🎬 Film Overview
- Title: Finding ‘Ohana
- Release Date: January 29, 2021 (Netflix)
- Director: Jude Weng
- Writer: Christina Strain
- Genre: Family, Adventure, Comedy
- Language: English, Hawaiian
- Runtime: 123 minutes
- Distributor: Netflix
- Filming Locations: O‘ahu, Hawaii and Brooklyn, New York
Finding ‘Ohana (2021) is a blend of a heartwarming, family-orientated adventure movie packed with Hawaiian culture, history, and youthful exploration which is interwoven with elements of a classic treasure hunt. The film is directed by Jude Weng in her feature directorial debut and wrote by Christina Strain. The movie has received strong comparisons to 1980s adventure-classics like The Goonies, while also offering a refreshing modern take due to its cultural context and diverse cast.
Synopsis
The movie chronicles the story of pili, energetic, smart 12 year old from Brooklyn, who’s a geocaching enthusiast, and gets uprooted to O‘ahu when her family travels there to take care of her sick grandfather. Pili feels out of place in the culture and Weltanschauung which she does not fully comprehend. Her struggles with settling down come to an end when she discovers a journal in her grandfather’s house. The journal contains several clues that suggest there could have been a pirate treasure hidden in the hawaiin jungle.
With the help of her older brother Ioane (Ione), who is initially rather reluctant, and two new local friends Hana and Casper, Pili embarks on an extraordinary journey that takes them through ancient temples, sacred sites, and even lava tubes. However, the quest becomes deeper than a mere search for treasure; it serves as a reminder about family, identity, culture, and the meaning of ‘ohana.
🌺 Themes & Cultural Significance
ʻOhana and Heritage
Finding ʻOhana is a film centered around disconnection and reconnection, highlighting the relationship with family, ancestry, and land. Pili’s story showcases the feeling of children of diaspora being out of touch with their roots, portraying in this case, a literal and emotional adventure that serves to bridge that distance.
Respect for Hawaiian Culture
Unlike numerous mainstream movies that treat Hawaii as a foreign paradise, Finding ʻOhana makes use of Hawaiian folklore, traditions, and language. Characters travel to sacred places where they interact with local legends, such as the Nightmarchers or ghostly guardians of ancient Hawaii, showcasing the need to respect culture and land.
New Identity vs. Old Traditional Identity
Pili and Ioane mark the transition of a generation from the traditional American life to the modern way of life. Their experiences tell the wider tale of a collection of young people facing the challenge of multi-ethnic integration, mostly within the context of an immigrant or diasporic family.
🎭 The ensemble of the cast & their main roles:
Kea Peahu portrays Pili
A stunning emotion laden turn came from a first time performer Kea Peahu, who brought boldness, intellect, and valor with her. She is the clever yet vulnerable young girl, who serves as the heart of the movie and undertakes the adventures with poise.
Alex Aiono portrays Ioane
The older brother of Pili, Ioane is cynical and somewhat disgruntled because of his being in Hawaii to start with, but he eventually gets lured into the treasure hunt. Also a musician in his acting debut, Aiono gives a subdued performance tempered by the clash of obligation and youthful exploration that is typical of every adult.
Branscombe Richmond as Kimo (The Grandfather) Branscombe Richmond, who has participated in numerous shows and films, embellishes the role with credibility and depth. Former Kimo is a traditional proud man who takes on the subtle role as an aiding figure to the children in their journey of rediscovering their culture and reconnecting to it.
Chris Parnell as Brown Parnell joins as an opportunistic historian who offers some comic relief to the film. His character also adds to the narrative’s lightness while making fun of the treasure hunt stereotypes.
🎥 Direction and Style
Jude Weng, who rose to prominence due to her contribution in Fresh Off The Boat and Blackish, noted for her work in television, takes on her first feature film with a vibrant, heartfelt tone. The film is balanced with energetic adventurous scenes and emotional family moments.
Finding ‘Ohana is a visual feast of Hawaiian landscapes, hidden caves, ancient temples, and jungle trails, blended seamlessly with the vibrant nature of Hawaii. These natural settings are not placed in the film as a pretty scenery — they serve a crucial role in the film’s discourse regarding place and identity.
The use of Hawaiian legends and mythical imagery, like the terrifying Nightmarchers, is mystifying and anchors the culturally wealthy adventure closer to the reality, making the film feel less like a fantasy.
🌍 Cultural and Critical Reception
Audience Reception The film was praised by the family audiences and commended for its diversity and representation.
They scored an 82% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes but Critically did not fare as well with a 62% Tomatometer. Reviewers felt the film was charming and sincere, however, it was a little on the longer side.
Critics Say:
“An enormously lively and fun respectful family adventure.” – Variety
“A light-hearted family film praising cultural diversity with strong emphasis on the roots.” – The Hollywood Reporter
“A balancing act between cliche and novel, but the focus on the location and its message tilt the scale in the right way.”- IndieWire
🎤 Final Thoughts
Finding ‘Ohana is equal parts a film about the thrill of treasure hunting and the journey of self-discovery rooted in the exploration of one’s origin. It is educational, offers great performance from the youthful leads, captures Hawaii beautifully, and has a heartfelt portrayal of Hawaiian culture making it great for families and children alike.
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