The Wind and the Reckoning is an otherwise superb film. It is worthy of you seeking out a watch.
I would characterize it as a Western (of Hawaiian ilk), that is a Thriller, that could double as Moving Landscape Art for all of its 93 minute run.
The storyline [sic] for all intents and purposes follows a true story – that of Ko‘olau and Pi‘ilani. My guess is that John Ford. Anthony Man, and Serio Leone would give The Wind and The Reckoning a Thumbs Up. I would say the same for the late (great) Roger Ebert.
The Wind and The Reckoning soars from some aspects outside of the cinematography. Most notably, the use of native language, the acting, the screenplay, and finally, the direction.
Where English is used, English is spoken. Where the Kauai dialect of the Hawaiian language is spoken it is used with English Subtitles. So Cool!
The Leads and supporting Actors in this film deliver in a big way. All are believable in their performance. Lindsay Scott Watson as Pi‘ilani controls the screen when present. Jason Scott Lee (Dragon the Bruce Lee Story, Back to the Future) as Ko‘olau is riveting. Note: I do not think I have used riveting in a film review before.
However, Johnathon Schaech (How to Make an American Quilt, That Thing You Do) as Marshall Hitchcock, and Henry Ian Cusick (Lost) as McCabe are scene stealers in performing their roles.
Director David Cunningham (Little House on the Prairie) with a short shooting calendar and tiny budget gets the most out of all the Actors.
I like the work of screenwriter John Fusco (Young Guns, Hidalgo, The Highwaymen). Fusco could have attempted to over emphasize righting wrongs – the implication of which is this film would be stiff as a board. He has delivered a script that is essentially a character oriented thriller. This is good news for the viewer.
*** Jeff’s Worthless Trivia and Other Thoughts ***
Photo Credit: Hawaiʻi State Archives Pictured is Kaluaikoʻolau (right) with wife Piʻilani (left) and their son, Kaleimanu. Sitting is Kaluaikoʻolau’s mother, Kukui Kaleimanu.
At ever so brief moments of time – especially at its start, The Wind and the Reckoning leans towards political correctness. Luckily the film does not cross the line. If it did, my guess is The Wind and the Reckoning would not age well.
In another lifetime, I was an executive at Universal Press Syndicate, and Andrews & McMeel which published the works of Roger Ebert. In my opinion, Roger Ebert was a terrific person, and film reviewer. He celebrated films like this one.
I live on Kauai. I spend a great deal of time hiking, scrambling, and boating where this film supposedly is set – Kauai, The Na Pali Coast, and the Kalalau Valley. This area was sacred then (to the people of Hawaii) and is today (to the residents of Kauai). For establishing shots, the Cathedral and the Kalalau Valley from the water appear to be utilized. My understanding is Ohau’ was used for principle shooting. I am a location and continuity knit picker. However, I will cut the production some slack.
Clouds Gather on Sacred Ground © Jeffrey H. Lubeck – MESH Art LLC – all rights reserved.
Big Valley Big Waves – The Kalalau © Jeffrey H. Lubeck – MESH Art LLC – all rights reserved.
