The New York Times
At times it's the sort of ridiculously anachronistic period film in which historical characters act like 21st-century teenagers who happen to be wearing hoop skirts.
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Princess Ka'iulani
Historical drama and true story about Hawaiian princess Ka'iulani (Q'orianka Kilcher) who fights against the threat of American colonisation.
"In 1888, Hawai'i is a paradise on the brink of civil unrest under the malevolent influence of a rebel party with links to the American government. The tide has turned against the long-incumbent royal family, among whom is the beautiful Princess Ka'iulani. Scarcely 13 years old, she is separated from her family and homeland and sent to a place that couldn’t be more different from Hawai'i - Victorian England. Coming to terms with her fate, Ka'iulani undergoes a harsh education that equips her with a sense of duty and honor. What's more, she falls in love with a spirited young Englishman. Emerging from childhood and inspired by blossoming romance, Ka'iulani realises she must end the injustices suffered by her people. She sets off to meet President Grover Cleveland to prove that she and her people are not the "barbarians" portrayed by the American press." (Source: Hawaii Internatinal Film Festival 2009)
Less2009Rating: PG, contains violence97 minsUSA, UKEnglish and Hawaiian with English subtitles
DramaTrue Story & BiographyHistorical
- Director:
- Marc Forby (feature debut)
- Writer:
- Marc ForbyRobert Payne
- Cast:
- Q'orianka KilcherBarry PepperWill PattonShaun EvansJimmy Yuill
Princess Ka'iulani | Awards
Audience Award winner for Best Film and Best First Film at the Hawaii International Film Festival 2009.
Princess Ka'iulani | Reviews
18%38 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® Score
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Roger Ebert
In production values, the film is flawless. But it plays too sedately, moves too slowly and contemplates the occupation of a sovereign kingdom with a curious impassivity.
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Los Angeles Times
The film is too reverently drawn and self-consciously played to muster any real momentum.
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A.V. Club
A major problem with trying to make a romantic drama out of the history of Hawaii's Princess Ka'iulani is that she died young, with relatively little chance for romance or drama.
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