Suman Roberson It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

Raymond Sierra The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Phillida Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Haven Kaycee It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

mark.waltz Breaking out of the mold of singing nannies, Julie Andrews plays a Bostonian socialite who marries a missionary (Max Von Sydow) and heads to the wilds of Hawaii where her husband works on converting the natives to Christianity. A ship's captain (Richard Harris) sets his sights on the lovely but fragile Andrews which tests the sanctity of marriage. Obsessed with converting what he believes to be a sinful life of the very sexual natives, Von Sydow neglects his wife, leading to tragedy and a climactic confrontation between Von Sydow and Harris. The fact that Harris would go on to play King Arthur in the film version of "Camelot" while Andrews was unable to reprise her role as Guenevere makes this an interesting pairing during this time.Beautiful to look at and superbly acted, this takes James Michener beyond the tales of the South Pacific and Bali Hai to what would later become America's 50th State. Andrews totally underplays her role here after flamboyantly playing Mary Poppins and Maria Von Trapp, so this is a nice change of pace for her. Von Sydow is a bit hammy in spots, but if you consider the type of character he is playing, that is not entirely out of place. The acting honors go to Jocelyn La Garde, the Hawaiian born native chosen to play the last Queen. Speaking her few English language lines phonetically, the hefty La Garde is lovable, touching and fierce. And yes, that is Carroll O'Connor, the future Archie Bunker here, playing Andrews' father.This also contains one of the most beautiful music scores (by Elmer Bernstein) to grace an epic film of the 1960's, one you'll not soon forget. While some of the historical references have been questioned in regards to their accuracy, the film paints a realistic portrayal of the hardships faced by mainland Americans as they face the elements of a land they can never quite understand. This is the type of film that should be given occasional big screen re-releases so today's audiences can see how epics used to be made without resulting in headaches due to overpowering sound and computer generated effects.

ftgplus4 I saw this on TV many years ago and thought it was one of the worst movies I'd ever seen. I was surprised later to find out that it had not been universally panned -- quite the opposite in fact.What stood out to me about this movie was not its epic sweep or lovely visuals. It was the fact that each and every character was absurdly one-dimensional. This film is not populated by people, but by pawns. Each character is driven by one thing, and sees that one thing as if with tunnel vision. The story is nothing but a contrived orchestration of those clashing motivations.On another note, this movie could be said not to be fair to Christians. (Imagine a Hollywood movie not being fair to Christians -- unheard of!) But the message I'd get out of it (though I'm sure this wasn't the intended message) is: It's good to want to reach people with the truth, but there are definitely wrong ways to go about it.

kolemani-1 I first noticed what were definitely Polynesian actors on the cover of the DVD and considering it was a movie based on a subject matter I'm always interested in(when Europeans interfere with Native peoples,in particular Polynesians since I am one,and the effects the clash of cultures can have).I was a little unsure of the movie at first because I was thinking it was gonna be real preachy but I found it to be an awesome film,even it it did have some cuts(as I just read another post here).I am very impressed with the acting from all the cast and especially the performances given from Keoki and especially Ali'i Nui.She did a really good job especially considering this was her first and only movie.I couldn't see a movie like this being made today(esp since there wouldn't nearly be as many real Hawaiians available for extras or actors) and in my opinion there was a good balance of many perosectives in this film.It can get your mind racing.I myself have part Native Hawaiian blood and am always looking to find out more about my culture.I hope that people re-discovering or discovering this movie for the first time realize the struggles of Native Hawaiian people and trying to keep and in some cases find their own identity after being taken over by outside forces that still exist to this day.These problems are nothing new and at the same time have trouble getting old.I hope people will come away wanting to know a little more about the US' 50th "state" and find that it is more than a great tourist destination and that it is not just some place on a postcard.Well thats all and I enjoyed the acting,direction,dedication and even the great shots that were put into this film.Hawaiian's are still a dying race(fewer aborignal Hawaiians now) but there are many proud Natives(in the blood) and local Hawaiians(in spirit) that are still fighting to hold onto the culture and some of our traditions.My hats off to these people.peace

hoogbest The movie was absolutely perfect in every way. The key to its power is that all viewers SHOULD have read the book at least once....ideally more than once, before seeing the movie. So many of the characters and story lines are much easier to comprehend and appreciate if one has read the book before even attempting to enjoy the richness and completeness of the epic story that Michner wrote, as it appears on the screen The book was glorious and fully half of it was not in the movie. As a result, many incidents that were shown in the movie were confusing because the book explained them in Michner's classic detailed style which ultimately created the outline that helped the story flow. Forget any misguided claims that the book was about dictatorship, etc. and READ THE BOOK.....only then will you understand that in the final analysis it simply is the story of a humble as well as stubborn and proud but frequently lonely and sad New England Christian Pastor's life and how he tried to do his best for the people that he touched and came to love, as he walked through that life with Jesus and God directing him. The ending of the movie was very touching and meaningful......those that read the book know why and understand. By the way, I have never heard a more thrilling and beautiful opening orchestral piece in any movie. I was fortunate enough to hear that song sung at one of Don Ho's shows many years ago.....the words of the song are as equally haunting and beautiful as the music when they speak not of the inhabitants of the island and their love for that paradise, but rather it is a song of the love the island of Hawaii has for the people who inhabit one of God's true Heavenly creations......the opening line of the song goes, "I am your island I wish you love....". See the movie again and revel in it's greatness and if you are really interested in enjoying the entire Mitchner experience please READ THE BOOK at least once before you attempt to do so. ALOHA!