BootDigest
Such a frustrating disappointment
Portia Hilton
Blistering performances.
Kaelan Mccaffrey
Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.
Tripster10
Though arguably a "time travel" film, The Ride is actually much more. In the plot, a hot shot modern surfer, David, competing in an international surf competition, experiences a wipe-out. The wipe-out inexplicably transports David back to 1911 Hawaii. There he meets the young Duke Kahanamoku, played perfectly by the charismatic Sean Kaawa. The young Duke has yet to achieve international fame from participation in the Olympic games. He is a surfer and craftsman who exposes the brash David to Hawaiian ways. The real star of the film is the uniquely Hawaiian "Aloha Spirit" which is central in the lives of the people David encounters. That spirit shines brightly in "Lehua", played by the radiant Mary Paalani, as a young woman who also introduces David to Island ways. The Ride's real charm is in the portrayal of Hawaii and its people at a time which preceded extensive commercial growth and development. The film provides a glimpse of a less complicated past, which is indeed worth "The Ride".
honolulu_Bad_Boy
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! ;)
puna2320
I am Hawaiian, from Kona. Now, I live in central PA with my wife. We saw this movie last month on our Hawaiian Air flight between Honolulu and Las Vegas. All I can say is...finally, a movie that expresses the true 'uhane aloha (Aloha Spirit). The acting was pretty good, the action shots believable (surfing, etc.), all with beautiful scenery. Real Hawaiian actors, too, not haole people trying to portray us with fake accents (e.g., see North Shore - the movie and the TV show - better yet, don't see them). The love story was compelling, and the Hawaiian values woven into the story about surfing and life fit perfectly and felt pono (right).It reminded me of a movie I saw in 1983 at the Seattle IMAX theater. A young Hawaiian man (played by Blaine Kia) seeks a stronger cultural connection to his Hawaiian roots. He travels back in time to experience the true essence of hula. I wish I could remember the movie's name. Okay, I just did an online search, and I think the movie was "Behold Hawai'i." So, after 20+ years of being disappointed by so many ignorant and degrading films and TV shows made about Hawai'i and Hawaiian culture, "The Ride" fulfills the promise that "IMAX: Behold Hawai'i" gave to me back then. IMHO, today's TV/radio/theaters are filled with one-size-fits-all MTV-style "look-at-me-I-got-the-bling-bling-so-screw-you-beeyatch" videos, music and movies. In contrast, "The Ride" speaks to me on many levels - personal, cultural and emotional. "The Ride" makes me long for the past, while appreciating the present and giving me hope for the future. We need more movies in the style of "The Ride"...one with a good and hopeful message, without being preachy...for me, for Hawai'i, for all Hawaiians, for local people, and for all Hawaiians-at-heart. Maika'i no, mahalo!
vegasginger
all the actors were exceptional!!! loved the story and the scenery was beautiful. the story was easy to follow and was told nicely. i grew up in Hawaii in the 1940's and it reminded me of how wonderful Hawaii was then. i met duke in Waikiki and always admired him ;his surfing and swimming abilities. he was was one of the nicest guys i ever met. the woman that played duke's mom (Paulette Franco) is my daughter. my name is Joe Franco and i live in las Vegas, Nevada now. i just received the movie as a wonderful Christmas present today from Paulette and i am thrilled to have it. thank you for making such a historic moviesincerelyJoe Franco
