User Reviews

My husband and I saw "The Ride" at the Hawaii International Film Festival at Restaurant Row in Honolulu. We were lucky enough to meet many of the cast members and discuss the film before and after the showing. The local actors were wonderful, especially Duke and Lehua (love her necklace!). In contrast, David's acting was very over-done in the beginning, but improved as the film went on. Beautiful views showing the simplicity of Waikiki at the turn of the century were magical. The costumes and music were exceptional. The surfing scenes were great - the use of wooden long boards added to the era of the picture. We enjoyed this glimpse of what life in Hawaii was like in Duke Kahanamoku's time. "The Ride" is a great escape back to Hawaii.

I saw this movie in Honolulu over the summer. The first half hour is sooo bad the movie has to spend the rest of the time making up for it. Out of focus shots (how did they even MAKE the final cut?), and horrible overacting distract the viewers attention. BUT, then comes a more thoughtful approach to the real story, which is lovely to look at and sweet to watch. I found myself slowly but surely not resenting the acting so much. Or maybe the acting (or editing) was getting better! As the story unfolded in Hawaiian days of yore, I found myself (accidentally) caring about the characters, and marveling at the Hawaiian history and beauty. The surf scenes on the old boards are priceless!!!!! The Duke character is beautiful. Someone sign that boy up. And the lead white guy settled into his role nicely and by the end, made me cry. The female lead is acted well, and her story line is interesting. Bottom line? I've recommended this movie to all my friends.

A must see for anyone who has lived in the islands for any length of time. The first thing you notice is the scenery, and the lack of buildings. And it's believable. You say to yourself " maybe this IS how is was in 1912?". This is not a surf movie. This is a movie about Hawaii and the Aloha spirit. It's so much more than a surf movie. It captures how Duke and his family and how they treated others. I saw this film with a friend, and the first thing I said was " I feel like I saw something really special" and she agreed. If you love Hawaii, you"ll love this film.I can't wait for it to come out on DVD. I plan to give them as Christmas gifts. I wish this film got more marketing and distribution here in Hawaii. I think it could become a local favorite if it was played in the regular theaters.

'The Ride' is a movie that is only barely worth seeing. The star, Scot Davis, is wholly unconvincing and his lines completely ludicrous. He does improve as the movie goes on. The story line is somewhat unbelievable, unless taken as a dream, but even then the presentation of this possibility is weakly performed. The local cast is fantastic in this movie, their acting comes off as natural and unforced (unlike Davis'). The scenery is excellent, and the music is great, though not all that well synchronized. The surf scenes are a huge plus. At the end of the movie, however, I was left with a few major questions. "Why can't anyone just skip the mainstream cliché movie ideas to make a movie about Hawaii?" and "Why does the crappy story about a white surfer from Cali take up more screen time than the powerful portrayal of the Duke and friends?" Essentially, a story that should have been all about the Duke isn't that at all, but a story about a poorly acted, poorly written, implausible "world champ" surfer who learns about the aloha spirit from the waikiki beachboys of the early 1900s. Apparently Davey Monroe had been able to become world champ as a California surfer without ever coming to Hawaii. And he didn't seem to realize anything was up with the victorian costumes and the antique phone at the Moana Hotel. This movie made me hope that someone would make the movie that Hawaii, and Duke, deserve.

Growing up in Hawaii through the 1950's and 1960's and surfing most of my life, this movie touched my soul in ways that few other movies have. Underneath the relatively simple plot the message is simple and pure - Aloha, as it existed in a much simpler time and could exist now if we would just let it, is the essence of being at peace with yourself and the world around you. In addition to this spiritual element, the scenery behind the story is incredible and I felt transported back to my childhood and further back in time as I've seen it portrayed in old photos. Just as important, the portrayal of Duke and his contemporaries was well done and felt authentic, with the echoes of their energy having rippled forward in time. If you have any feelings for Hawaii or surfing this is a must see.

Saw the film at the Hawaii International Film Festival in Oct 2003. It is a marvelous film made, starring and financed by people from Hawaii. The original showing was on the beach at Waikiki at the Sunset on the Beach event.

The story is about a cocky surfer who has an accident and is transported back to old Waikiki where he meets Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing. Through his interaction with Duke he learns more about himself, the sport of surfing and just what a unique and special icon/person Duke is for Hawaii.

A great amount of attention was given to the detailed look of old Waikiki, the costumes, and the personage of Duke.

If you have a chance to see the film or buy the DVD, it is well worth it.

This film was awful. It was so stereotypical I'm surprised a major Hollywood studio didn't put this out. This film is exactly what is wrong with Hawai'i and that's basically non-Kanaka Maoli commodifying, packaging, and selling off something that isn't theirs to sell. In this case the already commodified surfing and Olympic champion Native Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku is reduced to yet another tour guide for a haole boy in search of strings-free local love and a lesson on the soul. The Native actors who portrayed Duke, Blackie, Caps, and Lehua did a fine job with the horrible script they had to work with. The lead who portrayed David is a terrible actor and it will be our misfortune to see him in anyother film.

Miserable experience. I had such high hopes for this film and it turned out to be a such a major disappointment. This is one of those films that is constantly praised simply because of what it's about....the beloved Duke Kahanamoku...instead of how well (in this case how miserably) is was done.

Skip this one, it plays out like a commericial for Hawai'i and we have enough tourists already.

Wow! I've only watched the movie twice but now that I have the DVD I'm sure I'll be watching it more often. I haven't seen a movie that best represented Hawaii until this one came out. It really makes me very proud of my Heritage and my Culture. Very moving and it instills the true meaning of Aloha from a locals point of view. It also shows us (the younger generation) how much more there really is to our culture rather than making the money. Of course we need to make the money especially living in Hawaii, but not to lose the respect for others and ourselves. Not a lot of us live with patience or true aloha, with the life style we grow up with now days it's hard...influences come from the wrong things and sometimes just being good ain't worth it no more. It's hard and most people do what it takes to get by while others forget how it felt to be struggling before they had anything. But not everybody is like that...there's still some out there that live the aloha spirit to the heart every single day. I pray that one day we can all be like that...but till then the movie will continue to be a remembrance of the aloha spirit. Job well done...Aloha...Cruzah16

Every single scene in the movie, The Ride, was done to perfection. I was truly transported to that time in the past in a way that was so believable. It was hard to imagine that these actors were not seasoned, professional, actors. I came to Hawaii in the early 60's and fell in love with the surfing scene and all the stories about the great Duke. This movie brings the passion and love of Hawaii and surfing that Duke had to the screen. There was so much sensitivity given to every part of the story in making it as true to the culture and time as possible. I saw this movie when it first came out and was thrilled to meet some of the actors in the lobby of the theater before the showing. I received an autographed poster at the time and that poster has had a place of honor in our home ever since. My family will not let me take it down.

Anyone who lives in Hawaii knows what I'm talking about. Watching shows or movies about Hawaii where the the Hawaiian and pidgin are watered down to the point where they sound ridiculous. Not this movie! Keep up or get left behind- the Hawaiian is flying from the get go, so you have to put two and two together and pay attention. Loved it.

Also, the overall look and feel of the movie was truly Hawaiian - not some Hollywood producer's vision of it.

The braddahs that played Duke and his boys were phenomenal. They really captured the spirit of what it's like to grow up in Hawaii with your friends, and you felt that Duke was really a special, kind spirit. I look forward to seeing the wahine's future projects as well.

The only negative was that the haole boy's first half hour of acting was a little shaky, but he pulled it together and once he relaxed you felt the suspension of disbelief kick in, and the movie was nothing but enjoyable from that point.

Kurosawa is an extremely intelligent & thoughtful director who's done himself proud with this project.

Geev um, Nate! ;)

This is a great film for anyone wanting to know more about Hawaii and the aloha spirit. I was a bit skeptical about the prospect of seeing an independent film about a Hawaiian legend featuring a cast of unknown actors, but they blew me away with their talent. The dialog (including pidgin English) is wonderfully true to island cultural dynamics...both in aloha and in conflict. The depth of character development is exceptional, especially considering the youth of the writer. It is a fantastic "ride" on many levels...surfing the ocean and surfing time. Beautifully filmed and with outstanding costuming...an awesome film that I will recommend to everyone I know!

Maybe I was just on a high having spent 10 days in Hawaii, but seeing "The Ride" on my flight home made me feel like I was flying back to Hawaii, not to California.

The storyline was excellent, the no-name actors made it real, the scenery was fantastic, and the music was great. I'm sure movie critics could have their way picking this film apart, but it just made me feel good and it allowed me to escape. Isn't that what movies are supposed to do? What a great idea for a film.

Could you imagine a modern day baseball player going back in time only to grow up being friends with Babe Ruth as a boy? The fantasy of going back to 1912 and growing up as buddies with Duke is a great one, and couple that with old Hawaii (before all of the tourists) and you have a winning movie.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone that wants to be entertained, especially if you are tired of all those goofy Hawaiian movies made for tourists. This is a definite winner!

A tale well written and well acted by a true home grown team. This poignant story captures the warmth and camaraderie of real surfers and their love of the ocean. The spirit of Aloha seems to flow between all the actors and soon envelops the audience. It is hard to believe none of these young actors have acted before. The soundtrack is 90% Hawaiian performers which just adds to the richness of the experience. The audience ranged in age from 6 - 60+ and all applauded. Nathan Kurosawa who wrote and directed and Executive Producer Wesley Nakamoto actually are taking this film on the Film Festival circuit, but if you're lucky enough to have a regular theater offer a showing, do not miss this film... and bring your family along.

This was such a wonderful story to be shared with the entire family. It transports you back to a time that we all, honestly, want to recapture, when "Aloha" was the only way of life in Hawaii. Telling this through the eyes of surfers and Waikiki's original beach boys, you feel the love they have for the sport, the ocean, family and the Hawaiian culture. It's a love story about best friends and first loves. With the beautiful scenery, ocean photography and background music, all you need to add is the smell of plumeria blooms. We have shared this movie with the kiddies to grandpas and it's one you can look forward to watching over and over. Bravo and Mahalo to Nathan Kurosawa, the entire cast and crew for bringing us a beautiful story!

From concept to story line to cinematography, this film is a winner. Nathan Kurosawa spared no detail in his telling of this story. Take a look at the costumes and the computer generated graphics! And he does it all in such a beautiful style, with breath-taking shots and melodic Hawaiian music as its soundtrack. This film is infused with the Hawaiian culture, and it is displayed in a genuine way. This is no surprise since Nathan is a local to the islands. There were also some good performances. This film is guaranteed to be a pleasurable experience for all who watch it! You'll get a taste of the islands and a deeper appreciation for the sport of surfing. Pi'i Mai Ka Nalu!!!

I saw this film at the San Francisco Premiere about a week ago. The film centers on an arrogant young (fictional) professional surfer, David Monroe and the father of modern surfing Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. David is into all the trappings of being a famous surfer. He is in need of an attitude adjustment and finds in a most unlikely way. Disoriented in the ocean waves, nearly drowned, he suddenly finds himself in turn-of-the-century Waikiki, next to the legendary Kahanamoku. This is all I will write about the plot.

As Hawaiian I just loved the way that director Nathan Kurosawa paid special attention to historical accuracy and Hawaiian culture.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and plan to purchase it when it becomes available. It is so refreshing to find a clean movie. The acting was superb, the surfing was fun to watch, and the historical scenery, and atmosphere which they recreated was eye-opening for those of us who live in the Honolulu area now. The romance was contrived, but it drew us in. I hope they produce more of this type of film. I was intrigued by the historical figure Duke Kahanamoku who was a main subject in the film. I went to see the film, because I heard it was about Duke, and I would especially like to see more historical depictions of his life.

I am Hawaiian, from Kona. Now, I live in central PA with my wife. We saw this movie last month on our Hawaiian Air flight between Honolulu and Las Vegas. All I can say is...finally, a movie that expresses the true 'uhane aloha (Aloha Spirit). The acting was pretty good, the action shots believable (surfing, etc.), all with beautiful scenery. Real Hawaiian actors, too, not haole people trying to portray us with fake accents (e.g., see North Shore - the movie and the TV show - better yet, don't see them). The love story was compelling, and the Hawaiian values woven into the story about surfing and life fit perfectly and felt pono (right).

It reminded me of a movie I saw in 1983 at the Seattle IMAX theater. A young Hawaiian man (played by Blaine Kia) seeks a stronger cultural connection to his Hawaiian roots. He travels back in time to experience the true essence of hula. I wish I could remember the movie's name. Okay, I just did an online search, and I think the movie was "Behold Hawai'i." So, after 20+ years of being disappointed by so many ignorant and degrading films and TV shows made about Hawai'i and Hawaiian culture, "The Ride" fulfills the promise that "IMAX: Behold Hawai'i" gave to me back then.

IMHO, today's TV/radio/theaters are filled with one-size-fits-all MTV-style "look-at-me-I-got-the-bling-bling-so-screw-you-beeyatch" videos, music and movies. In contrast, "The Ride" speaks to me on many levels - personal, cultural and emotional. "The Ride" makes me long for the past, while appreciating the present and giving me hope for the future. We need more movies in the style of "The Ride"...one with a good and hopeful message, without being preachy...for me, for Hawai'i, for all Hawaiians, for local people, and for all Hawaiians-at-heart. Maika'i no, mahalo!

I saw "The Ride" when it was first shown at "Sunset on the Beach" with a few thousand other people in 2003. I was hopeful based on the comments of those who had seen it at the international film festival, but since it was "home grown" I did not want to get my hopes up too much. The story was simple, yet powerful. The soundtrack was pleasant and engaging. The actors, although sometimes over the top, were perfectly cast, aka, like a typical Disney film. A conversation with the director, Nathan, explained the over the top acting: the target audience were kids. I really appreciated the lack of gratuitous violence, nudity, profanity, etc. The film stands by itself without the need for these gimmicks. I have seen the film 5 times so far and enjoy it a little more each time. Can't wait for the DVD to come out. I have a few dozen friends who will get it for Christmas if it is out by then.

I'm trying really hard to think what could I possibly say to justify the vision Nathan Kurosawa had to piece all these different characters and scenery together to portray this era piece about surfing and it's symbolism in hawaii in Hawaii. Not only does this film give you a peek, without those extensive or unnecessary details, into one of the greatest legends in and of Hawaii. How can you compete with a naturally beautiful scenery? Oh goodness here I am raving on and I almost forgot some of the best ingredients in this film. The all ( or at least great majority ) locally casted and produced crews. And how can you not enjoy the music soundtrack. With a collection of songs from some of the greatest musicians Hawaii have to offer. But really though, why take my words for it .....call my bluff by all means. And I humbly implore you to grab some furikake popcorn with friends and family and watch, "The Ride". I am anxiously waiting to own my own copy soon. :)

Though arguably a "time travel" film, The Ride is actually much more. In the plot, a hot shot modern surfer, David, competing in an international surf competition, experiences a wipe-out. The wipe-out inexplicably transports David back to 1911 Hawaii. There he meets the young Duke Kahanamoku, played perfectly by the charismatic Sean Kaawa. The young Duke has yet to achieve international fame from participation in the Olympic games. He is a surfer and craftsman who exposes the brash David to Hawaiian ways. The real star of the film is the uniquely Hawaiian "Aloha Spirit" which is central in the lives of the people David encounters. That spirit shines brightly in "Lehua", played by the radiant Mary Paalani, as a young woman who also introduces David to Island ways. The Ride's real charm is in the portrayal of Hawaii and its people at a time which preceded extensive commercial growth and development. The film provides a glimpse of a less complicated past, which is indeed worth "The Ride".

all the actors were exceptional!!! loved the story and the scenery was beautiful. the story was easy to follow and was told nicely. i grew up in Hawaii in the 1940's and it reminded me of how wonderful Hawaii was then. i met duke in Waikiki and always admired him ;his surfing and swimming abilities. he was was one of the nicest guys i ever met. the woman that played duke's mom (Paulette Franco) is my daughter. my name is Joe Franco and i live in las Vegas, Nevada now. i just received the movie as a wonderful Christmas present today from Paulette and i am thrilled to have it. thank you for making such a historic movie

sincerely

Joe Franco

The film made me fall in love with Hawaii all over again even though I don't live there anymore. The hawaii-ness (the green-blue ocean, the white sandy beaches, etc...) of the movie was gorgeous. Also, the dude who played Duke was perfect. There wasn't an angry bone in his body and he always had a lot of aloha and was always smiling. This is how I remember Hawaii. This was what was good about this movie.

On the other hand, the dude who played the hotshot surfer (Scot Davis) going back in time was probably the worst cringe-inducing acting that I could remember seeing in a long time. How embarrassing watching this guy's false range of anger, displacement, to sincerity and sorrow. I mean this is the thread of the movie for chrissakes. Everything he expressed on his face was false. The acting was terrible. The guy should take some acting classes or practice his lines in the mirror. He absolutely destroyed the watch-ability of this movie. Wow, that is very brutal of me, but I have to say it. Also, for someone who surfs, you can tell right away when he is paddling that he was not a surfer. Bruddah, keep your knees and ankles together and not shaped like a V on your board and don't rock back and forth. It should be more fluid.

This flick would've been better off as a straight story about Duke Kahanamoku and not left him as a supporting character and dropped the lead actor and dropped the convoluted time travel element of the story altogether and made it a straight story about the Duke. Now that would've been great. Sean Kaawa carried the scenes he was in, in this movie and would've easily carried a whole movie about the Duke on his back. As a matter of fact, this whole movie should've been about Duke, Blackie, and Caps - about three beach boys growing up in beginning-of the-20th-century Waikiki and how he turned surfing onto the world. At least those three guys injected much needed humor. Now that would've been a great flick. Maybe in the sequel.

Also, someone should rotate that Duke statue in Waikiki cuz he would never turn his back on the ocean.

k den cuz

I had the pleasure of meeting a few cast and crew members when they came out to tour the movie in San Diego. A group of us from SDSU's Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) were given the opportunity to view the movie for the first time and give our feed back to the cast and crew members that were present. And of course, without a doubt, we all agreed that this movie was the best any of us had ever seen about Duke Kahanamoku and the joys of surfing. The Ride illustrates the surreal connection between the early days of surfing and its growth over the years since the Duke. At the same time redefining the old cultural ways and the strong rooted connections among family and friends. What more is there to say, other than it's a great movie?!? Between the great cast, awesome location, sound track and most definitely the story line, this movie is definitely one of the best I've seen come from the Hawaii!