballentyne's "The Strength of Water," produced by New Zealand shingle Filmwork and Cologne's Pandora, which had been earlier involved in Kiwi pic "Whale Rider.". Other bigscreen projects supported were Vanessa Jopp's "Meine schoene Bescherung," starring Heino Ferch, Gedeck and Jasmin Tabatabai, and "The Secret of Happiness" by tyro helmer Lola Randl. (Variety)
"Once" explores music of new Dubliners Feb 1, 2007
The festival ended up screening "Once" several more times than originally intended, and this past Sunday it left Sundance having won the Audience Award in the Dramatic World Cinema competition - placing it in the company of films such as "Hustle and Flow," and "Whale Rider." Page 1 of 2. Article Tools. (GW Hatchet, Washington DC)
Sunshine star joins lineage of kid nominees Jan 24, 2007
Other young actresses to be nominated include Jodie Foster, who was 14 when nominated for her portrayal of a young prostitute in 1976s Taxi Driver, and Keisha Castle-Hughes, who was 13 when nominated for best actress in 2004 for Whale Rider. . (MSNBC -- Movies)
'Labyrinth' looms large Jan 19, 2007
"Movies like 'Whale Rider' were a tiered release. This is more complex because we're trying to ride the line and get everyone at once.". The pic (which is either an elaborate fantasy in the mind of a young girl or a literal story of salvation from a tyrannical stepfather) earned its success by going after the arthouse crowd, the fanboys and mainstream Hispanics--all at the same time. (Variety)
FILM REVIEW: 'Nativity' doesn't embrace Christmas spirit Dec 22, 2006
Mary, played by a grown up Keisha Castle-Hughes ("Whale Rider"), is not depicted as a heroic woman. The film presents her as more of a vessel than the beloved mother of Christ. (U-Wire.com)
Rene Rodriguez Dec 12, 2006
- 11/26/2006 03:01 AM EST Coming this week on TV and at the movies: BIG SCREEN The Nativity Story (PG) -- Australian actress Keisha Castle-Hughes, who snagged an Oscar nomination for her 2004 debut Whale Rider, is Mary and Miami native Oscar Isaac is Joseph in this retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ from director Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen, Lords of Dogtown). - 11/24/2006 03:01 AM EST BY RENE RODRIGUEZ, Thanksgiving officially launches the holiday film season -- the weeks when Hollywood... (Miami.com, FL -- Entertainment)
The Christmas story you haven't heard Dec 12, 2006
The power of Mary's firm resolve in doing God's bidding, represented through Keisha Castle-Hughes' (Whale Rider) subtle yet strong acting, won't be lost on more devoutly religious audience members, nor will Mary's washing of the feet of Joseph (Oscar Isaac), an allusion to Jesus' more famous sole-cleansing. Perhaps these subtleties will be lost on the less devout, but, because of the great performances, the passion and spiritual emotion can still resonate regardless. (The Daily Targum, NJ)
'Nativity Story' content is surprisingly weak Dec 8, 2006
Nativity Story' content is surprisingly weak - The Lexington Dispatch (Foster's Daily Democrat)
Also reviewed: 'The Nativity Story' Dec 8, 2006
Where 'The Passion of the Christ' often feels like it merely runs through the steps to get to the final climatic scene, 'The Nativity Story' manages to put much more focus on the human element, primarily centred around the relationship between Mary, played by Keisha Castle-Hughes ('Whale Rider'), and her husband Joseph, played by Oscar Isaacs (Guerilla). It is this part of the story that is truly captivating. (iAfrica.com)
Lord OfThe Blogs Dec 7, 2006
" "That's between me and my boy, Mr. President," Webb responded. That brief chat riled up bloggers, many of whom were happy to see a senator-elect standing up to the president. Webb refuses to play elitist Washington game, a blogger at writes. And a blogger at added, He won't be able to be a "good old boy" part of the Senate club? It's about time! You go Webb. Some even add this type of candor is what our government was meant to include. The Founders would raise a pitcher of ale in Webb's... (CBS News)
moviesThe Nativity Story reviewed.Dana Stevens Dec 7, 2006
As she proved in Whale Rider, Castle-Hughes has no shortage of spark. If only the movie had tweaked expectations enough to give her Mary a Gethsemane moment, in which she struggled to reconcile the directive of her God with her natural adolescent desire to rebel, to have fun, maybe even to taste the pleasures of the flesh. (Slate)
Penguins, Bond lead US box office for 3rd weekend Dec 5, 2006
"Nativity," which cost in the mid-$30 million range to make, stars Oscar-nominated "Whale Rider" actress Keisha Castle-Hughes, a real-life expectant teen mom, as the Virgin Mary. It was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, famed for her portrayal of teen sex and drug abuse in the drama "thirteen." Tuckerman said the audience skewed older and female. (Reuters)
Movie review: The Nativity Story *** Dec 4, 2006
And let's just say, this woman heard from someone who knows someone that the actress, Oscar nominated for Whale Rider, is no. um - well, she is no Mary. (Toledo Blade)
The Hungry Man Dec 4, 2006
Presumably a hard role to turn down, but it does amount to a disappointing follow-up to her lyrical, uninhibited Oscar-nominated performance in Whale Rider a few years ago. Castle-Hughes has apparently been encouraged to drain all emotion from her Mary. (The Palm Beach Post)
Review: 'Nativity Story' Lacks Energy Dec 4, 2006
It is an innovative approach, though, to portray Mary and Joseph (Keisha Castle-Hughes, the youngest person ever nominated for a best-actress Oscar for her performance in 2002's "Whale Rider," and Oscar Issac) as a confused, newly married couple trying to comprehend the fact that they're about to become parents of the Messiah. (Guess there wasn't a "What to Expect When You're Expecting the Son of God" book for them to follow. (WNBC.com, NY)
Review: The greatest 'Story' ever dulled Dec 4, 2006
"Nativity Story" based on New Testament tale of Jesus' birth Movie stars "Whale Rider" actress as the Virgin Mary CNN reviewer says movie well made, but dull By Tom Charity Special to CNN Adjust font size ... The Virgin Mary herself is played with earnest fortitude by the Maori actress Keisha Castle-Hughes, who seems to have surrendered most of the spontaneity and joy that made her the youngest-ever best actress nominee for "Whale Rider" a few years back. (CNN -- Showbiz)
Nativity Comfort Dec 3, 2006
Mary is portrayed by Australian actress Keisha Castle-Hughes nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002, for her role in Whale Rider. Oscar Isaac (born in Guatemala and raised in the US) plays Joseph, Irish actor Ciaran Hinds is King Herod and English-born Shaun Toub is Mary's father, Joaquim. (Playfuls.com)
The Nativity Story: There's something about Mary Dec 2, 2006
Casting the teenage Virgin Mary wasn't easy since Hardwicke was determined to use a 14-year-old actress with Middle eastern features: "Just as I begun to wonder whether I'd dug myself into a hole, Keisha's face popped into my head. I'd already met her and loved her in Whale Rider. She has a serenity and soulfulness about her but when we talked on the phone and I heard the Kiwi accent, I was horrified. 'This isn't going to work. What was I thinking?' I asked myself. But then she came to LA and we... (Independent)
Silent night Dec 2, 2006
Her choice of Mary, "Whale Rider's" Keisha Castle-Hughes. Castle-Hughes is, in a word, awful, and this is a surprise, since she proved herself to be such a unique young actress in "Whale Rider." But she's simply not up to the task, instead giving a passionless performance. (Buffalo News -- Entertainment)
Review: O come all ye faithful Dec 2, 2006
Immediate cut to the village of Nazareth and the teenage Mary who, as played by Keisha Castle-Hughes ( Whale Rider), has the face of a preternaturally wise child perfectly equipped to handle her own Annunciation that awaits just beyond the next palm tree. However, before that blessed event, King Herod (Ciaran Hinds) pops up as the token heavy, dispatching his avaricious taxmen to brutally squeeze the poor and displaying an unseemly anxiety over that niggling prophecy about a new Messiah. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
A fine movie is born Dec 2, 2006
Keisha Castle-Hughes, who first enchanted us with her Oscar-nominated performance in Whale Rider, is luminous as Mary. This amazing young actress -- still in her teens -- communicates so much with her eyes, emoting just the right expression for what (we can only surmise) the real Mary must have felt and gone through. (Akron Beacon Journal, OH -- Entertainment)
Holy major Hollywood release! Dec 2, 2006
Starring 16-year-old Keisha Castle-Hughes, a 2004 best-actress Oscar nominee for the New Zealand film Whale Rider, it follows the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. Playing Mary's cousin, Elizabeth, is Shohreh Aghdashloo, the Iranian nominated for best-supporting actress that same year for House of Sand and Fog. (Globe and Mail)
The Nativity Story (4 stars out of 5) Dec 2, 2006
Keisha Castle-Hughes of Whale Rider is young Mary, reluctantly engaged to brick-layer/craftsman Joseph (Oscar Isaac). "Why do they force me to marry a man I do not love?". (Orlando Sentinel)
The first Christmas Dec 2, 2006
Australian actress Keisha Castle--Hughes, an Academy Award nominee for "Whale Rider,'' had to overcome her thick Kiwi accent to play the Virgin Mary.Guatamalan-American actor Oscar Isaac plays Jesus' stepdad Joseph, while Iranian-born Shohreh Aghdashloo co-stars as Mary's cousin Elizabeth, mother of John the .Director Catherine Hardwicke previously made "Lords of Dogtown,'' about the youths who pioneered extreme skateboarding styles, and the acclaimed independent hit "thirteen,'' the story of a... (Shoals TimesDaily)
My Free Time: Holiday DVDs Dec 2, 2006
So far there's Tim Allen's family flick "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause," the Danny DeVito-Matthew Broderick feuding neighbor comedy "Deck the Halls," and "Whale Rider" Oscar-nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes starring as the Virgin Mary in "The Nativity Story," out in theaters Friday. . (Click2Houston, TX)
Born under a wandering star Dec 2, 2006
In truth, the picture's only significant innovation is to cast a 16-year-old - Whale Rider's Keisha Castle-Hughes - in the role of Mary ... "She has been pretty courageous. Since Whale Rider she has really been in the public eye. She knew when this happened there would be people like us gossiping in rooms with tape recorders on.". (Irish Times)
Catherine Hardwicke Aims for Authenticity in Film Dec 2, 2006
Its producers claim that the movie is historically and scripturally authentic, in the way that Mel Gibson strived for authenticity with "The Passion of the Christ." While most of the cast is not well-known, Mary is played by Keisha Castle-Hughes, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in "Whale Rider.". The film's director, Catherine Hardwicke, earned a degree in architecture from the University of Texas before getting into the movie business. (The Ledger)
'The Nativity Story': a reverent retelling Dec 1, 2006
As played by Keisha Castle-Hughes ("Whale Rider"), Mary of Nazareth is just one of the teenage girls and boys helping their parents dig out a hardscrabble existence in the stony landscape; more somber than most, she ducks the ardent glances of Joseph (Oscar Isaac) even after her father (Shaun Toub) betroths her to the young shepherd. Over in Jerusalem, King Herod (the fine Irish actor Ciar n Hinds, making with the crazy eyes and generally behaving as if he were in a Cecil B. DeMille silent)... (Boston Globe)
Nativity drama hits big screen Friday Dec 1, 2006
The cast includes Oscar-nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes as Mary ("Whale Rider") and Oscar Issac as Joseph. Shohreh Aghdashloo ("House of Sand and Fog") plays the role of Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
The Nativity Dec 1, 2006
But while this Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes, the Oscar-nominated star of ``Whale Rider'') furrows her brow and glowers a bit when told she must marry Joseph (Oscar Isaac), that's about as difficult as she gets. For years, filmmakers have been struggling with how naturalistic to make biblical stories. (San Jose Mercury News -- Entertainment)
