The Ride

Growing up in Hawaii through the 1950's and 1960's and surfing most of my life, this movie touched my soul in ways that few other movies have. Underneath the relatively simple plot the message is simple and pure - Aloha, as it existed in a much simpler time and could exist now if we would just let it, is the essence of being at peace with yourself and the world around you. In addition to this spiritual element, the scenery behind the story is incredible and I felt transported back to my childhood and further back in time as I've seen it portrayed in old photos. Just as important, the portrayal of Duke and his contemporaries was well done and felt authentic, with the echoes of their energy having rippled forward in time. If you have any feelings for Hawaii or surfing this is a must see.

Saw the film at the Hawaii International Film Festival in Oct 2003. It is a marvelous film made, starring and financed by people from Hawaii. The original showing was on the beach at Waikiki at the Sunset on the Beach event.

The story is about a cocky surfer who has an accident and is transported back to old Waikiki where he meets Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing. Through his interaction with Duke he learns more about himself, the sport of surfing and just what a unique and special icon/person Duke is for Hawaii.

A great amount of attention was given to the detailed look of old Waikiki, the costumes, and the personage of Duke.

If you have a chance to see the film or buy the DVD, it is well worth it.

My husband and I saw "The Ride" at the Hawaii International Film Festival at Restaurant Row in Honolulu. We were lucky enough to meet many of the cast members and discuss the film before and after the showing. The local actors were wonderful, especially Duke and Lehua (love her necklace!). In contrast, David's acting was very over-done in the beginning, but improved as the film went on. Beautiful views showing the simplicity of Waikiki at the turn of the century were magical. The costumes and music were exceptional. The surfing scenes were great - the use of wooden long boards added to the era of the picture. We enjoyed this glimpse of what life in Hawaii was like in Duke Kahanamoku's time. "The Ride" is a great escape back to Hawaii.

I saw "The Ride" when it was first shown at "Sunset on the Beach" with a few thousand other people in 2003. I was hopeful based on the comments of those who had seen it at the international film festival, but since it was "home grown" I did not want to get my hopes up too much. The story was simple, yet powerful. The soundtrack was pleasant and engaging. The actors, although sometimes over the top, were perfectly cast, aka, like a typical Disney film. A conversation with the director, Nathan, explained the over the top acting: the target audience were kids. I really appreciated the lack of gratuitous violence, nudity, profanity, etc. The film stands by itself without the need for these gimmicks. I have seen the film 5 times so far and enjoy it a little more each time. Can't wait for the DVD to come out. I have a few dozen friends who will get it for Christmas if it is out by then.

Wow! I've only watched the movie twice but now that I have the DVD I'm sure I'll be watching it more often. I haven't seen a movie that best represented Hawaii until this one came out. It really makes me very proud of my Heritage and my Culture. Very moving and it instills the true meaning of Aloha from a locals point of view. It also shows us (the younger generation) how much more there really is to our culture rather than making the money. Of course we need to make the money especially living in Hawaii, but not to lose the respect for others and ourselves. Not a lot of us live with patience or true aloha, with the life style we grow up with now days it's hard...influences come from the wrong things and sometimes just being good ain't worth it no more. It's hard and most people do what it takes to get by while others forget how it felt to be struggling before they had anything. But not everybody is like that...there's still some out there that live the aloha spirit to the heart every single day. I pray that one day we can all be like that...but till then the movie will continue to be a remembrance of the aloha spirit. Job well done...Aloha...Cruzah16