Princess Ka'iulani (2009/Lionsgate DVD)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: C Film: A-
Young
Hawaiian Princess Ka'iulani (2009) next
in line to the Hawaiian throne is suddenly torn away from her homeland, she is
taken to England
to be educated in western ways. As she grows, she learns what it means to
become a future queen, to have wisdom, grace and nobility. There she meets Clive Davies and even has a
dream-like romance. But her dreams are short lived, when news of the Hawaiian
monarchy is threatened by U.S.
annexation, she realize she must return to her people. Torn between her heart and her people can
Princess Ka'iulani guide her people to face the changes of the future?
Based on a true story, the tale of a young island princess and how she faced
her changing country and held her head high. The young princess is first forced from her
home and then 'trained' to suit European needs. Even thought she is royalty and given the
status of a Princess, she is still seen and treated as like some savage girl by
her peers and educators, but through the years she has never forgotten her
roots and faced her world with courage and wisdom, and in time her patience,
understanding wins the hearts of the people around her. Even in the face of annexation, she fights for
her people rights and to this day is admired by both foreigners and her people.
This film is a mix of history, drama and a politics. The story of how the United States acquired Hawaii, the island paradise. How a young girl even after stripped of her
monarchy protected her people's culture and rights with grace and dignity. When foreign business men stage a revolution
to overthrow the Hawaiian government, the princess is forced to choose between
her own personal needs and the needs of a country. Her nobility is what sets her apart from
politicians and at the same time the reason why her people listen to
her and follows her. Extras include
commentary with director, Ka'iulani: The Crown Princess of Hawaii Documentary, behind the
scenes, and trailers.
- Ricky Chiang
