Hawaii

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Harry S This is a sweeping story based on the Michner novel, also based on real people and events that tell the true story of the westernization of Hawaii. A bit of a lengthy time piece (1966, nearly 3 hrs) it's a first-rate cast, filled with culture clash and sad, poignant moments, especially the ending. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/13/25 Full Review Red T It's ok but given the composer, all star actors, very talented director, best location on earth and a epic story it's a surprising letdown. The acting is just surprisingly ok. The biggest problem is Max von Sydow's performance. He's just ok, he's very arrogant, pretentious, and above all not likeable until literally the very end. Also, the chemistry with Andrews is nothing special even though shes decent enough. Everyone else is just ok except for the Hawaiian Assistant who wanted to become a preacher, he was terrible and every time he talked it feels like I was listening to a nature documentary. The Queen also was nothing special and her voice dubbing I think had a lot to do with it. It's amazing how a All Star cast like this gives such a mediocre performance overall. The music is & Cinematography are the best aspects of this. There are some great sweeping epic shots, a sweeping music score, and a beautiful location. The problem is a lot of scenes are very forgettable and feel dry at times throughout and need more of the soundtrack used. Even though it does get used a lot it still isn't enough. Also, this is a epic story but the camera work doesn't know how to always convey that consistently. It feels like its epic half the time and a melodrama the other half. Finally the editing and pacing are ok but man they are choppy scene to scene. This movie somehow with a 3 hour run time (I saw the 2.5 hour one) feels rushed and scenes especially in the middle feel like things just happen even though they do pay off long term. They have a baby (which could've been cut), and than they fight the sailors, and than they convert the queen, and than she dies, and than a love triangle happens. It all feels rushed and doesn't build well or have epic scale consistently. This really feels like the director didn't quite know how to make this work entirely with all the amazing asset given. What is here works well enough if your a big fan of Von Sydow. Otherwise I really can't say I'd recommend this to anyone else. There are better epic films out there. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 06/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Great historical fiction movie. Malama who portrays Kaahumanu is the perfect choice. It shows the "east meets west" aspects of what happened when the missionaries came. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member I'm a fan of long generational novels and long format films that explore the characters we come to know. This movie should be seen in its original 189 minute roadshow version to appreciate the full scope of the story and the characters. As far as I know that exists only on the Twilight Time release of the movie or perhaps the old laser disc. The movie has elements of comedic relief primarily through the outstanding performance of Jocelyn La Garde--her one and only film for which she was nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar. She is warm and effecting. The story itself however is a tragedy--the arrogance of religion that ultimately destroys a culture because it refuses to accept that there are ways to believe other than what it preaches. Max von Sydow's character is difficult to put up with for the 189 minute run time because he is so rigid and is the epitome of arrogance. Yet, he does evolve. He is exhausting however. Julie Andrews' character is a very nice counterpoint, but her role is comparatively small or it seems like it because Mr. von Sydow is literally in every scene. I really like this movie in its original roadshow format. It's worth the time investment and, as they say--whoever they are, they don't make them like this anymore. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review steve d Besides a few good performances it really dragged. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review ashley h Hawaii is an incredible film. It is about an American missionary and his wife travel to the exotic island kingdom of Hawaii. Julie Andrews and Richard Harris give fantastic performances. The screenplay is well written. George Roy Hill did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of the drama. Hawaii is a must see. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Hawaii

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