Search - Beyond Paradise on DVD

"Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono" , "Imua Hawai'i"

Ralayna | Molokai, Hawaii | 11/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first saw this in the movie theater back in 1998, I must say my first reaction was "I can't believe how this white guy (the director) portrayed the hawaiian locals as." And the fact that it was a true story didnt help any. But then, nearly 5 years has passed when it came out on Video and DVD, I saw it again and I can honestly say I got a total different perspective on it! I was almost happy to know a movie about the Hawaii I was born and raised in! And the sad part is, you can NEVER understand the full extent of this film unless you were born and raised on the islands. My family and I are originally from one of the small islands, Molokai. But I was fortunate enough to have lived on 4 different islands, and its the same thing on every one of them. I do realize the kind of hate and blame we hawaiians have for the white people, and I can't say that Im not one of them, but I think by realizing it and trying to work at it is the first step. So if your interested in learning a little bit about my culture, along with some drama and some laughs this is definately a movie to watch, and maybe someday own!"

Rob Marley's Review

Ralayna | 03/08/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This was a great movie about the struggle of a young man from the mainland United States who experiences the harsh realities of the Hawaiian islands and its' culture. The director of this movie used graphic representations of the "local" native hawaiian's views on foreigners to depict a society based on drugs, violence, and crime. This however, is not the total truth. Being from the islands, I was able to see the contrasts between what is and is not factual. However, being foreign to the Hawaiian islands might lead one who views this movie to stay away from this paradise. All in all, this is one of those must see movies for anyone who enjoys watching raw, on the edge action about an incredible society in the middle of pacific ocean."

Beyond Pardise!

K's Services | 10/18/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hi I live in Hawaii so I should know how things are around here. And this movie kinda shows the dark and bright sides of living here. Yes there are many beautiful places you may hear about over on the Big Island but there are also many dark places too! Some kids are nice and some kids are just really mean plus violent. So I guess this movie kinds of shows people about friendship and that Paradise may not just be beautiful but also scary.And I really like that. This is a true story so it's pretty cool and sad. It didnot bring tears to my eyes but it made me smile like you feel when something good happens. Since I live here I kinda knew where this movie typicly took place. Mostly on the other side of the island. Kona! I liked the scene where they were on Maun Kea with the snow. That was neat. So go and see this movie now!"

A good review from a Local!!

K's Services | seattle, wa | 02/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must say I saw this film with a group of friends here in Hawaii and the theatre was jam packed. This movie shows both the good and bad sides of Hawaii. Where movies like "Aloha Summer" and "North Shore" failed "Beyond Paradise" succeeds. The story focuses on California native Mark[Roy Newton] as he moves to Hawaii to live with his mother. He is befriended by three local students named Zulu[Kalani], Ronnie Boy[Lorenzo Callender] and Keao[Daryl Bonilla]. We then are taken on a journey of both beauty and violence and what a journey it is. Aside from one flaw[which I'll talk about a little later]I thought this movie was excellent. The cinematography is superb and the story is brutal but utterly endearing and touching. But the thing that stands out most is the acting. This film showcases some young talented actors. I'd take these actors over any from the "Dawson Creek", "Scream" crowd. Newton is okay but shows little depth and even lesser growth as Mark[this being the flaw I mentioned earlier]. Being on the screen with talented actors as he was only made his so-so performance stand out more[which in his case was not a good thing]. Kalani is a charmer as the storytelling Zulu[not a bad surfer as well]. Callender delivers a solid yet heartbreaking performance as Ronnie. He's got talent. Bonilla distinguishes himself as Keao. He is a scene stealer. This guy is something special to watch as the crowd just ate him up. Priscilla Basque[Lehua], Troy Ignacio[Aku] and Eric MacArthur[Jason]do good work in supporting roles. I seriously recommend that people see this film for just the great acting alone as this movie delivers 9/10"