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The Hawaiians

Name: The Hawaiians
Director: Tom Gries
Released: 1970
Duration: 134 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

1970

Director

Tom Gries

Runtime

134 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Hawaiians functions as a compelling historical drama that prioritizes a post-colonial perspective. It successfully centers the Native Hawaiian experience, using the collision of Polynesian social orders and Western expansionism to drive its narrative tension. While the film excels in ethnic and cultural representation, it remains conservative in its depiction of social identities. The narrative adheres to established 19th-century hierarchies regarding gender and lacks any presence of LGBTQ+ or disability-focused storylines. Ultimately, the film is a study of cultural friction. It succeeds in portraying the ability to act of indigenous populations facing colonization, even as it maintains traditional views on gender and sexual identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Hawaiians have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The social landscape is strictly based on traditional romantic and familial structures of the 19th century.

How does The Hawaiians portray gender?

Fair

Female characters navigate shifting political tides but operate within the constraints of period-specific social expectations. The film does not significantly challenge traditional masculine leadership or gendered power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Hawaiians?

Good

The production centers the Native Hawaiian experience amidst Western settlement. By using both indigenous and Western performers, it avoids a purely Anglo-centric perspective and highlights ethnic tensions.

How does The Hawaiians represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative offers a sophisticated critique of Western institutional expansion. It portrays missionary structures and capitalist land acquisition as disruptive forces that cause cultural displacement and systemic upheaval.

Does The Hawaiians include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible focus on physical, neurodivergent, or sensory disabilities within the primary character arcs or the central plot progression.

Present on Screen

Strong emphasis on Native Hawaiian ability to act and the indigenous experience.
Sophisticated critique of Western missionary influence and capitalist expansion.
Avoids a purely Anglo-centric lens by utilizing a diverse cast.

Limited or Absent

Lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and non-traditional narratives.
Adherence to traditional gender hierarchies and masculine leadership roles.
Absence of characters or storylines addressing physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A wanderer returns home only to find political turmoil, disease and romantic difficulties.

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