The Ride

I saw this film at the San Francisco Premiere about a week ago. The film centers on an arrogant young (fictional) professional surfer, David Monroe and the father of modern surfing Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. David is into all the trappings of being a famous surfer. He is in need of an attitude adjustment and finds in a most unlikely way. Disoriented in the ocean waves, nearly drowned, he suddenly finds himself in turn-of-the-century Waikiki, next to the legendary Kahanamoku. This is all I will write about the plot.

As Hawaiian I just loved the way that director Nathan Kurosawa paid special attention to historical accuracy and Hawaiian culture.

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.

Every single scene in the movie, The Ride, was done to perfection. I was truly transported to that time in the past in a way that was so believable. It was hard to imagine that these actors were not seasoned, professional, actors. I came to Hawaii in the early 60's and fell in love with the surfing scene and all the stories about the great Duke. This movie brings the passion and love of Hawaii and surfing that Duke had to the screen. There was so much sensitivity given to every part of the story in making it as true to the culture and time as possible. I saw this movie when it first came out and was thrilled to meet some of the actors in the lobby of the theater before the showing. I received an autographed poster at the time and that poster has had a place of honor in our home ever since. My family will not let me take it down.

A must see for anyone who has lived in the islands for any length of time. The first thing you notice is the scenery, and the lack of buildings. And it's believable. You say to yourself " maybe this IS how is was in 1912?". This is not a surf movie. This is a movie about Hawaii and the Aloha spirit. It's so much more than a surf movie. It captures how Duke and his family and how they treated others. I saw this film with a friend, and the first thing I said was " I feel like I saw something really special" and she agreed. If you love Hawaii, you"ll love this film.I can't wait for it to come out on DVD. I plan to give them as Christmas gifts. I wish this film got more marketing and distribution here in Hawaii. I think it could become a local favorite if it was played in the regular theaters.

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.