On the South Pacific island of Bora Bora, a young couple's love is threatened when the tribal chief declares the girl a sacred virgin.
In a lush Polynesian paradise, a young pearl diver named Matahi falls in love with Reri, a young woman chosen by the island's elders to be a sacred virgin, an "aborigine" forbidden to men. When they defy the decree and flee to a neighboring island, they are pursued by the fearsome warrior Hitu, who is tasked with enforcing the sacred law and bringing Reri back for the ritual sacrifice. Their idyllic life is shattered as they struggle to escape their fate and the encroaching influence of Western civilization.
Tabu was met with critical acclaim for its stunning visual artistry, authentic portrayal of Polynesian culture, and poignant storytelling. Critics lauded F.W. Murnau's masterful direction and his collaboration with cinematographer Floyd Crosby. The film is celebrated for its naturalistic performances and its poignant examination of tradition versus modernity, though its ethnographic accuracy has been debated by some scholars.
Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's visual beauty and its emotional impact, appreciating its departure from conventional Hollywood narratives.
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for Floyd Crosby.
F. W. Murnau used a blend of professional and non-professional actors, with the two leads, Matahi and Reri, being local islanders who had never acted before.
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