{"id":32859,"date":"2023-10-27T19:58:46","date_gmt":"2023-10-27T18:58:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hollywoodintoto.com\/?p=2038024"},"modified":"2023-10-27T19:58:46","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T18:58:46","slug":"why-waikiki-is-unlike-any-cinematic-trip-to-hawaii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gamefootballmobileanimeiphone.com\/index.php\/2023\/10\/27\/why-waikiki-is-unlike-any-cinematic-trip-to-hawaii\/","title":{"rendered":"Why \u2018Waikiki\u2019 Is Unlike Any Cinematic Trip to Hawaii"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we meet Kea (Danielle Zalopany) in “Waikiki,” she\u2019s working as a singer in a karaoke bar, living in her van and broke.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Her ex shows up during her shift and is furious about her working in a place filled with sleazy patrons. Not long after, Kea drives off and makes a terrible mistake. In the aftermath of this event (which I won\u2019t spoil), her awareness of those around her, her cultural pride and her survival instincts are heightened, even as her personal life and safety become uncertain.<\/p>\n

\"YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n

Christopher Kahunahana\u2019s \u201cWaikiki\u201d is a tough, confident and forceful plea for understanding, particularly for those who are homeless and devoid of hope. Kahunahana, who wrote, directed and produced \u201cWaikiki,\u201d has made a gritty, unpredictable drama in which nothing feels inevitable.<\/p>\n

Here is an uncompromising, highly-profane work that takes its audience on a journey that will challenge them. I first saw \u201cWaikiki\u201d at the 40th Annual Hawaii International Film Festival in 2020 and can\u2019t wait to experience it again.<\/p>\n

This is unlike most films made on Oahu, certainly the ones that are about the island itself. In Kahunahana\u2019s hands, Waikiki is akin to Las Vegas, a rundown haven for tourists and a place of fading buildings and broken hearts for those who live there.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s refreshing to see a locally-made, independent film that feels as personal and outside of the norm as this one. While stylish, with a number of scenes that offer dream-like imagery, there\u2019s no whimsy, comic relief or handholding, either.<\/p>\n

While I was always enticed by Kea\u2019s journey, at no point does the screenplay tip its hat and tell us that everything is going to be all right. What the film is asking of us is to be conscious of those around us who are hurting and to not look away.<\/p>\n

The director is a major talent – keep your eye on him. His team is full of discoveries.<\/p>\n

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#MovieNews<\/a> new poster for #Waikiki<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Directed by Christopher Kahunahana.<\/p>\n

With Peter Shinkoda, Danielle Zalopany, Jason Quinn, Kimo Kahoano. pic.twitter.com\/bBUpSBacqV<\/a><\/p>\n

— Cin\u00e9 Binger \"\ud83d\udcfd\" (@CineBinger) September 24, 2020<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n