Act of War: the overthrow of the Hawaiian Nation (1993), was produced and directed by Puhipau Joan Larder Na Mako Ka Aina. Interestingly though, the film was made in association with the Centre for Hawaiian Studies, University of Hawaiii in Manoa. I feel that this collaboration of Academics, Professionals and filmmakers were able to create an engaging, entertaining and informative film. Act of War is unique in the way that not only is it is told from the perspective of the tradition Hawaiian, but it also seeks to tell the ‘truth’ in regards to Hawaiian Politics and America’s impact of Hawaii.
From the very opening scene I was captivated. The viewer is presented with similar images: volcano, lava, sun, smoke; these images are synchronized and associated to the commentary. Then contrasting images of ships, planes and tourist immediately let the viewer know of the filmmaker’s standpoint. The film promotes the idea that there is always two sides to a story, and their account of Hawaiian history is the one less often heard. The recording of Haunani-Kay Trask protesting for Indigenous rights is a very powerful and moving clip. Though what I found to be even prevailing was her commentary when she was being interviewed. A text-box below her image had her name and her academic credentials listed. The same sort of information was displayed near each interviewee. This sort of data informs the viewer that the content gathered for the film was sourced from diverse - but more importantly informed - sectors of contemporary Hawaiian society. Effective filmic techniques that really stood out to me were the recurring images of the flame burning in the background and displayed over that image was statistical data. The population count of Original Hawaiians was dwindling throughout the duration of the film. Watching the numbers get smaller and smaller, really did tug at my heart strings. I did not realize quite how may live were lost due to Westernization in Hawaii, and the that was effective way of informing the viewer.
1 Comment
Katrina Hicks
12/5/2016 01:53:14 pm
Nicole,
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorNicoleRoseAnna an Aquarian, middle child, grand-daughter, sister, aunty, cousin and niece. On the road to becoming a Sociologist specialising in Film & Television. Archives
December 2016
Categories |