The Islands (2019 movie)

The Islands is a 2019 feature movie. It was produced by Timothy A. Chey. The movie is based on the life of Chiefess Kapi'olani of Hawai'i.

Plot

Kapi’olani was a young woman of Hawaiian royalty. In 1821, American missionaries taught her Christianity. Over time, she accepts it. The local religion had a tradition. The goddess Pe’le required a human sacrifice. One of the Americans, Hiram Bingham, offered himself in place of a local. Noting Bingham's faith and courage, Kapi’olani decided to prove her faith in her new religion. To do so, she defied local tradition. She walked 60 miles (97 km) to Pe’le's volcano at Kilauea. She said a Christian prayer. Then she walked down into the volcano's main vent. She did not die. She became a powerful leader. She converts her people to Christianity.

Kapi’olani was one of the first Hawaiians to learn to read and write. She was the first Hawaiian to build a church.

Credits

Cast

Teuira Shanti Napa as Kapi’olani
Mira Sorvino as Mary Thornton
Ricky Sua’ava as Alika Kalawaia
John Savage as Henry Thornton
Michael Camp as Hiram Bingham
Malia Marquez as Kanoa Palakiko

Director

Timothy A. Chey

Distributor

Rover Rain

Rating

PG 13

Critical reception

The critical reception was mixed but mostly positive. David Jackson of Newswire wrote, "The Islands is a Landmark Piece in the World of Cinema," and called it "a true work of cinematic brilliance". And Umar Saeed wrote, "This story is perfect for all ages and ideal for group and family entertainment too." Marketwatch, on the other hand, found the plot not well carried out and the acting below par.

Awards

Hawaii Film Critics Society 2020 Nominated for Best Hawaii Film. Did not win.