Beyond Paradise

I saw this movie because some people I know are in it. This movie is so true to how Hawaii really is on the Big Island. With the exception there is no where to race at Pine trees.

It shows how all the locals always want to fight and how the teenage girls are always knocked up, and the drug and alcohol problems that exists here in Hawaii.

I shows the racism against whites (Haoles) but really doesn't show the racism to every single other race.

The story is all but to true. Acting not so good, story good..

If you don't want to take my word for it watch the movie, come to Hawaii and check out how life is here. Don't go to Oahu to see how real Hawaii is because there is to much military and that just isn't how real Hawaii is. Go to Kauai, or the Big Island.

Maui is starting to be more Haole now so outer island are best to see how true this movie is.

I must say I saw this film with a group of friends here in Hawaii and the theatre was jam packed. This movie shows both the good and bad sides of Hawaii. Where movies like "Aloha Summer" and "North Shore" failed "Beyond Paradise" succeeds. The story focuses on California native Mark[Roy Newton] as he moves to Hawaii to live with his mother. He is befriended by three local students named Zulu[Kalani], Ronnie Boy[Lorenzo Callender] and Keao[Daryl Bonilla]. We then are taken on a journey of both beauty and violence and what a journey it is. Aside from one flaw[which I'll talk about a little later]I thought this movie was excellent. The cinematography is superb and the story is brutal but utterly endearing and touching. But the thing that stands out most is the acting. This film showcases some young talented actors. I'd take these actors over any from the "Dawson Creek", "Scream" crowd. Newton is okay but shows little depth and even lesser growth as Mark[this being the flaw I mentioned earlier]. Being on the screen with talented actors as he was only made his so-so performance stand out more[which in his case was not a good thing]. Kalani is a charmer as the storytelling Zulu[not a bad surfer as well]. Callender delivers a solid yet heartbreaking performance as Ronnie. He's got talent. Bonilla distinguishes himself as Keao. He is a scene stealer. This guy is something special to watch as the crowd just ate him up. Priscilla Basque[Lehua], Troy Ignacio[Aku] and Eric MacArthur[Jason]do good work in supporting roles. I seriously recommend that people see this film for just the great acting alone as this movie delivers 9/10.

I just wanted to say that this movie was fantastic. It was honest without being insulting(as most films about Hawaii are)and the camera work was superb. The thing that stood out the most was the exceptional performances by Lorenzo Callender(Ronnie Boy), Daryl Bonilla(Keao) and Kalani(Zulu), with Bonilla stealing the show with natural depth and comedic timing. Hopefully Hollywood's "big wigs" will look into these fine young actors. Great movie!!!

I have been tracking this film since its rough cut debut at the Hawaii Film Fest. I heard that it broke the attendance record at that Fest and had tremendous reviews. Evidently, the film makers were able to raise additional funds from that success and shot additional scenes. The final version was premiered at AFI Fest 98. The screening I attended was packed, people stood in the back and chairs were brought in. It was a lot of fun. I heard the second screening was just as full. The film is about a young Californian who moves to the big island of Hawaii. There he is befriended by three Hawaiians who show him a very different Hawaii that is not seen by the average tourist. Incredible cinematography ( especially the underwater scenes ) and a great soundtrack, along with a strong script with dramatic performances make up for a great ride. The lead Hawaiian performance by Lorenzo Callender is particularly impressive.

I loved "To End All Wars", and I really wanted to see this, since it was David Cunningham's first movie. I finally got a chance to see it a couple weeks ago, and... Well, it shows that this is his first, because it is very rough...

I'm sure a lot of the crew came from his Film production school and other students at the University of the Nations (even used it in the movie!)I'm just wondering if the actors are from his school, too... The acting isn't the best...

Still, this is a very entertaining movie, and even got darker than I expected it to. The big event at the end was a bit surprising to me. The story was very good, and it was supposedly very loosely based on Cunningham's experiences growing up in Hawaii. I would be interested in finding out the extent of the movie that was true, which brings me to my last point.

The movie was mostly good when you accept it for what it is, but the DVD is unforgivable... No documentary stuff, no subtitles, few chapter breaks, and no other special features... This may have been a first generation DVD, because a DVD made now should never be so bare that there isn't even a subtitle track! There was a lot they could have put on this DVD, considering it was considered a promotional thing for Hawaii...