After watching the documentary "Act of War: The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Nation" in class we were assigned to write a reaction paper to it. This is my brief reaction to the film. Enjoy.
“Act of War” is a documentary created in 1993 focusing on the history of Hawaii as a sovereign nation and their integration into the United States of America. The project was funded and shot on location in Hawaii and tells the story from a primarily Hawaiian perspective. The documentary was first broadcast on Hawaii Public Television (PBS Hawaii) in 1993, exactly 100 years after the overthrow. At the same time as the release of the film, the United States Congress passed a resolution admitting to it's wrongdoings to Hawaii and formally apologizing to the people of Hawaii. The two producers of the documentary, Joan Lander and Puhipau are also the founders of the independent production company Na Maka o ka 'Aina. Na Maka o ka 'Aina is translated as “the eyes of the land” and the company has worked since its founding in 1982 to produce programs about the culture, history and people of Hawaii an other pacific islands. This particular production has won various awards in the United States, Japan and New Zealand.
The documentary uses reenactments, original photos and film, cartoons, quotes and research by Hawaiian studies professors to retell the events which lead to the overthrow of the previously sovereign state of Hawaii. The documentary uses an interesting blend of original old film and modern presentations made by scholars and professors from the University of Hawaii to give as accurate as possible view of the events. Many historians and scholars were asked to be a part of the project and show their knowledge and thorough understanding of Hawaiian culture, history and most importantly the stand taken by the people. Because the majority of actors, producers and research is done by real Hawaiians it gives the viewer a sense of authenticity.
In addition to reenactments, there are scenes with still images and narration or recitation of poetry and letters. These sections of the documentary are important to understand the various views of the people involved at the time. It allows the audience to see how each side strategized to overcome the other. The use of archival images and short clips of film also add to the authenticity and genuine feel of the documentary. This is crucial in conveying the importance that the subject has on the creators to the audience. Even though the film was released in 1993 it is still a well made and thorough examination at the events of the overthrow and because of the historical accuracy can very well be used today to teach and possibly be used in the future too.
Another aspect that is well done is the music and sound. Depending on the scene and the events occurring, the music would change. In the scenes which included correspondence between Americans living in Hawaii and congress of American officials in the mainland, there would be marching music in the background. A total contrast is the music used when showing Hawaiian life prior to its discovery by Captain Cook and his men. During the initial encounter between Captain Cook and the Chiefs of Hawaii there was also a shift in music choice. Overall this change in sounds helped the viewer distinguish the perspectives and who was talking.
“Act of War” is a documentary created in 1993 focusing on the history of Hawaii as a sovereign nation and their integration into the United States of America. The project was funded and shot on location in Hawaii and tells the story from a primarily Hawaiian perspective. The documentary was first broadcast on Hawaii Public Television (PBS Hawaii) in 1993, exactly 100 years after the overthrow. At the same time as the release of the film, the United States Congress passed a resolution admitting to it's wrongdoings to Hawaii and formally apologizing to the people of Hawaii. The two producers of the documentary, Joan Lander and Puhipau are also the founders of the independent production company Na Maka o ka 'Aina. Na Maka o ka 'Aina is translated as “the eyes of the land” and the company has worked since its founding in 1982 to produce programs about the culture, history and people of Hawaii an other pacific islands. This particular production has won various awards in the United States, Japan and New Zealand.
The documentary uses reenactments, original photos and film, cartoons, quotes and research by Hawaiian studies professors to retell the events which lead to the overthrow of the previously sovereign state of Hawaii. The documentary uses an interesting blend of original old film and modern presentations made by scholars and professors from the University of Hawaii to give as accurate as possible view of the events. Many historians and scholars were asked to be a part of the project and show their knowledge and thorough understanding of Hawaiian culture, history and most importantly the stand taken by the people. Because the majority of actors, producers and research is done by real Hawaiians it gives the viewer a sense of authenticity.
In addition to reenactments, there are scenes with still images and narration or recitation of poetry and letters. These sections of the documentary are important to understand the various views of the people involved at the time. It allows the audience to see how each side strategized to overcome the other. The use of archival images and short clips of film also add to the authenticity and genuine feel of the documentary. This is crucial in conveying the importance that the subject has on the creators to the audience. Even though the film was released in 1993 it is still a well made and thorough examination at the events of the overthrow and because of the historical accuracy can very well be used today to teach and possibly be used in the future too.
Another aspect that is well done is the music and sound. Depending on the scene and the events occurring, the music would change. In the scenes which included correspondence between Americans living in Hawaii and congress of American officials in the mainland, there would be marching music in the background. A total contrast is the music used when showing Hawaiian life prior to its discovery by Captain Cook and his men. During the initial encounter between Captain Cook and the Chiefs of Hawaii there was also a shift in music choice. Overall this change in sounds helped the viewer distinguish the perspectives and who was talking.