Beyond Paradise

Beyond Paradise is a movie that not only shows the side of Hawaii not much people see... but it also shows how prejudiced people can get. The movie had a good meaning. Topped off with good acting and nice story line.. TWO THUMBS UP!

I saw BP at AFI Fest 98 in Santa Monica. It was a sold out showing and the crowd responded enthusiastically. I think it deals with cross cultural relationships in a very subtle but profound way. It is beautifully filmed and has a lot of great moments.

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 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've seen this movie 4 times since it opened in theatres here in Hawaii in April of this year and I still enjoy this movie. It is one of the most beautifully shot films I've seen. And it is superbly acted. Lorenzo Callender and Daryl Bonilla are gems. Both have great charisma on-screen and I can't wait to see them in other film. The rest of the cast did a good job. This movie is something special and I'm waiting for the video(or the sequel). *** out of ****.