Film Review: 'Finding Ohana'
A loving adventure on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, “Finding Ohana” (2021) is the perfect film to get kids excited for summer. First-time director Jude Weng teams up with writer Christina Strain to deliver Netflix’s latest original movie. True to form, the film is cheesy and sweet. Two Brooklyn-raised siblings are forced to spend their summer break with their mom Leilani (Kelly Hu) and grandpa Papa Kimo (Branscombe Richmond) in Hawaii. Contrary to the Aloha State’s reputation, the family is angry and dysfunctional from the get-go. When 12-year-old Pili (Kea Peahu) and older brother Ioane (Alex Aiono) whine about their wifi-less bungalow tucked away in the rainforest, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the ‘city kids are yet to appreciate the incredible natural beauty’ cliche but here were many more in store. The plot begins when Pili finds the first clue to a hidden treasure while snooping around Papa Kimo’s property: an old journal from a 19-century privateer named Monks (Ricky Garcia).
(The treasure hunting team overcome basic challenges like fear of spiders, but they must also confront other insecurities like trust and opening up to new people.)
In an attempt to forge a loving relationship, Papa Kimo takes Pili on a boat trip to the tiny island of Mokoli’i (commonly referred to as Chinamans hat). He reveals her clue, Monk’s journal, is authentic. On their trip, Pili finds another clue from Monks, but before she can embark on a treasure hunt Papa Kimo loses his footing and lands himself in the hospital. Now the family is burdened with more financial woes, and Pili confides in friend and neighbor Casper (Owen Vaccaro). They hatch a plan to find the hidden treasure before their older siblings discover their absence the following day, but when they are gone too long Ioane and Casper’s sister Hana (Lindsay Watson) track them down. The four teenagers must overcome spooky skeletons, dangerous lava and their own divisions to escape the treasure hunt alive.
The film stays tucked away on Oahu’s north side and far away from busy Honolulu, and not only is this film an endearing action movie for kids, but it also doubles as Intro to Hawaiian Language 101. In any situation, a new Hawaiian term is learned as Strain liberally peppers in Hawaiian words and slang. Again, it’s cheesy, but enjoyable and educational too. Beyond the standard aloha, ohana, mahalo and kuleana “Finding Ohana” ensures the viewers walk away with a healthy respect for the linguistic blend of the Hawaiian islands.
The treasure hunting team overcome basic challenges like fear of spiders, but they must also confront other insecurities like trust and opening up to new people. While the four treasure hunters try not to die, Leilani and Papa Kimo must learn to forgive past mistakes in order to rebuild their ohana. There may not be a villain, but interpersonal struggles are plentiful and I think it makes the story more meaningful. It’s a good lesson for kids that cheesy villains won’t usually be in the way of personal happiness; however, their own ability to compromise, forgive and problem solve often will be. And what better way to slip in that important life lesson than through powerful Hawaiian culture famous for community love.
It's a fun film that instills wonder and showcases Oahu’s natural beauty. “Finding Ohana” can be streamed on Netflix now.
