Finding ‘Ohana is a 2021 family adventure film combines a treasure-hunt storyline with Hawaii’s stunning culture, making it a sentimental cinematic experience. This unique film is directed by Jude Weng and written by Christina Strain, marking Weng’s debut as a feature film director. After its release on Netflix, the film gained tremendous popularity due to its Hawaiian customs and legends as well as its charming plot and young leads.
Plot Summary
As the title suggests, the film follows the life of its protagonist, Pili Kawena, a feisty 12-year-old girl who lives in Brooklyn and is passionate about geocaching. Alongside her mother, Leilani, and elder brother, Ioane or “E”, Pili’s world turns upside down when her grandfather Kimo falls ill. The family relocates to O’ahu to take care of him. The hustle and bustle of Brooklyn comes to a halt as the Kawena family moves to the serene Hawaiian countryside. For Pili and E, this change is beyond shocking and, to add to that, E is more fixated on his cell phone and social life to appreciate the local culture.
As Pili is exploring her grandfather’s house, she discovers an old pirate’s journal which suggests a treasure that is long forgotten and is buried somewhere in the caves of the island. The thought of adventure sets off a spark in her, and so she decides to pursue the clues. Während ihrer jagt schließt sich sowie Casper, ein beschriebener lokal kind mit kaudernden seltener kranelings. Ihr onkel Jack und seine neue freundin E Hana. Together the group embarks on an adventurous journey through lava tubes, ancient tunnels and spiritual places of Hawaii myth.
In and out of a volcano, she told herself. In and out of a volcano. In and out of the sacred lands and encountering the legendary Night Marchers. Hawaiian warrior spirits known to guard precious lands. Through all these supernatural threats and protective challenges alongside the many conflicts temporally, they come to understand the hurdles of their identity, origins, and what it means to be family. The children together choose to give back what they said was gold as a sign of respect for the land and with that, the spirits of the land now guides them to deeper roots and guides the children along with uncovering more from themselves.
Characters and Performances
The film’s lively and headstrong heroine is Pili Kawena, interpreted by new actress Kea Peahu. She drives the plot forward with her curiosity and boldness, which, along with the casting of Peahu, results in a charming and sincere performance. Pili’s progress feels authentic because the role is played by a young girl who is indeed caught between two cultures.
Alex Aiono’s portrayal of Ioane “E” Kawena casts him as the older sibling struggling with his identity. His character initially antagonizes the relocation to Hawaii, pining for life in New York. E later comes to accept his heritage and gradually takes on the responsibilities of a protector and leader. Aiono brings the character warmth and relatability.
As comic relief and enthusiastic sidekick, Owen Vaccaro’s Casper is a lighthearted foil to Pili. The interplay and relationship he has with her is positive and enjoyable. Lindsay Watson portrays Hana, who is intelligent, self-assured, and rooted in her Hawaiian ancestry. She is a strong and traditional woman, who also serves as a cultural guide for E and a symbol of strength.
Kimo, the grandfather, and Leilani, the mother, complete the family. Their roles provide emotional grounding to the film’s themes of intergenerational connection alongside several relationships that span across different generations with Pili and E.
Direction and Visuals
Jude Weng, the director, skillfully interweaves action, humor, and cultural reverence. The pacing of the film is quick, and the adventure scenes are skillfully crafted to maintain a proper intensity for younger audiences. The Hawaiian setting is fully utilized to showcase its lush landscapes, traditional architecture, and sacred sites. Cort Fey, the cinematographer, portrays the beauty and mystique of the island, creating a living backdrop integral to the story.
While the constituent visual effects are modest, their contribution to depicting the Night Marchers and ancient booby traps is impressive. In addition, Trapanese’s score enhances emotional moments while also instilling wonder and curiosity.
Themes and Cultural Impact
Finding ‘Ohana portrays an unfurling treasure-hunting adventure paired alongside family bonds, cultural identity, and the rituals one ought to cherish. Centering on ‘Ohana—a treasured Hawaiian value—the film illustrates the relevance of roots as guiding forces, with culture embodying strength.
Finding ‘Ohana displays the respectful representation of Hawaiian customs and mythology, which is one of the film’s most distinguishing features. The use of Hawaiian language and culture, as well as reverence for ancestors, Hawaiian identity, and even the inclusion of the Night Marchers all contribute to a narrative that honors the culture. The film seeks to teach audiences and does so without being preachy, effortlessly integrating cultural wisdom into the storyline.
Belonging and self-discovery are interwoven themes present in the film. Pili and E start their journey in the film estranged from their heritage, but over the course of their adventure learn to embrace it. Additionally, the duo realizes that their identity goes beyond geography and encompasses history, family, and community.
Reception
Finding ‘Ohana was released to positive reception from audiences and critics alike. Viewers noted the film’s originality and praised the cast as well as cultural representation. Many referenced classic movies such as The Goonies as a benchmark, noting the youthful exploration and teamwork present in the film while appreciating its modern setting and updated sensibility.
Reviewers noted the film’s wholesome tone, notable performances, and its successful blend of entertainment and message-driven content. While some reviewers pointed out that it adhered to well-established principles of adventure narrative structure, they conceded that the film’s specific culture-based angle was distinctive.
Legacy and Impact
Finding ‘Ohana adds to the growing collection of films serving Hawaiian narratives and perspectives that have traditionally been absent from mainstream media. The film allows kids of Hawaiian ancestry to envision themselves in heroic roles, fighting against the trope of “other” children’s narratives where only Western figures save the day.
Discussing its impact, the film showcases a greater need for family films that are grounded in showcasing diverse heritages rather than reducing them to mere stereotypes. Along with its Hawaiian heritage and characters, Finding ‘Ohana helps broaden the discourse towards inclusive narrative traditions.
Concluding Remarks
Finding ‘Ohana is a sentimental and energetic film juxtaposed with the richness of Hawaiian culture. It aims to educate the viewers about eager love for family, ancestry, and exploration. Through engaging and multi-dimensional characters, it presents family cinema a much-needed angle that has been absent through respectful representation of Hawaiian culture.
Finding ‘Ohana is an intriguing option if you seek adventure stories, wish to learn about Hawaiian culture, or want a movie that harmonizes thrill with emotional nuance. The film helps us remember how the most cherished treasures we possess, in fact, are not the ones hidden beneath the caves and the mountains, but rather, the ones we hold deep in our hearts, and which, essentially, provide us the sense of heritage, family and belonging.
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