Jason Momoa’s new Apple series, “Chief of War,” is a visually stunning and deeply immersive historical drama about the unification of the Hawaiian islands.
Setting Sail for a New Epic
This Apple TV+ series takes viewers back to late 18th-century Hawaii, offering an intimate yet epic look at the unification of the islands through a Polynesian lens. A bold creative choice was made to feature the native language almost exclusively, a decision possibly inspired by the success of other grand-scale, non-English productions like FX’s “Shōgun” and Apple’s own “Pachinko.” This commitment to authenticity is immediately noticeable and draws you into the world.
A Warrior’s Journey
While the show centers on Kamehameha the Great, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the story unfolds primarily through the eyes of Ka’iana, played by Jason Momoa. Ka’iana, a noble warrior, deserts his king and finds himself unexpectedly on a Western ship heading for the mainland. This journey exposes him to the ways, and moral failings, of the white men.
Intrigue and Alliances
Presumed dead by his family, Ka’iana learns English and devises a plan to smuggle arms and ammunition back to his district. These weapons are crucial for the impending civil war, which is set to erupt after the aging Chief Kahekili (played by the legendary Temuera Morrison) passes. Kahekili’s cruelty is evident early on, setting a stark contrast for the emerging alliances.
A Rich Cast of Characters
The series introduces a diverse and compelling cast. We meet Ka’ahumanu, who, like a historical Daenerys Targaryen, is married off for political alliance. Cliff Curtis delivers an “unhinged” performance as a character overlooked for leadership due to his unpredictability, showing extreme acts of devotion and vengeance.
In contrast, Kamehameha (Kaina Makua), a real-life farmer with no prior acting experience, portrays a surprisingly mild-mannered and reluctant hero. This portrayal suggests that relatively uncorrupted souls still have a place in power, offering a fascinating dynamic against the show’s more ruthless figures.
Stunning Visuals and Authentic Storytelling
“Chief of War” is a visual feast, sparing no expense on production. Most scenes were filmed on location, resulting in breathtaking cinematography that truly captures the beauty of Hawaii. While a passion project for Momoa, the series is a testament to meticulous detail, with key members of the Hawaiian community involved to ensure historical accuracy in costumes, sets, and dialect.
The brilliant writing, co-authored by Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, skillfully familiarizes the audience with a large cast by consistently addressing characters by name. This simple yet effective trick helps you navigate the complex narrative, making the cultural specificity of “Chief of War” a feature, not a flaw.
Key Takeaways
- Set in late 18th-century Hawaii, detailing the unification of the islands.
- Predominantly spoken in the native Hawaiian language, a bold and successful choice.
- Stars Jason Momoa as Ka’iana, a central figure in the unfolding civil war.
- Features stunning on-location cinematography and historically accurate details.
- Explores universal themes of identity, loyalty, and leadership, akin to “Avatar” or “Black Panther.”
“Chief of War” is yet another impressive example of Apple’s ambitious quest to deliver high-quality, engaging content to its viewers.
