
Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton
2017

Representation Score
Fair
2013
Director
Sam George
Runtime
79 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetNew Showbiz Analysis
The documentary serves as a powerful tool for cultural reclamation. By centering the life of Eddie Aikau and the voyages of the Hokulea, the film shifts the narrative focus away from Anglo-Saxon perspectives toward indigenous Polynesian ability to act. While the film does not actively deconstruct social institutions or address LGBTQ+ identities, it succeeds in elevating non-Western heroism. The focus on traditional navigation and communal survival provides a necessary platform for indigenous history. Ultimately, the film's impact comes from its ability to challenge the traditional dominance of Western subjects in the biographical documentary genre.
Category Breakdown
The film does not explicitly depict LGBTQ+ identities and maintains a neutral stance focused on historical accuracy.
The story centers around a male figure, reflecting the historical context of big-wave surfing. It avoids traditional domestic clichés by focusing on communal service.
The documentary highlights the Native Hawaiian icon Eddie Aikau, providing high racial ability to act. It challenges Eurocentric canons by emphasizing indigenous Polynesian expertise and heritage.
The film highlights Polynesian voyaging traditions and indigenous knowledge. It elevates cultural values like bravery and community service over Western individualistic metrics.
There is no evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film.
Present on Screen
Limited or Absent
Official Synopsis
Director Sam George chronicles the remarkable life and times of the late Eddie Aikau, the legendary Hawaiian big wave surfer, pioneering lifeguard and ultimately doomed crew member of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokulea.

2017

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