Tripster10
Though arguably a "time travel" film, The Ride is actually much more. In the plot, a hot shot modern surfer, David, competing in an international surf competition, experiences a wipe-out. The wipe-out inexplicably transports David back to 1911 Hawaii. There he meets the young Duke Kahanamoku, played perfectly by the charismatic Sean Kaawa. The young Duke has yet to achieve international fame from participation in the Olympic games. He is a surfer and craftsman who exposes the brash David to Hawaiian ways. The real star of the film is the uniquely Hawaiian "Aloha Spirit" which is central in the lives of the people David encounters. That spirit shines brightly in "Lehua", played by the radiant Mary Paalani, as a young woman who also introduces David to Island ways. The Ride's real charm is in the portrayal of Hawaii and its people at a time which preceded extensive commercial growth and development. The film provides a glimpse of a less complicated past, which is indeed worth "The Ride".
Bekeson
Caught "The Ride" on a Hawaiian Airlines flight, and immediately set about trying to purchase it. If you're into real Hawaii - not the touristy one, but the culture, the feeling, and the true spirit of Aloha; and you're into surfing - not because it's "in" or it's the "cool" thing to do right now, but for the feeling "The Ride" gives you - this movie will touch your heart. While not a high-budget, glamour collection of slick wave shots, this story about how a pro surfer who goes back to a time before contests and huge payouts comes to understand the true meaning of "The Ride" will touch a chord in anyone who understands what surfing is really about - and may just change some who don't understand. Very, very special.
Loudi-Ann Rodriguez
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!
mjjirik
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.
AD
