Hawaii

James A. Michener's mammoth novel, "Hawaii," is the subject of this suitably mammoth film, one with a lot to recommend it. Julie Andrews proves that she can handle a dramatic role as well or better than musical roles. Her Jerusha Bromley Hale captures our sympathy the minute she comes on screen and sustains it for the rest of the film. Likewise, Jocelyn LaGarde, a real-life Tahitian princess with no previous acting experience, gives an equally good performance as Alii Nui Ruth Malama Konakoa, for which she was justifiably nominated for an Oscar. There are also good supporting performances from Carroll O'Connor and Gene Hackman, both just a few years away from stardom when this picture was made. Russell Harlan's cameras capture the islands at their most beautiful, and Elmer Bernstein's haunting, evocative score is one of his best.

The one fatal flaw in all this is the actor playing the central male character, Reverend Abner Hale. While Max von Sydow was always good in the great Ingmar Bergman films ("The Seventh Seal"), in most of his English-language films, with the sole exception of "The Exorcist," he always came off as something of a well-dressed stiff. It's an image he upholds here. Perhaps it's the fact that he's working in a language not his own, perhaps it's just the hopeless nature of the lines he's saddled with, but his is an Abner Hale who could transform the staunchest Christian into a Druid. He, quite simply, generates no sympathy. Plus, as many of the best clergymen seem to know, you can win more converts by stressing the kind, loving qualities of Jesus than by belching out fire and brimstone. It seems to me that, for Andrews's character, choosing between this mannered stiff and Richard Harris's vigorous sea captain shouldn't have been much of a choice at all.

But this shouldn't drive you away from "Hawaii." For all the good points I mentioned, it's definitely worth seeing at least once.

While this film is based on part of a novel, so is largely drama, it does begin to tell the story of colonialism & for its time, it does pretty well. Clearly there are lots of aspects of the indigenous people that are revered in this film and the disrespect & savagery by colonial invasion is explored in a simple manner, but explored all the same. There are parts where it starts to turn into a stageshow. I actually think this film would be great to remake, to tell the story of how Hawaii was settled by the Europeans, but this time tell the whole story, the full novel, & the whole truth. The full traditions of the first people, and the gains & losses that the Europeans brought with them.

Hawaii was released in 1966, and was directed by George Roy Hill, it chronicles the journey of Reverend Abner Hale (Max von Sydow) as he moves to the Hawaiian island of Maui in an attempt to bring God to the "heathens." The movie is almost three hours long and covers an extensive and tragic period of time in Hale's life showing how devastating western ideas can be to a functioning non-western society. The highlight of this film is undoubtedly Julie Andrews' performance as the Reverend's loving, accepting wife Jerusha, who suffers greatly because of his inability to love both her and God. Andrews is amazing in this film, I have watched it many times and am more impressed by her every time I see it. Her portrayal of childbirth is the best I have ever seen period. For anyone who still doubts that she can act as well as she could sing, this movie is a must, she is so convincing as Jerusha that you forget she's acting. Max von Sydow is equally as convincing as Reverend Hale so much so that he makes it difficult for many to watch the movie. Overall Hawaii is a wonderful movie, very thought provoking with an importance message, and if you can manage to deal with the infuriating character of Abner Hale, then you will most certainly enjoy it.

Excellent performance by Max Von Sydow as the self-righteous missionary with a narrow vision of redemption and worship. This movie is almost as infuriating as Michenor's novel. You will not believe the horrible changes wrought upon these beautiful natives done with the best intentions. Sad and lovely film.

Mary Poppins, daughter of Archie Bunker(Carroll O'Connor), marries Father Merrin (The Exorcist) and travels from Boston to inflict rigid, Calvanistic missionary talk upon a 1819 Hawai'i. It turns out to be a hard trip, and once there, even more difficult to persuade a fabulously unrepentant Malama Ali'i Nui and her people to let go of centuries of cultural practices, including: aloha, daily joy, gratitude and peace, and free love/ sex, (with some royal sibling incest and a bit of questionable infanticide thrown in for good measure). Julie Andrews, Max von Sydow and Richard Harris star, with Gene Hackman and Carroll O'Connor in co-staring roles.

Gene Hackman in early role

Directors George Roy Hill Arthur Hiller(temporarily replaced director) Writers James A. Michener(novel) Dalton Trumbo(screenplay) Daniel Taradash(screenplay) Stars Julie Andrews Max von Sydow Richard Harris Julie Andrews and Jocelyne LaGarde in Hawaii (1966)

Two cultures collide in this vast, lavish and truly spectacular film Adapted from James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and nominated* for seven Oscars, this "majestic, gorgeously climatic epic with adventuresome picture-making, a credit to the industry"; and riveting entertainment! They came to bring God, but instead brought disease and destruction. The Rev. Abner Hale (Von Sydow) and his gentle wife Jerusha (Andrews) attempt to convert early 19th-century Hawaiian natives to Christianity but find themselves ill-equipped to endure the unexpected tribulations of paradise. Surging with the excitement of windstorms, firestorms, shark attacks and magnificent island scenery, Hawaii shines as passionately as the island paradise itself!

Julie Andrews and Max von Sydow in Hawaii (1966)

1966: It received seven nominations at the 39th Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress (Nominated- Jocelyne LaGarde), Best Cinematography- Color (Nominated), Best Costume Design-Color (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated), Best Effects- Visual Effects (Nominated), Best Music-Original Song (Nominated), Best Music-Original Music Score (Nominated) I think this film is worth seeking out ! It is on blu-ray/DVD.and multiple streaming /Tubi, Prime 7.8/10 Great Movie Poster!