Jason Momoa's film, 'Chief of War', Delivers a Heart-Pounding, Cinematic Saga: Television Critique
Apple TV+'s latest series, Chief of War, is set to premiere on Aug. 1, with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays. This 18th-century war epic, set in Hawai'i, aims to provide a historically accurate and culturally sensitive portrayal of the islands' unification and colonization period.
At the heart of the story is Chief Kaʻiana, a notable Hawaiian warrior, and the son of a great Maui warrior. The series focuses on his journey, which begins with a prophecy about a great king uniting the Hawaiian islands. Ka'iana witnesses the horrific impact of colonizers, whom he calls paleskins, and finds no solace in bloodshed, having lost interest in the politics of Maui.
Chief of War is primarily in the indigenous Ōlelo Hawai'i language, a now critically endangered Polynesian language, and emphasizes an indigenous perspective, intentionally minimizing Euro-American characters and their influence in the narrative. This approach supports a more authentic cultural representation, including dialogue exclusively in Hawaiian for much of the series.
The series highlights tensions among families, fractured loyalties, and an ever-expanding outside world encroaching on Hawaiian land. Ka'iana is branded a traitor by King Kahekili when he abandons his post and lives outside of the Hawaiian Islands for the first time. However, under the guidance of his new friend Tony (James Udom), Ka'iana begins to understand the stakes for his people under King Kahekili's reign.
Chief of War also puts a traditional Hawaiian sport on display in Episode 5, "The Race of the Gods", which centres on the bonds of family. Brandon Finn plays Prince Kūpule, and Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett are also featured in the series.
The series spans nearly 30 years of Hawaiian history, from the late 18th century through to the eventual annexation by the U.S. in 1898. It portrays the ferocious tribal warfare and political turmoil leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, which was officially unified by 1810 after King Kamehameha I conquered several islands and peacefully integrated others.
Chief of War is distinguished by its commitment to historical and cultural accuracy, making it a significant representation of Hawaiʻi's past and the impacts of unification and colonization on native culture. This has been praised for correcting mainstream historical narratives that often marginalize indigenous viewpoints and for bringing awareness to the complex legacy of Hawaiian unification and colonization.
Catch the premiere of Chief of War on Aug. 1, only on Apple TV.
Chief of War, premiering on Apple TV+ on Aug. 1, delves into the world of movies-and-tv and entertainment with its 18th-century war epic set in Hawai'i. This series, which centers on indigenous characters, uses the critically endangered Ōlelo Hawai'i language and offers a historically accurate and culturally sensitive portrayal of the islands' unification and colonization period.
