Chief of War

One episode in and it's very good. I'm just here to read the reviews from people complaining about subtitles. Their native language isnt English so don't expect them to speak it. If you can't read, just say so. It's got action, some drama, and the back stories are slowly filling in. It's a promising miniseries.

Chief of war is everything that you want and more with great performances, and with a great Hawaiian setting, amazing atmosphere that pairs with the cinematography, which is also another feat of the series so far, with how memorable some of the shots really are. Action sequences that are very unique and unexpected, the introduction to this series could not have been any better. 9/10 so far so good.

Set in the 1800s across the Hawaiian islands, the series unfolds against the backdrop of rival kingdoms and an ancient prophecy foretelling the rise of a unifying ruler. The premise is both fresh and steeped in cultural richness

The cinematography is absolutely top-tier. Each scene feels immersive, authentic, and visually stunning; bringing the lush landscapes and intense battles to life with incredible detail. The action choreography is particularly impressive; the fights feel visceral and raw, more like real combat than staged sequences.

The writing has been strong so far. The story flows well and keeps you engaged throughout. The first episode is tightly paced and impactful. The second episode slows down a bit in the middle but finishes strong. Some points may feel a little predictable but they land effectively within the story's context.

The cast is excellent. Both lead and supporting actors deliver powerful performances, conveying raw emotions that help you connect with the characters on a deeper level.

A standout feature is the use of native Hawaiian languages throughout the first two episodes. This creative choice adds an incredible layer of authenticity and reflects the creators' respect and passion for the culture.

I would definitely recommend this to watch. It is a great action series with a fresh concept.

(This review will be edited as more episodes are released)

Not sure why so many are upset about the native language being spoken or why it "ruins" it for them. It's pretty neat to listen to the language spoken as it would have been during the time, then again I have a penchant for being able to learn languages fairly quickly (not that I expect to do that from watching a television miniseries). So far it is very credible, from what I know of the history of the Hawaiian Islands and its gritty while still being beautiful. I give it high marks and expect it to be an awesome series to the finish!

I am deaf and I was born and raised in Hawai'i, but with no Hawaiian ancestry. I still have my highest respect in Hawaiian values and culture. When I heard about this TV series by Jason Momoa, I was thrilled to watch. But once I started watching, I was looking around to turn on the subtitles because I am deaf. To my astonishment, I discovered the Hawaiian subtitles!! Luckily, I took the elementary Hawaiian classes at Kapi'olani CC, and to satisfy my curiosity, I turned on the subtitles in Hawaiian and... it gave me goosebumps!! By seeing the subtitles in true Hawaiian language, I was able to read and understood some of them. Incredible!!! I'm excited to be able to watch this with subtitle options being shown in English and Hawaiian. Mahalo, Jason Momoa and the entire crew behind this TV series and Apple TV for this amazing feat!