SnoReptilePlenty
Memorable, crazy movie
Libramedi
Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant
Myron Clemons
A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.
Guillelmina
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
movie-enthusiast
The hostess is Kelly Hu and the narrator is Al Harrington. Also several historians join in to show us a most extensive history of Hawaii. There are woodcuts, illustrations, old photos, and old film of Hawaii. Captain Cook's visits. King Kamehameha. This includes explanations of battles that were fought during the unification of the islands and the introduction of Christianity. (I never knew about the cession of Pearl Harbor to the United States in 1887 before I saw this.) King Kamahamaha II and Co-Regent Ka'ahumanu ended the kapu - that is - the guidelines for conduct based in the ancient Hawaiian religion. There is also a comprehensive explanation of how Queen Liliuokalani was coerced to give up the kingdom. Then came statehood. Lastly the people of Hawaii rediscover their heritage and seek Hawaiian sovereignty. I didn't want to tell too much of the story contained in documentary, but instead just mention some names and events to pique your curiosity. I have seen two other documentaries and this is the most thorough and objective of the three. I strongly feel that everyone should see this, especially every American.