Goodbye Paradise

I saw this film back in 1994 on video and was most impressed with the caliber of the overall film. It is an intimate story set at a bar in downtown Honolulu that accurately captures the lives of various local people and the changing times around them. It is bittersweet in tone and a rare glimpse at a part of Oahu that we never see on TV or in films. There are no stereotypes here of Hawaiians or Asians but real people who are interesting and engaging. The film is very well acted and for the most part is populated by local Hawaii talent including local stalwarts such as TV newsman Joe Moore and Ray Bumatai, a wonderful actor who passed away in 2005. The writing is solid and compelling. The overall production is as good as it gets and directing is excellent. I wish we could see more films like this come out of the Aloha State and highlight the lives of a most interesting and profound culture that has gone through more changes in the past two hundred years than perhaps any other place on the earth. The fact that writers Susan Killeen and Dennis Christiansen (also excellent along with Tim Savsage as co-directors and of the film) could tell such an intimate tale that also subtly speaks about larger issues is quite a feat in American Independent film. I'd also like to see more from these talented writers and filmmakers.

This film is a great example of the way island filming should go - local, with local content, actors, non-stereotypical,it fits all the elements for a great local film. I recommend it for anyone interested in seeing the real Hawaii, without the palm trees and hula girls.

Lynn was NOT the Art Director on that film. I was. It was a nice little experience and working with Joe and Christianson was nice. I didn't particularly enjoy the American Japanese fellow tho'. he was extremely arrogant and rude. my friends Paul, Mike and Gordon worked real hard on that little set in the diamond head theater. to tell you the truth i don't even remember Lynn -what'sher name. in any event it was a long time ago and now i am thoroughly en-trounced in china designing and building theme parks and trying my damnedest to improve wetland development. i have written a book. The Tragic Kingdom. read it if you want to know what it is like working for over a decade in china

Broc Smith

Elissa Dulce now Elissa Dulce Mataele is a personal friend of mine so I was interested in seeing her in this movie. Watched it on a VHS tape I have and I wasn't disappointed. Elissa plays the bartender Billie along with Joe Moore, Pat Morita and a great ensemble cast. Very local flavor and a great human interest story. Elissa and Joe dancing to an old Don Ho melody near the end of the movie was priceless. I highly recommend seeing this film!

Elissa is as beautiful now as she was in 1991 when the movie was released. We meet for dinner with other friends whenever I am in Hawaii. She is still acting and is a doting grandmother! A great lady and a dear friend.