I purchased this DVD during last Christmas season while doing some gift shopping at Borders and never have had the right opportunity to watch it. This week, I was overseeing a friend's retail store and brought the DVD in to watch on the store's 32" plasma during slow periods and have not yet taken the DVD out! In fact it's playing now as I am posting this comment! Simply amazing! I read an earlier post regarding the over exaggeration of pidgin and 'olelo Hawai'i in movies that have recently come out from the islands, and must concur with that writer in that the language use in this film is superb.I was mildly amused by the use of so many Maui musicians and songs, but felt the music absolutely fit! I felt that the storyline was fantastic and truly touching. So much so, that I have actually been trying to research some of the historical components of this film. While some of the history remains case in point, I was a little dismayed to learn that the character of Lehua was fictitious, however, I am determined to learn more about the first Hawaiian woman hotelier! Awesome job to all involved!

I had the pleasure of meeting a few cast and crew members when they came out to tour the movie in San Diego. A group of us from SDSU's Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) were given the opportunity to view the movie for the first time and give our feed back to the cast and crew members that were present. And of course, without a doubt, we all agreed that this movie was the best any of us had ever seen about Duke Kahanamoku and the joys of surfing. The Ride illustrates the surreal connection between the early days of surfing and its growth over the years since the Duke. At the same time redefining the old cultural ways and the strong rooted connections among family and friends. What more is there to say, other than it's a great movie?!? Between the great cast, awesome location, sound track and most definitely the story line, this movie is definitely one of the best I've seen come from the Hawaii!

I am Hawaiian, from Kona. Now, I live in central PA with my wife. We saw this movie last month on our Hawaiian Air flight between Honolulu and Las Vegas. All I can say is...finally, a movie that expresses the true 'uhane aloha (Aloha Spirit). The acting was pretty good, the action shots believable (surfing, etc.), all with beautiful scenery. Real Hawaiian actors, too, not haole people trying to portray us with fake accents (e.g., see North Shore - the movie and the TV show - better yet, don't see them). The love story was compelling, and the Hawaiian values woven into the story about surfing and life fit perfectly and felt pono (right).It reminded me of a movie I saw in 1983 at the Seattle IMAX theater. A young Hawaiian man (played by Blaine Kia) seeks a stronger cultural connection to his Hawaiian roots. He travels back in time to experience the true essence of hula. I wish I could remember the movie's name. Okay, I just did an online search, and I think the movie was "Behold Hawai'i." So, after 20+ years of being disappointed by so many ignorant and degrading films and TV shows made about Hawai'i and Hawaiian culture, "The Ride" fulfills the promise that "IMAX: Behold Hawai'i" gave to me back then. IMHO, today's TV/radio/theaters are filled with one-size-fits-all MTV-style "look-at-me-I-got-the-bling-bling-so-screw-you-beeyatch" videos, music and movies. In contrast, "The Ride" speaks to me on many levels - personal, cultural and emotional. "The Ride" makes me long for the past, while appreciating the present and giving me hope for the future. We need more movies in the style of "The Ride"...one with a good and hopeful message, without being preachy...for me, for Hawai'i, for all Hawaiians, for local people, and for all Hawaiians-at-heart. Maika'i no, mahalo!

I saw this movie in Honolulu over the summer. The first half hour is sooo bad the movie has to spend the rest of the time making up for it. Out of focus shots (how did they even MAKE the final cut?), and horrible overacting distract the viewers attention. BUT, then comes a more thoughtful approach to the real story, which is lovely to look at and sweet to watch. I found myself slowly but surely not resenting the acting so much. Or maybe the acting (or editing) was getting better! As the story unfolded in Hawaiian days of yore, I found myself (accidentally) caring about the characters, and marveling at the Hawaiian history and beauty. The surf scenes on the old boards are priceless!!!!! The Duke character is beautiful. Someone sign that boy up. And the lead white guy settled into his role nicely and by the end, made me cry. The female lead is acted well, and her story line is interesting. Bottom line? I've recommended this movie to all my friends.