I watched this film at Hawaii International Film Festival and I was blown away, not only from the movie itself, but with the amazing cast and crew that dedicated so much time to this project and made this on a limited budget. The storytelling was authentic, the cinematography was stunning, and the delivery from the actors performing the poetic 'Olelo Hawai'i (aka Native Hawaiian language. IMDB cannot display the okina and kahako....) was one of the most authentic portrayals of Hawaiian history I have ever seen in cinema. This is based on the true memoir written by Pi'ilani, and some quotes were directly from her storytelling. The world needs to know what really happened to Hawai'i in the 19th century after the overthrow of the Hawaiian government.
14 Reviews
Beautiful, Moving, Unforgettable
lowtidelanding25 October 2022
Such a powerful story told with so much love and respect for the Hawaiian culture. Beautifully cinematic. I was so moved by the family and their refusal to sacrifice their togetherness, even in the face of being hunted down like prey. A heart wrenching and eye-opening look at a period of history that I knew very little about, but that had reshaped the course of life for native Hawaiians: when lepers were rounded up and forcibly removed to leper colonies on the island of Moloka'i. I love that the characters spoke in Hawaiian-beautiful authenticity and an invitation for us to experience their culture and their heart. Would definitely recommend watching it-but with tissues!
Amazing look at a classic western style movie but with a new lens.
21mileproductions25 October 2022
I really enjoyed watching this movie not only because I am a fan of western styled movies but because it bring to light a story and history rarely discussed. Being able to peek into the deep complex history of Hawai'i was a very pleasant experience, especially told from the side of faith and prosperity. I can only imagine what those native Hawaiians must have faced and experienced during those times. Seeing how the leper community was treated brought tears to my heart. Knowing they were lied to, exploited, and killed for something they had no control over was horrific. The ending was a bit cheesy but I really loved the journey this film took me on. I will definitely be watching it again and with my kids!
An Epic Fight for Freedom
bjblkauai26 October 2022
I love the history of this film, and the use of the native Hawaiian language, not so familiar to many, but as powerful as it is beautiful. The scenery is great and the overall look of the film is wonderful. The storyline is so appropriate for today after COVID gave world governments more power then we've experienced for many years. Power in the wrong hands is treachery and courage is always inspiring!
Living in Hawaii has given me a new appreciation of the struggle the Hawaiians faced as the rest of the world descended on this beautiful island paradise. It grieves me that they had to put up with belittling attitudes and judgemental aggression. Change in the name of progress is not always kind, gentle, gracious nor righteous.
Living in Hawaii has given me a new appreciation of the struggle the Hawaiians faced as the rest of the world descended on this beautiful island paradise. It grieves me that they had to put up with belittling attitudes and judgemental aggression. Change in the name of progress is not always kind, gentle, gracious nor righteous.
Beautiful Hawaiian Story
becky-8275126 October 2022
Based on one of the most interesting stories in Hawaiian history! It's portrayed so beautifully and I love that it's spoken in 'olelo Hawaii (the Hawaiian language). Don't be afraid of the subtitles 🤙
I've read Ko'olau's wife Pi'ilani's book and I thought the heart of it was brought to life so honestly and vividly by the filmmakers.
My 8 and 11 year old kids enjoyed the film too; it wasn't too scary for them and they related to the boy in the story.
I live on Kaua'i, so I can tell it was not filmed in the actual locations; aside from establishing shots. What would have made it better for me would be to have seen the actual places where the events took place. Kalalau beach and valley is majestic in real life (though I'm sure it looks different now than it did in Ko'olau's time) and but also so very remote and protected I'm sure it would be nearly impossible to film out there with full cast & crew.
The filmmakers did a great job with the essence of the story and telling it in a way that can make Hawaii proud.
I've read Ko'olau's wife Pi'ilani's book and I thought the heart of it was brought to life so honestly and vividly by the filmmakers.
My 8 and 11 year old kids enjoyed the film too; it wasn't too scary for them and they related to the boy in the story.
I live on Kaua'i, so I can tell it was not filmed in the actual locations; aside from establishing shots. What would have made it better for me would be to have seen the actual places where the events took place. Kalalau beach and valley is majestic in real life (though I'm sure it looks different now than it did in Ko'olau's time) and but also so very remote and protected I'm sure it would be nearly impossible to film out there with full cast & crew.
The filmmakers did a great job with the essence of the story and telling it in a way that can make Hawaii proud.
I had no idea this had happened to the Hawaiians.
erika-61-81480219 November 2022
Wow...just wow! What an incredible film. And beautifully shot as well. Jason Scott Lee and Lindsay Watson gave such powerful performances and Henry Ian Cusick was outstanding. I saw the film in Honolulu at The Consolidated Ward Theater during its opening week. Some of the actors were there to answer when it finished. When the movie ended, there was a group in the audience that actually stood up and sang a sort of a chant back to the filmmakers, like they were thanking them for making this film. I was speechless. I have to say I am a bit embarrassed that I had no idea this had happened to the Hawaiians.
A Must see movie- Now I know the rest of the story!
dalmgren6312 November 2022
Director David Cunningham delivers another masterpiece in his new film The Wind and the Reckoning. The film is beautiful shot in Hawaii. The cast delivers a heartfelt performance. I loved the balance of English and the Hawaiian language. I left the theater contemplating the importance of Ohana and how far I would go to protect my own family. The Wind and the Reckoning is a powerful, moving and beautiful film. History is so important for us to learn from and than we can apply the lessons learned to our life today. Let's learn from the past and begin to heal. This is a must see movie that will entertain, inform and inspire.
A Hawaiian Legendary Story brought to life.
janesbrownp26 November 2022
The Wind & The Reckoning is the best movie made in Hawaii. It premiered on November 4 at the Bishop Museum as the opening Film of the 42nd Annual Hawaii International Film Festival where it received The Made In Hawaii Award For Feature Film. In The Boston Film Festival it took eight awards Including Best Film, Best Screenplay (John Fusco), Best Director (David L. Cunningham), Best Actress (Lindsay Anuhea Watson), Best Cinematography (Scott Lee Mason), Best Story/Best Editing (Kyle Gilbertson), and Best Ensemble Cast. Why it has not been reviewed by any major critics Is a total travesty and a mystery.
It Has a legendary story brought to life, in action, drama, and romance while exploring the plight of the native Hawaiians at the time of the overthrow in 1893 and the cruel roundup of those afflicted by leprosy by unscrupulous bounty hunters
This film tells the story of one of Hawaiis most legendary heroes, Koolau, (the powerful Jason Scott Lee) a late 19th century paniolo (cowboy) whose life on Kauai is upended by the requirement from the coup leaders that all persons with leprosy must be quarantined in Kalaupapa on the Island of Molokai. He decides to resist and plans to escape into the hills and lava tubes. That night, he and his son Kalei (in an extraordinary debut by Kahiau Perreira) are captured and when his employer, Eben Sinclair (the sympathetic Patrick Gilbert) intervenes, a struggle ensues and Koolau kills a deputy sheriff. He flees with his family into the mountains of Kauai and is pursued by the U. S. Army led by Capt. McCabe (the homicidal Henry Ian Cusick) as well as Marshall Hamilton (Jonathan Schaech).
As Koolau, Jason Scott Lee turns in the performance of his career. He is dignified, a loving husband and father, a well thought of employee and a fierce warrior. His calm demeanor is contrasted with his fierce defense of his family and freedom. It is an Oscar worthy performance.
Equally excellent is Lindsay Anuhea Watson as Piilani. Ms Watson, who is a native of Kula, Maui, has only done two films and has one in the can, but her on screen persona is magnetic and her wonder woman warrior is like the mother lion defending her cubs; you would not want to mess with her.
It is a great story, sumptuously told in beautiful cinematography by newcomer Scott Lee Mason, the drone shots are so well done and the action sequences make the audience feel the danger and violence. It has Oscar worthy performances across the board, Jason Scott Lee as magnificent, Koolau, Lindsay Anuhea Watson as the gorgeous, powerful Piilani and a supporting one for Henry Ian Cusick as the angry, drunkard Capt. McCabe. If this movie is not playing where you are, ask your local cinema to get it. It is A REAL SLEEPER. The best film made in Hawaii to date.
PS they do not allow apostrophes or okinas.
It Has a legendary story brought to life, in action, drama, and romance while exploring the plight of the native Hawaiians at the time of the overthrow in 1893 and the cruel roundup of those afflicted by leprosy by unscrupulous bounty hunters
This film tells the story of one of Hawaiis most legendary heroes, Koolau, (the powerful Jason Scott Lee) a late 19th century paniolo (cowboy) whose life on Kauai is upended by the requirement from the coup leaders that all persons with leprosy must be quarantined in Kalaupapa on the Island of Molokai. He decides to resist and plans to escape into the hills and lava tubes. That night, he and his son Kalei (in an extraordinary debut by Kahiau Perreira) are captured and when his employer, Eben Sinclair (the sympathetic Patrick Gilbert) intervenes, a struggle ensues and Koolau kills a deputy sheriff. He flees with his family into the mountains of Kauai and is pursued by the U. S. Army led by Capt. McCabe (the homicidal Henry Ian Cusick) as well as Marshall Hamilton (Jonathan Schaech).
As Koolau, Jason Scott Lee turns in the performance of his career. He is dignified, a loving husband and father, a well thought of employee and a fierce warrior. His calm demeanor is contrasted with his fierce defense of his family and freedom. It is an Oscar worthy performance.
Equally excellent is Lindsay Anuhea Watson as Piilani. Ms Watson, who is a native of Kula, Maui, has only done two films and has one in the can, but her on screen persona is magnetic and her wonder woman warrior is like the mother lion defending her cubs; you would not want to mess with her.
It is a great story, sumptuously told in beautiful cinematography by newcomer Scott Lee Mason, the drone shots are so well done and the action sequences make the audience feel the danger and violence. It has Oscar worthy performances across the board, Jason Scott Lee as magnificent, Koolau, Lindsay Anuhea Watson as the gorgeous, powerful Piilani and a supporting one for Henry Ian Cusick as the angry, drunkard Capt. McCabe. If this movie is not playing where you are, ask your local cinema to get it. It is A REAL SLEEPER. The best film made in Hawaii to date.
PS they do not allow apostrophes or okinas.
Hawaiian Cowboys becomes the "Braveheart" to his people!!!
noahhamiltonphoto25 October 2022
This is a true story of real Hawaii in 1893 when the Queen and Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by businessmen. A beautiful story told in the wife's poetry! A family on the run from a Goverment quarantine during a Leprosy pandemic.
I think this is the first film to ever be shot in the whole native Hawaiian language "Olelo Hawaii". It's beautiful.
What I love about this film is that it shows the love, sacrifice, and fight of a family to not be separated by this disease, while still trying to not hate its oppressor. A lot of life lessons to take from this beautiful bio-pic.
Mahalo to all the film makers for telling a Hawaiian story that isn't Hollywoods version of Hawaii.
I think this is the first film to ever be shot in the whole native Hawaiian language "Olelo Hawaii". It's beautiful.
What I love about this film is that it shows the love, sacrifice, and fight of a family to not be separated by this disease, while still trying to not hate its oppressor. A lot of life lessons to take from this beautiful bio-pic.
Mahalo to all the film makers for telling a Hawaiian story that isn't Hollywoods version of Hawaii.
Fantastic
momohund15 December 2022
This movie is fantastic in so many ways. A brilliant story from dialogue to scenery to acting that focuses on the injustices done to the Hawaiians, through the main character Ko'olau and his family, by the newly formed government and what Hawaiians think about what is being done to them.
The director, who is from Hawai'i, also address, brilliantly I might add, what it is to be haole, which doesn't mean entirely being a white person. I think that was done so well. To the main characters, Westerners are seen as both villain and family (very similar to what it is like today). General McCabe the bounty hunter, who leads his mercenaries, is very much the villain and the type of haole Hawaiians despise. Ignorant, racist, and arrogant, he leads equally as ignorant mercenaries. Then there's Marshall Hitchcock, a locally born white person who is somewhere in the middle, neither good nor bad. He believes what he is doing is correct (forcing lepers to Molokai) regardless that he is conspiring with people who are enemy to the Hawaiians. Ko'olau who was once friends with him even challenges him on this. And then there's Eben Sinclair, a locally born white person, who is family to the main characters and does all he can, even risking his life, to help Ko'olau and his family. And the director brilliantly shows the strong bond between Hawaiians and this type of haole.
There's even dialogue between Ko'olau and his son on this issue of being haole. That the real haole isn't white, but the person with no 'breath' who is not in allegiance with the Hawaiians and their Queen and kingdom. A person that does not respect the laws and customs of Hawai'i and instead imposes their culture onto Hawaiians, including racism and classism, instead of adapting to their ways.
All this is done without the white savior complex we often see in films like this. These haoles are just kind of secondary characters. The director does this while still making Ko'olau the main character and hero, and he does it in a way that makes you focus mostly on Ko'olau and his family.
You walk away from the film angry about what those haoles did to Hawaiians, and understanding how to be good haole.
One hell of a film.
The director, who is from Hawai'i, also address, brilliantly I might add, what it is to be haole, which doesn't mean entirely being a white person. I think that was done so well. To the main characters, Westerners are seen as both villain and family (very similar to what it is like today). General McCabe the bounty hunter, who leads his mercenaries, is very much the villain and the type of haole Hawaiians despise. Ignorant, racist, and arrogant, he leads equally as ignorant mercenaries. Then there's Marshall Hitchcock, a locally born white person who is somewhere in the middle, neither good nor bad. He believes what he is doing is correct (forcing lepers to Molokai) regardless that he is conspiring with people who are enemy to the Hawaiians. Ko'olau who was once friends with him even challenges him on this. And then there's Eben Sinclair, a locally born white person, who is family to the main characters and does all he can, even risking his life, to help Ko'olau and his family. And the director brilliantly shows the strong bond between Hawaiians and this type of haole.
There's even dialogue between Ko'olau and his son on this issue of being haole. That the real haole isn't white, but the person with no 'breath' who is not in allegiance with the Hawaiians and their Queen and kingdom. A person that does not respect the laws and customs of Hawai'i and instead imposes their culture onto Hawaiians, including racism and classism, instead of adapting to their ways.
All this is done without the white savior complex we often see in films like this. These haoles are just kind of secondary characters. The director does this while still making Ko'olau the main character and hero, and he does it in a way that makes you focus mostly on Ko'olau and his family.
You walk away from the film angry about what those haoles did to Hawaiians, and understanding how to be good haole.
One hell of a film.
A story everyone should hear...
victoriakaopua28 November 2022
Besides the beautiful scenery, top notch acting, and great directing. The story this movie tells is one that not enough people know. It tells a story of the injustice done to the people of Hawai'i, the heart of forgiveness even in the midst of that injustice, the beauty of love and protection between people, and the power of 'OHANA!
The acting in this movie was amazing! I was blown away by first time actor, Kahiau Perreira! He portrayed the emotions a son would feel so well! Also, Anuhea Watson played the role of Pi'ilani so well! And of course Jason Scott Lee, nailed his role.
Finally, the fact that most of the movie is olelo Hawaii makes me so proud to be a Hawaiian!
This is a MUST SEE MOVIE.
The acting in this movie was amazing! I was blown away by first time actor, Kahiau Perreira! He portrayed the emotions a son would feel so well! Also, Anuhea Watson played the role of Pi'ilani so well! And of course Jason Scott Lee, nailed his role.
Finally, the fact that most of the movie is olelo Hawaii makes me so proud to be a Hawaiian!
This is a MUST SEE MOVIE.
What a beautifully told story!
cwbtqs20 March 2023
I had heard about this movie from a friend and was fortunate enough to catch it just before it left theaters in Hawaii. The film is beautiful. I was so impressed by the cinematography showcasing Hawaii, the superb acting, and especially the inclusion of the Hawaiian language. It was apparent that the filmmakers wanted to impart their love of Hawaiian culture and history. Despite growing up in Hawaii, I had never learned the story of Ko'olau or much about the era post-overthrow but prior to the annexation. I hope this will inspire more films about Hawaiian history as there are countless stories that ought to be told.
A depth in cultural and historical understanding for Hawaii
annekendecheck-409133 December 2022
A very rich film that so brings a depth of cultural and historical understanding for the people of Hawaii. The scenes are beautiful, the filming and acting very well done. It has some violence (guns, blood) but besides this it is a very "clean" movie which I so appreciate as well. The values of family, sticking together, standing up for what is right, it was so beautiful.
During the movie the Hawaiians speak Olelo Hawaiian and this brings out the diversity of culture even more. For any indigenous group where their rights were taken away the loss of language is often what follows. This movie honors the Hawaiian culture, and brings a depth of understanding you did not have before.
And it is a true story. Therefore a must see!
During the movie the Hawaiians speak Olelo Hawaiian and this brings out the diversity of culture even more. For any indigenous group where their rights were taken away the loss of language is often what follows. This movie honors the Hawaiian culture, and brings a depth of understanding you did not have before.
And it is a true story. Therefore a must see!
Inspirational Historical Drama
ktxqtcxh2 December 2022
This movie portrays the heroic efforts of a Hawaiian family to stay together in the late 19th century. Their courageous response to the injustice they experienced is truly moving. Their courage is coupled with a sense of aloha which guides their actions. This movie does not follow a formula. It is deeply authentic and wonderfully redemptive. The use of ancient Hawaiian in the dialogue (with English subtitles) adds a remarkable sense of authenticity. The beauty of Hawaii's hidden treasures are exquisitely portrayed in panoramic views that allow you to see a Hawaii that is unknown to most. A must see for all lovers of Hawaii.
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