Waikiki

Audience Reviews

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Virginia B Born and raised on the big island of Hawaii, I did not expect this film to have the effect that it had on me. A thought-provoking film, which is meant to open our eyes to the realities of colonization. To see life beyond the veil of tourism. The struggle. I would recommend this film, as it is well-made, and successfully delivers a profound message. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/04/23 Full Review Lia Alicia M This movie was symbolic in so many ways, I think the “unfocused” perspective other reviews mention is actually a cinematic dive into schizophrenia or at least a psychotic break - the reveal of the homeless man being a personification of and a compartmentalization of the part of her that is failing, helps us sympathize a little more with the growing number of homeless we all see each day. They refer to her becoming crazy when not taking her pills multiple times. In Hawai’i it really is astronomical how many homeless with severe mental health issues exist. When she yells at the construction workers for not showing her aloha or sympathy she really drives it home - sure the capitalism and hyper government focus on tourism is tearing apart Hawai’i, but there’s a lack of self awareness in our own community. We all need to help each other and not tear each other down for failing to fit into the American tourist economy. The Hawaiian disconnection from their land, language, community and lifestyle is taking a toll. People increasingly say “where’s this aloha I’ve heard so much about?”, but is the person saying that showing aloha? Aloha used to be widespread in Hawai’i, it’s disappearing since the new government and economical changes…this movie begs us to question, what’s the real root of the problem? Then view the world with that sympathetic lens. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/03/24 Full Review Lora L "Waikiki" is a captivating and thought-provoking film that kept me engaged throughout its runtime. Christopher Kahunahana's directorial vision can truly be described as poetic. The narrative's ambiguity, blurring the lines between reality and imagination in Kea's story, adds a layer of intrigue that lingers long after the credits roll. The cast delivers powerful performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. As someone who lived in Honolulu for over a decade, I found the portrayal of houseless individuals in areas like Kaka'ako and Thomas Square Park to be particularly poignant and true to life. The film sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of mental illness among the houseless population, with schizophrenia being a common factor in prolonged homelessness. Kahunahana's storytelling effectively illustrates this complex issue, evoking both empathy and frustration at the lack of adequate support systems. "Waikiki" serves as a stark reminder of Hawaii's housing crisis and the challenges faced by its most vulnerable residents. The exorbitant cost of living in the islands makes securing stable housing an insurmountable task for many, a reality that the film portrays with unflinching honesty. "Waikiki" is a moving and important film that not only entertains but also raises awareness about pressing social issues in Hawaii. It's a testament to the power of cinema in sparking meaningful conversations about community, mental health, and the basic human right to shelter. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/05/24 Full Review Dallas H It sounds wrong for me to describe this movie as "Kelly Reichardt goes to Hawaii for vacation and is inspired to write another screenplay." I liked this movie. It is slower-paced but full of drama and feels grimly realistic about living paycheck to paycheck in a tropical paradise. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/24 Full Review Tafa'i S Fantastic view of the underbelly of Waikiki. This is the Hawai'i tourists don't see. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/20/23 Full Review Larry P Superb film illuminating the dark side of paradise. Blown away by this film's powerfulness and authenticity. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/05/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Waikiki

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