

Hawaii
Abner Hale, a rigid and humorless New England missionary, marries the beautiful Jerusha Bromley and takes her to the exotic island kingdom of Hawaii, intent on converting the natives. But the clash between the two cultures is too great and instead of understanding there comes tragedy.
Insights
Plot Summary
A romantic epic detailing the story of Abner Hale, a stern Calvinist missionary, and his young wife Jerusha, as they travel to Hawaii in the 1820s. Their arrival marks the beginning of a profound cultural clash and a spiritual journey that challenges their beliefs and their relationship amidst the exotic and spiritual landscape of the islands. The film chronicles their struggles to convert the native Hawaiians and their eventual adaptation to the ways of the people they came to change.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Hawaii' was met with a mixed to positive reception. Critics often praised its ambitious scope, stunning visuals, and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Jocelyne LaGarde. However, some found its length and melodramatic elements to be excessive, and the portrayal of cultural change drew varied opinions. Audiences generally responded well to its epic storytelling and romantic themes.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its grand scale and visual beauty.
- Performances, especially Jocelyne LaGarde's, were frequently highlighted.
- Criticized by some for its considerable length and occasionally heavy-handed drama.
Google audience: Google user reviews are not readily available for this specific film.
Awards & Accolades
Jocelyne LaGarde was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Queen Malama Kanaholo. The film also received a Golden Globe nomination for Jocelyne LaGarde for Best Supporting Actress.
Fun Fact
Jocelyne LaGarde, who played the Queen of Hawaii, was a real-life resident of Hawaii and had no prior acting experience; she was discovered by the filmmakers while working as a nurse.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources