The Wind & the Reckoning

Based on one of the most interesting stories in Hawaiian history! It's portrayed so beautifully and I love that it's spoken in 'olelo Hawaii (the Hawaiian language). Don't be afraid of the subtitles 🤙

I've read Ko'olau's wife Pi'ilani's book and I thought the heart of it was brought to life so honestly and vividly by the filmmakers.

My 8 and 11 year old kids enjoyed the film too; it wasn't too scary for them and they related to the boy in the story.

I live on Kaua'i, so I can tell it was not filmed in the actual locations; aside from establishing shots. What would have made it better for me would be to have seen the actual places where the events took place. Kalalau beach and valley is majestic in real life (though I'm sure it looks different now than it did in Ko'olau's time) and but also so very remote and protected I'm sure it would be nearly impossible to film out there with full cast & crew.

The filmmakers did a great job with the essence of the story and telling it in a way that can make Hawaii proud.

I really enjoyed watching this movie not only because I am a fan of western styled movies but because it bring to light a story and history rarely discussed. Being able to peek into the deep complex history of Hawai'i was a very pleasant experience, especially told from the side of faith and prosperity. I can only imagine what those native Hawaiians must have faced and experienced during those times. Seeing how the leper community was treated brought tears to my heart. Knowing they were lied to, exploited, and killed for something they had no control over was horrific. The ending was a bit cheesy but I really loved the journey this film took me on. I will definitely be watching it again and with my kids!

I watched this film at Hawaii International Film Festival and I was blown away, not only from the movie itself, but with the amazing cast and crew that dedicated so much time to this project and made this on a limited budget. The storytelling was authentic, the cinematography was stunning, and the delivery from the actors performing the poetic 'Olelo Hawai'i (aka Native Hawaiian language. IMDB cannot display the okina and kahako....) was one of the most authentic portrayals of Hawaiian history I have ever seen in cinema. This is based on the true memoir written by Pi'ilani, and some quotes were directly from her storytelling. The world needs to know what really happened to Hawai'i in the 19th century after the overthrow of the Hawaiian government.

Director David Cunningham delivers another masterpiece in his new film The Wind and the Reckoning. The film is beautiful shot in Hawaii. The cast delivers a heartfelt performance. I loved the balance of English and the Hawaiian language. I left the theater contemplating the importance of Ohana and how far I would go to protect my own family. The Wind and the Reckoning is a powerful, moving and beautiful film. History is so important for us to learn from and than we can apply the lessons learned to our life today. Let's learn from the past and begin to heal. This is a must see movie that will entertain, inform and inspire.

The Wind & The Reckoning is the best movie made in Hawaii. It premiered on November 4 at the Bishop Museum as the opening Film of the 42nd Annual Hawaii International Film Festival where it received The Made In Hawaii Award For Feature Film. In The Boston Film Festival it took eight awards Including Best Film, Best Screenplay (John Fusco), Best Director (David L. Cunningham), Best Actress (Lindsay Anuhea Watson), Best Cinematography (Scott Lee Mason), Best Story/Best Editing (Kyle Gilbertson), and Best Ensemble Cast. Why it has not been reviewed by any major critics Is a total travesty and a mystery.

It Has a legendary story brought to life, in action, drama, and romance while exploring the plight of the native Hawaiians at the time of the overthrow in 1893 and the cruel roundup of those afflicted by leprosy by unscrupulous bounty hunters

This film tells the story of one of Hawaiis most legendary heroes, Koolau, (the powerful Jason Scott Lee) a late 19th century paniolo (cowboy) whose life on Kauai is upended by the requirement from the coup leaders that all persons with leprosy must be quarantined in Kalaupapa on the Island of Molokai. He decides to resist and plans to escape into the hills and lava tubes. That night, he and his son Kalei (in an extraordinary debut by Kahiau Perreira) are captured and when his employer, Eben Sinclair (the sympathetic Patrick Gilbert) intervenes, a struggle ensues and Koolau kills a deputy sheriff. He flees with his family into the mountains of Kauai and is pursued by the U. S. Army led by Capt. McCabe (the homicidal Henry Ian Cusick) as well as Marshall Hamilton (Jonathan Schaech).

As Koolau, Jason Scott Lee turns in the performance of his career. He is dignified, a loving husband and father, a well thought of employee and a fierce warrior. His calm demeanor is contrasted with his fierce defense of his family and freedom. It is an Oscar worthy performance.

Equally excellent is Lindsay Anuhea Watson as Piilani. Ms Watson, who is a native of Kula, Maui, has only done two films and has one in the can, but her on screen persona is magnetic and her wonder woman warrior is like the mother lion defending her cubs; you would not want to mess with her.

It is a great story, sumptuously told in beautiful cinematography by newcomer Scott Lee Mason, the drone shots are so well done and the action sequences make the audience feel the danger and violence. It has Oscar worthy performances across the board, Jason Scott Lee as magnificent, Koolau, Lindsay Anuhea Watson as the gorgeous, powerful Piilani and a supporting one for Henry Ian Cusick as the angry, drunkard Capt. McCabe. If this movie is not playing where you are, ask your local cinema to get it. It is A REAL SLEEPER. The best film made in Hawaii to date.

PS they do not allow apostrophes or okinas.