Journey Into the Past with ‘Chief Of War’: A Hawaiian Historical Epic
Hawaii, for many years, has magnetically pulled travelers from far corners of the globe towards its magnificent natural surroundings. Its unique and captivating sceneries have been influential backdrops to numerous films and series, providing glossed-over insights into concepts of ohana and the aloha spirit. In a refreshing new turn, ‘Chief Of War’ created by native Hawaiians Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, takes us on an unheard-of journey into the depth of their forebears’ history, the ripples of which continue into present times.
The sumptuously crafted historical saga casts Momoa as Ka’iana, an epic Hawaiian chieftain. His journey involves an intense venture to harmonize the discordant kingdoms in order to shield them from colonial influences toward the twilight of the 18th century. Momoa’s passion for telling the tale of Hawaii’s unification has been a lifelong aspiration, and the project feels like a culmination of this vision.
Wielding his widespread recognition and influence drawn from international cinematic endeavors, Momoa presents an important narrative that maintains a mix of grand ambitions with personal narratives. However, it’s important to note that the initial season places less emphasis on the direct consequence of colonization. Instead, the focus narrows on the unfortunate bloodshed that prefaced the reunification of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Ka’iana, the protagonist, is presented as a son of Maui’s mightiest war chieftain who had relocated to Hawaii. He reluctantly partners with the force he’d left behind to defeat O’ahu. In a twist of events, Ka’iana seeks to flee Kahekili’s men, and during the pursuit finds himself in the ocean, ultimately being saved by a group of English traders and explorers.
Having no alternative due to their own urgent need to leave the island, Ka’iana is compelled to adapt to life with these strangers. This forced cohabitation opens a new horizon for Ka’iana, making him the first warrior to witness firsthand the malignant reach of European colonization.
During a journey to the Spanish West Indies, the devastating realities of slave trade, weapon trafficking, and the ruthless pursuit of wealth unveil themselves to him. This alien world contrasts starkly with his childhood experiences, where the spiritual was revered and prophecies held meaning.
On his return, Ka’iana raises an alarm about the impending threats of European incursion. This narrative provides Momoa an exceptional stage to exhibit both his dramatic acting talents and directorial prowess. Ka’iana’s struggle is highlighted; his life is a balancing act between two starkly different worlds.
He is a native Hawaiian who has also experienced the unfamiliar European perspective. He is a believer and skeptic, a speaker of Hawaiian and English, and a warrior who employs both traditional and modern means to vanquish his foes. Momoa brings life to Ka’iana’s multifaceted character, artistically illustrating a desperate leader bound by an overwhelming sense of duty and sacrifice.
The cast of ‘Chief of War’ is largely comprised of Polynesian talent, forming a solid foundation for the series. The lineup includes Morrison, who portrays power-hungry Kahului, while Cliff Curtis convincingly embodies the rival leader Keoua, a man obsessed with reclaiming his perceived rights.
Hinepehinga plays the strong and influential Kupohi, Ka’iana’s wife, who is filled with angst that her husband has been irrevocably changed by his experiences. The immediate family of Ka’iana initially appeared in need of more focus after his abrupt departure early in the season, but their relationships progress beautifully, culminating in a satisfying yet poignant finale in the last trio of episodes.
The season rounds off with a climactic sequence in ‘The Black Desert.’ Momoa deserves commendation for capturing the intense battlefield scenario on a vast lava field, where he showcases the ferocity of the past brought to life through breathtaking fight scenes that dare the viewers to look away.
Responses to the colonizers vary among the island dwellers. Some seek to integrate for self-preservation, some lean on the English language for commercial and political advancements, while others refuse to conform to the impositions of ‘the white man.’ Many Hawaiians, akin to other Indigenous communities, have been distanced from their cultural roots, including their tongue.
However, in present times, Momoa along with his colleagues represent a new generation of descendants fervently embracing and reviving their lineage. The series arrives at a crucial time when there are attempts to suppress historical realities from educational discussions across America.
‘Chief Of War’ thus serves as a pertinent reminder that the haunting aspects of history, particularly regarding Indigenous communities, cannot be conveniently forgotten.