You are here:

Hawaii: The Stolen Paradise

Hawaii: The Stolen Paradise

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2015

PG-13

Director

Luis Castro

Runtime

52 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Hawaii: The Stolen Paradise serves as a corrective historical narrative that challenges Western-centric hegemony. It successfully moves the Indigenous Hawaiian experience from the periphery to the center of political discourse through a sophisticated deconstruction of nationalistic clichés. While the film excels in racial and cultural representation, it lacks multi-layered breadth. There is little evidence regarding the visibility of LGBTQ+ identities or the specific gender distribution of the figures highlighted in the narrative. Ultimately, the documentary is a specialized tool for sociopolitical critique, prioritizing the reclamation of sovereignty and the critique of historical occupation over a broad spectrum of social identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Hawaii: The Stolen Paradise have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The documentary does not explicitly include LGBTQ+ identities or narratives. Instead, it focuses solely on historical sovereignty and political movements.

How does Hawaii: The Stolen Paradise portray gender?

Fair

The film centers on political ability to act and historical shifts. However, it remains unclear how women are represented within the sovereignty movement or among the interviewees.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Hawaii: The Stolen Paradise?

Excellent

The film prioritizes Indigenous perspectives by centering the loss of Hawaiian independence. It elevates Native Hawaiian ability to act by framing US involvement as an occupation.

How does Hawaii: The Stolen Paradise represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative disrupts conventional patriotic histories by highlighting the systemic oppression of a sovereign nation. It focuses heavily on anti-colonial and anti-Western critiques.

Does Hawaii: The Stolen Paradise include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible focus on disability, neurodivergence, or physical impairment within the film's subject matter.

Present on Screen

  • Centers Indigenous Hawaiian ability to act and perspectives.
  • Effectively challenges Western-centric historical narratives.
  • Provides a sophisticated critique of colonial occupation and systemic oppression.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Provides little clarity regarding gender diversity among historical figures or interviewees.
  • Does not address disability or neurodivergent perspectives.

Official Synopsis

Hawaii was a recognized independent nation prior to January 17, 1893. This documentary discusses the circumstances around that, and the modern efforts to restore its independent status.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.