A Feel-Good Movie Inspired by Hawaiian Folklore
Finding ‘Ohana(2021) is a wonderful family adventure movie that is a perfect mashup of treasure hunting, Hawaiian cultures, and family values. Like in The Goonies (1985) and Indiana Jones movies, the film features children going on an exciting treasure hunt with many twists and turns set against the scenic backdrops of Hawaii, as they uncover the mysteries behind their ancestry. The movie was directed by Jude Weng.
The film does not just describe a thrilling treasure hunt. Its heart is woven with messages of cultural identity, family, and the roots that bind people to their homeland. In addition, Finding ‘Ohana does a great job incorporating action, comedy, and touching scenes, all while honoring Hawaiian folklore and cultural practices in a genuine and purposeful manner.
Plot Synopsis
Alongside Pili (Kea Peahu), an adventurous geocaching specialist from Brooklyn, her older brother Ioane (Alex Aiono) reluctantly joins his mom Leilani (Kelly Hu) to their grandfather’s Island home of O‘ahu, Hawaii. Their grandfather, Kimo(Branscombe Richmond), has been undergoing some financial hurdles, and the family felt that the summer visit would help them reconnect.
When exploring her grandfather’s house, Pili, an adventurous treasure seeker, uncovers an ancient pirate’s log that suggests a secret treasure pertaining to the history of Hawaii. Enthusiastic about history, she enlists new accomplices Casper and Hana (Owen Vaccaro and Lindsay Watson) in a wildventure spanning a vast treasure hunt in the heart of the jungle. At the same time, Ioane becomes more invested in the story as he learns about his Hawaiian genealogy and history.
Throughout their treasure hunt, the children learn new things about their history and culture. These things include the many legends and stories that have diminished the Hawaiian culture as well as the gold and other treasures kept deep in the ancient caves full of puzzles and myriad dangers that needed to be solved before embarking on the quest. With their grandfather’s house being at stake and time’s essence slowly elapsing, the children set on a race to uncover true treasure meaning.
Key Characters and Cast
Kea Peahu plays the role of Pili. A determined young girl in the film, Pili employs intelligence during her geocaching ventures and is notably fearless. Always raring for the next adventure, she is undoubtedly the core part of the film.
Alex Aiono as Ioane (“E”) – Pili’s elder brother, Ioane, grapples with his Hawaiian heritage because he feels more at home in Brooklyn. Over the course of the journey, he gradually learns to value family and roots.
Lindsay Watson as Hana – A headstrong, local girl who is courageous as well as resourceful and aids Pili in her endeavours. She embodies the strong bond the Hawaiians have with their land and customs.
Owen Vaccaro as Casper – A friend with thick glasses, who is a great source of laughter on this trip while accomplishing his share of obligation, and loves history.
Kelly Hu as Leilani – The couple’s mother, who left Hawaii many years ago and is now being slowly reminded of her country which she misses so much.
Branscombe Richmond as Kimo – The loving and supportive grandfather who is gifted with Hawaiian folklore and legends and is instrumental to the development of the plot.
Chris Parnell as a mysterious character – A shady entertainer with comical undertones associated with the legend of the treasure.
The film features a wonderful combination of younger actors and experienced ones, all Hawaiian, which serves as the main focus of the casting.
Themes and Symbolism
‘Ohana (Family) as the True Treasure
In Hawaiian culture, ‘Ohana refers to family but has a much deeper interconnected connotation. The film’s main message is that although people may gain or lose materialistic valuables, it is the familial relationships and cultural legacies that remain as true valuables.
Cultural Identity and Heritage
Pili and Ioane’s journey extends beyond geography; it encompasses the reconnection with one’s Hawaiian heritage. The film tackles issues on identity and culture, intergenerational conflict, and the complex interaction between contemporary life and ancestral tradition.
The Power of Storytelling
Treasure maps, legends, and even Kimo’s narrative demonstrate how the past is captured through the art of storytelling. Finding ‘Ohana makes us remember that stories do not only constitute an important part of people’s identities but also of their legacies.
Environmental Respect
Nature has an important place in Hawaiian culture, and the film integrates themes of environmentalism and the conservation of protected places in the gentle manner typical of the Hawaiian culture.
Comedy and Adventure
Treasure Hunt Exhilaration: While watching the film, any viewers that enjoy action movies will relish the amazing adventure scenes with treasure hunts, mysterious traps, concealed passageways, and encrypted clues.
Humor and Lighthearted Moments – Now, Casper’s comedic timing coupled with Ioane’s Brooklyn attitude provides plenty of laughs, balancing the emotional weight the film carries.
Supernatural and Mythological Hints – The film incorporates some pieces of Hawaiian folk lore which adds some adventure to the mystery of the film.
Visual and Technical Mastery
Cinematography and Setting
The dense rainforests and untouched caves of Hawaii are stunning, and so is the breathtaking cinematography that showcases them. The film serves to be an extremely beautiful spectacle as the cameras capture the beauty of the islands.
Authentic Representation
The film Finding ‘Ohana makes a great effort and shows how sincere Hawaii’s culture is. From the vocabulary to the customs incorporated, the movie is a celebration that renders Hawaii and its people.
Soundtrack and Score
The combination of beautiful, action-filled orchestral pieces and Hawaiian tunes that enhance each action or emotional scene is blended masterfully into the film.
Critical Reception and Impact
Positive Aspects:
Finding ‘Ohana honors and respects Hawaiian culture in a way that is very refreshing and authentic, unlike other movies.
As observed, the film champions the island’s culture with pure adventure. It successfully blends action, humor, and heart making it fun for viewers of all ages.
Unlike other films, these young actors have so much energy and charm which makes their characters very relatable, which is a breath of fresh air.
Criticism:
Predictable Plot – Certain critics pointed out that the film comes off like every other adventure film due to its use of certain adventure film tropes, thus making it somewhat predictable.
Mildly Uneven Pacing – There are some moments in the second act that drag, but the action does pick up again towards the climax of the film.
Finding ‘Ohana has drawn sharp criticism, but most viewers consider the film a wholesome, feel-good adventure amalgamation infused with thought provoking themes at its core.
Final Thoughts
Finding ‘Ohana demonstrates the significance of familial ties as well as cultural identity through light-hearted eye-catching treasure hunts that make the movie both fun and thrilling. Although it pays tribute to mainstream treasure hunting movies, it also remains unique in its strong treasure theme centered around family and identity.
This film is essential for all aficionados of The Goonies (1985), National Treasure (2004), and Moana (2016). It is not just about the search for the elusive gold, but rather the journey of self-discovery and exploration of one’s roots.
Finding ‘Ohana is heartwarming and adventureous at its surface level, but its deeper themes coupled with the gorgeous scenery of Hawai’i is sure to resonate with all viewers.