The Islands

The Islands is a dramatic and compelling feature film production from 2019 that is predominantly based on historical events. The story unfolds over the breathtaking beauty of the tropical Hawaiian Islands, serving as a stunning backdrop to the unfolding narrative. The film's prime cast includes talented musicians and actors, notably Teuira Shanti Napa, Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino, and Ricky Sua'ava.

Interweaving elements of history, drama, and faith, The Islands primarily focuses on the life of Chiefess Kapiolani who ruled over a portion of the Big Island of Hawaii during the 19th-century. It provides viewers with a remarkable peek into the past, delving into one of the most profound periods of cultural transformation in Hawaiian history – the arrival of English Christian Missionaries in the 1820s.

Teuira Shanti Napa brilliantly portrays the enigmatic Chiefess Kapiolani, evoking her fierce intelligence and courageous spirit. The narrative charts Kapiolani's steadfast determination to protect her people, showcasing her significant influence and firm leadership style built on compassion and wisdom. Napa’s portrayal is both riveting and genuine, drawing you into the story.

Academy-award winning actress Mira Sorvino plays a very different role as Lucy Thornton, a character based on the real-life wife of missionary Hiram Bingham I. Sorvino offers a sensitive and insightful portrayal of Thornton and her struggles, where faith, love and cultural understanding become central themes.

The role of Chief Boki is handled by Ricky Sua'ava, who delivers a memorable performance by highlighting his conflicts regarding the clash of tradition, faith, and encroaching colonialism. Boki and Kapiolani's dynamic relationship offers a fascinating subplot, providing a deeper glimpse into the era's political and personal intricacies.

The Islands explores the cultural conflict faced by the Hawaiian people during the early 19th century as they grappled with British colonialism and the imposition of western religious belief systems. Yet, it does justice to both sides, outlining the complexities of the historical era without resorting to simplified depictions.

What sets The Islands apart is its intimate exploration of Kapiolani's character as she strives to negotiate and understand the rapidly changing world around her. Given the collision of civilizations, the narrative delves into how Kapiolani's firm belief in the traditional Hawaiian Gods comes head-to-head with Christian teachings, forcing her to reassess her understanding of faith and divinity.

The role of faith plays a significant part in The Islands, with the founding tenets of Christianity juxtaposed against Hawaii's native beliefs. It's in this contentious narrative interplay where the film finds its dramatic core, intricately examining how religion shapes society and attests to its values.

Directed by Tim Chey, The Islands showcases a cinematic rendition of the history of Kapiolani, focusing on her historic walk to the active volcano, Kilauea. The journey she made was a symbolic challenge to the violent volcano goddess Pele, a test of her newly found Christian God’s power over the old Hawaiian gods. This event marks a crucial turning point in the narrative - a bold act of rebellion that greatly influenced Hawaiian history.

The movie does a phenomenal job in cinematographically capturing the Hawaiian Islands, with stunning wide-angle shots of the lush landscapes and sparkling oceans. The production quality is high, and the costumes and settings convincingly transport us back to the early 19th century Hawaii.

Accompanied by a moving soundtrack, the film becomes not just an auditory, but also a visual treat. The carefully chosen music adds depth to the emotional scenes, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The Islands presents a profound narrative about faith, courage, and resilience. It honors Hawaiian culture while equally presenting a crucial period in the state's history, where tradition and modernity dramatically collided. In its empathetic retelling of Chiefess Kapiolani's story, it remains deeply respectful to Hawaiian culture and history, rendering it a thoughtful and engaging watch.

The Islands, with its exceptional cast and high production value, serves up an intriguing slice of history wrapped in a compelling narrative. It is a film that will absorb you, leave you with a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture and history, and may prompt reflections on faith, courage, leadership, and the complexity of cultural interactions.