‘Whale Rider’ makes splash

Whale Rider

Keisha Castle-Hughes,

Rawiri Paratene

Columbia TriStar, $27

This lovely coming-of-age drama from New Zealand has become one of the big art house hits of the year. Written and directed by Niki Caro from the novel by Witi Ihimaera, the drama revolves around a 12-year-old Maori girl named Pai (the exquisite Castle-Hughes) who believes she is the next tribal leader despite the fact that tradition states that only men can become tribal leaders. And she’s willing to challenge tradition and her gruff grandfather (Paratene) to prove it.

Among the DVD features are a better-than-average behind-the-scenes featurette, eight deleted scenes and heartfelt commentary from the soft-spoken Caro.

*

City of Ghosts

Matt Dillon, James Caan

MGM, $27

Over this 20-plus year film career, Dillon has worked with many top directors, including Francis Ford Coppola. And these directors’ influence must have worn off on the actor because his directorial debut is a lot better than expected. Dillon stars in this drama shot in Thailand and Cambodia about a con man who wants to get out of the business. Caan plays his mentor and partner who doesn’t want Dillon to quit the con.

*

Millennium Actress

Animated

DreamWorks, $30

After a brief theatrical release, this Japanese anime drama arrives on DVD. Though it isn’t as magical as the Oscar-winning anime film “Spirited Away,” this collaboration between director Satoshi Kon and screenwriter Sadayuki Murai is impressive. The drama revolves around a journalist and a cameraman who are granted an interview with a reclusive, retired 70-year-old film actress.

-- Susan King