The Ride

Anyone who lives in Hawaii knows what I'm talking about. Watching shows or movies about Hawaii where the the Hawaiian and pidgin are watered down to the point where they sound ridiculous. Not this movie! Keep up or get left behind- the Hawaiian is flying from the get go, so you have to put two and two together and pay attention. Loved it.

Also, the overall look and feel of the movie was truly Hawaiian - not some Hollywood producer's vision of it.

The braddahs that played Duke and his boys were phenomenal. They really captured the spirit of what it's like to grow up in Hawaii with your friends, and you felt that Duke was really a special, kind spirit. I look forward to seeing the wahine's future projects as well.

The only negative was that the haole boy's first half hour of acting was a little shaky, but he pulled it together and once he relaxed you felt the suspension of disbelief kick in, and the movie was nothing but enjoyable from that point.

Kurosawa is an extremely intelligent & thoughtful director who's done himself proud with this project.

Geev um, Nate! ;)

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.

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.

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.

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.