Chief Zabu

Ever thought about a world where your favorite movies never made it to the big screen? Imagine uncovering, dusting off and watching for the first time Ferris Bueller's Day Off or The Breakfast Club. Some movies go through the whole production process but never get released to the public. This was the case for Chief Zabu. If you're an analytical film-goer who is typically stimulated by political intrigue than Zabu might be your 30 year old lost treasure. Despite its age, it maintains visual integrity as if it had the backing of a major studio. The film follows Ben Sydney (played by Allen Garfield) who is a real estate developer that lacks the ability to grasp the bigger picture of things. It also follows Sammy (played by Zack Norman), a trusty employee to Sidney, who aspires to be a stand up comedian rather than work in real estate his whole life. The duo believe they have struck gold when they are swindled by George Dankworth (played by Allan Arbus) to finance a deal involving a tiny, young, Polynesian island called Tiberaku. This deal will supposedly allow Ben and Sammy to profit from their soft drink and fishing rights they would be obtaining…as long as Chief Henri Zabu (played by Manu Tupou) gets the UN to approve them as an Independent nation. Though the central focus of the film is this deal revolving around Tiberaku, it's really about the American Dream and what being successful really means. A treasure is a treasure because it maintains timeless value. That's exactly why Chief Zabu is a lost treasure and is incredibly relevant today.

In the height of this election season, Chief Zabu is an extremely relevant film that follows multiple characters wanting a higher political status and influence. The hilarious political satire follows a group of New York real estate agents, played by Zack Norman, Allen Garfield, and Allan Arbus, as they plot to raise money and take over the fictional Polynesian nation Tiberaku while it's leader vies for admittance into the UN. This film was made in 1986, but the recent election inspired filmmakers Neil Cohen and Zach Norman to reassemble and release it. Allen Garfield plays Ben Sydney, the mastermind of this lucrative deal and ironically, the reason the filmmakers wanted to release this film. He is likened very much to a modern-day Trump. I was engaged the entire time, it was just so funny to follow these characters in their ridiculous ambitions, especially seeing how well it related to today's political state. I definitely recommend it.

Neil Cohen's socio-political satire is an indie gem that I found to be downright hysterical. The writing especially is remarkable in the way that the two bumbling pseudo-politicians (played by Zach Norman and the late Allen Garfield) manage to keep up a fast-paced dialogue that on the surface means absolutely nothing yet still holds a deeper commentary about the American Dream. The two actors clearly have great chemistry which allows their constant banter to feel natural and all the more real. For a truly independent film, it definitely holds up to mainstream cinema.

Chief Zabu is a timeless 80's satire that will continue to stay relevant throughout the years no matter the audience. In this film two realtors dream of having power in the political field and decide to capitalize on a Polynesian island in order to help them get to the top. Writers Neil Cohen and Zack Norman did a beautiful job when it came to writing a plot that would stay significant throughout time due to the constant crave of power and success in society. The writing included a perfect amount of humor to make the film comical but also continue to stay meaningful in its motifs. It's evident throughout the film that Cohen and Norman put a great amount of thought into each dialogue and scene in order to make the film so smooth as if this were happening in real life. Based on the amazing work done by Cohen and Norman I truly believe this film will continue to impress later generations as well.

Chief Zabu is a comedic, yet socially relevant film that inspires a rewatch. As the film's fictional country of Tiberaku falls under the public eye while applying for a seat in the United Nations, American real estate agents flock to have a part in the financial sector of the country. The film tells an excellent story about the cost of the American Dream and the elements that come into play while pursuing it. Zack Norman steals the show with his zany and hilarious characterization of Sammy Brooks. Overall, Chief Zabu is an entertaining, enjoyable and important film I will be showing my friends soon.