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Growing Up Local

Play trailer Poster for Growing Up Local Released Aug 4, 2023 1h 47m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 0 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
In a place known as paradise, Stanley's life is far from it. Using the unexplored and often tough neighborhoods of Hawai'i as a backdrop, Growing Up Local uncovers a boy's struggle to establish his identity beyond his father's fists and his loyalty to his friends. The tale of Stanley explores three generations of the Nagata family, and tells the universal story of the conflict between father and a son and the expectations and burdens that are passed on from generation to generation. Growing Up Local takes us beyond the stereotypical view of Hawai'i, and goes deeper into a world and a culture that many call home.

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Growing Up Local

Audience Reviews

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sandy Excellent! Heartwarming film that captured life growing up local in Hawaii and relating it to significant historical facts like The 442nd infantry. Great scenic and story shots caught on film. Mahalo for producing this memorable movie of a story that needs to be told. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/14/23 Full Review Kathleen I Good movie..loved the story and actors Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/07/23 Full Review Audience Member Kept thinking, “really, based on a true story?!!!” A winner from the first shot of Hawaii. Powerful. I went to Stevenson Intermediate then Iolani, my kids went to Kamehameha. A must see for all out kids to understand. Even redeeming for parents. So kids bring your parents. lol. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/17/23 Full Review Kathy K Absolutely LOVED this movie. It was so well made. The story line of the struggle of getting out of the "circle" is one so many locals can relate to. Letting family down, not being "one of us," forgetting your values and where you come from, and all the other things people you love and care for use to bring you down. The difficult decision it takes to break the cycle and dare to dream, dare to reach for the stars, yet never forgetting where you come from and how you got to where you are. It was a nostalgic and authentic look back at what it was and is like to be growing up local. Made me so proud to be a local girl (from Palolo!!). Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/06/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Growing Up Local

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Cast & Crew

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James Sereno

Director

Albert Ueligitone

Henry Nagata

Makoa Sanchez

Stanley Nagata

Darin Fujimori

Masato Nagata

Thiessen Wright

Kawika Nobriga

Ocean Rea

Eva Costa
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Growing Up Local

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Movie Info

Synopsis In a place known as paradise, Stanley's life is far from it. Using the unexplored and often tough neighborhoods of Hawai'i as a backdrop, Growing Up Local uncovers a boy's struggle to establish his identity beyond his father's fists and his loyalty to his friends. The tale of Stanley explores three generations of the Nagata family, and tells the universal story of the conflict between father and a son and the expectations and burdens that are passed on from generation to generation. Growing Up Local takes us beyond the stereotypical view of Hawai'i, and goes deeper into a world and a culture that many call home.
Director
James Sereno
Producer
James Sereno, Ryan Kawamoto
Screenwriter
James Sereno
Distributor
Kinetic Films
Production Co
Kinetic Films
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 4, 2023, Limited
Runtime
1h 47m
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