Product Description

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 11/29/2005 Run time: 107 minutes Rating: Nr

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15558 in DVD
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2005-05-31
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French, Japanese
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 107 minutes

Customer Reviews

A bit too much melodrama , but I love films about Hawaii
This 1962 film is set in Hawaii and, considering that it had just become a state a mere three years before, certainly captured the public's imagination and interest. Charlton Heston is cast as a wealthy widower whose sister, Yvette Mimieux, is in love with a Polynesian, played by James Darren. He vehemently objects to the marriage on racial grounds, but has no problem having his own little inter-racial affair with France Nuyen. Complications arise, especially when Nuyen becomes pregnant. There is a violent incident when the future bridegroom is murdered, and his doctor brother, George Chakiris, gets into a romance with Yvette Mimieux. The whole film is about racial intolerance and it sends a strong message, which kept the story interesting. The acting was good and Yvette Mimieux, then 20 years old, was a pleasure to look at. The setting was beautiful too; I can never get tired of looking at films set in Hawaii.

However, there was just a bit too much melodrama for my taste and although the story moved fast and was well plotted, I never felt any real emotion for the characters. And, as in the 60s, most of the people who were supposed to be Polynesian were really Caucasian actors with darkened skin, thereby losing authenticity. Usually, this kind of casting makes me angry, but this time I just relaxed and enjoyed the video, which was pleasant, dealt with a controversial theme, and was easy to follow. But we can't expect all movies to be works of art. Therefore, despite its faults, I give this film a lightweight recommendation.

For Fans of Charlton Heston Only
Contemporary audiences may only know Charlton Heston from his vehement NRA sponsorship and his occasional cameo roles in big budget films and commmercials, but at one time, he was a BIG MAN in film. Fresh from his role in "Ben-Hur, the film has him playing a domineering and self-serving plantation owner who makes life "hell" for his young sister played by Yvette Mimieux. Filmed three years or so after the admission of Hawaii into the Union, the film carefully treads the tense waters that exist between haole and native Hawaiians. Mimieux's character is romantically involved with James Darren's Paul Kahanna, a "native" boy. The relationsip is frowned on by the hypocrital Heston who himself is having a "back street" affair with France Nuyen. George Chakiris, as Darren's successful doctor brother, provides support for Mimieux after a fatal occurance.

As far as political correctness is concerned, the film is hopelessly flawed with the choice of actors playing the respective Hawaiians. Darren, an alumnus of so many teen movies, does a credible job, but, not once, is believed to be Hawaiian. Chakiris, who had previously won an Academy Award for playing a Puerto Rican in "West Side Story" fares even less. Mimieux is adequate in the typical 60's sex kitten role. Heston is basically playing his typical larger than-life self as "King" Howland.

The film is entertaining and noteworthy as an early exercise in focusing on race relations. For that reason, it gets a recommendation. Heston fans, of which I am one, will probably like it.

One highlight is the powerful score done by a young John Williams. As Heston rides a horse over the opening credits, the music is majestic and worthy of the scope and expanse of the plantation, and hints at the story to follow.

Tropical Tantrums
I have always enjoyed this movie. Set in glorious Hawaii, Charlton Heston is his usual best with a great support cast. This movie lived up to my memory of first seeing it years ago. It mixes the underlying tension in Hawaii at that time, with the explosive forbidden love tangle. A very pleasant film in many ways with exquisite scenery, good acting, set in a great era and has nice closure. A must for Heston fans.