catherinetarleton

This longtime "karate movie" fan has never seen anything like Quantae Love in action.

Seriously.

And POPOLO is not all action. The themes of brotherhood, family honor and secrets bob and weave through the complex backstories of a hidden Honolulu, and the story delivers a powerful punch.

Its diverse and skilled cast includes a very scary version of Allan Y. Okubo, from The Fishing Club Movie.

And it was made in Hawai'i on love and lunch money by young filmmakers, and director Edo Natasha. And he better bring us more. ALOHA!

As a Hawai'i resident, it's a joy to see made-in-Hawai'i movies that stand up to any large studio project, with regards to acting, directing, story, production values, impact and education. Particularly to the family films genre, "Under the Blood Red Sun" is a major contribution.

Tim Savage and Red Sun Productions' excellent expression of Graham Salisbury's award-winning youth novel brings the WWII attack on Pearl Harbor into sharp focus. Against that historical background, the story of two boys--one Japanese, one Caucasian--is well-told and powerfully portrayed by young actors Kyler Sakamoto and Kalama Epstein.

As the boys and their families and friends (including up-and-coming 'ukulele star Aidan James) deal with the days and months that follow, they learn about loyalty, honor and strength in a hero's journey that's close to home, yet universal in heart.

Made with skill and aloha, "Under the Blood Red Sun" is a must-see.

Difficult to watch but impossible to look away, "3:13" sheds a light on one man's experience with homelessness in a way that is frighteningly easy to relate to--and is based on a true story.

From his gradual descent, through the everyday indignities, minor triumphs and major setbacks, "Peter" is poignantly played by Paul Alexandro with respect and finesse. This is a film to watch with a friend, to help process the experience of it.

Filmmakers, the Jaure brothers, donate a percentage of the film's revenue to Homeless World Aid, the advocacy foundation they established.