I just came from seeing "The Whale Rider" and I can't stop thinking about it. The movie gave me chills.

If you haven't seen it, I don't want to give away the plot, so I'll only say that this isn't "Free Willy". This film is a monument to Maori culture. The story illuminates the origin of the Moari people without glamorizing aboriginies and deals with some of the more difficult issues facing indigenous people without dehumanizing them.

"Whale Rider" is filled with rich characters, great warmth and humor in unsuspected moments. The acting, the writing, the photography are all first rate.

Most notable is Keisha Castle-Hughes. Her performance of the title role was so perfect it's hard not to believe that screenplay wasn't written for her. She was simply adorable.

The San Francisco Chronicle gave it a C+ proving once again that it isn't worth the paper it's printed on. Do yourself a favor: Find out where it's playing in your neighborhood and go see it. And if you're even somewhat emotional, bring some tissues with you.

I wish someone would make a movie like this about Samoan culture.