I have been waiting eagerly for a movie about the life of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku.
Why are there movies about Bobby Darin or the screenwriter of “Citizen Kane” and not one of the most legendary Olympic athletes and most influential Hawaiians ever to live?
Now we have Isaac Halasima’s “The Water Man,” a captivating and detailed documentary about the life of Kahanamoku. For anyone waiting for a great movie on the subject, it feels like a dream come true.
A profound Hawaiian and ultimate Aloha ambassador, Kahanamoku was the breakthrough, and Halasima’s filmography encompasses a lot. The prologue sets out the obstacles Kahanamoku faced early on, as prejudice and mistrust countered his incredible abilities as an athlete.
We followed Kahanamoku to America, where the country was 50 years after the Civil War but 50 years before the Civil Rights Movement. The prejudice that Kahanamoku has to endure and the barriers he has broken are astounding.
His story is one of incredible humility.
Other highlights include his marriage to Nadine Alexander in 1940 and Kahanamoku saving eight lives aboard Thelma (it wasn’t an isolated act of bravery). Kahanamoku lived in pre-state Hawaii and spent both World Wars. He died in 1968 at the age of 77.
The documentary deals with Kahanamoku’s 1959 appearance as the guest of honor and the focus of the episode “This is your life”, a fitting way to draw us into this story. .
The tone is celebratory, but “Waterman” isn’t a rhyme. Kahanamoku’s inner life remains a public mystery, as his quiet struggles do not appear in the dub or film. It therefore seems fitting that the discreet yet emotional Kahanamoku clearly in the ’59 footage feature a documentary that respects his privacy.
The reenactments are brief and infrequent enough that they’re a welcome contact, but also so well executed, it provides a glimpse into what a great movie his life is. will provide suitable filmmakers. The quest to play Kahanamoku was difficult, but Duane DeSoto is charming and has the presence to carry out such a task.
Talking heads include historians, whiteboarders, professional surfers, family members, and the author of the Kahanamoku biography. Surfers like Laird Hamilton, Kai Lenny, Kelly Slater and Carissa Moore weigh in on the historic impact of Kahanamoku’s influence on surfing.
Among those interviewed was Davis Davis, author of “Country people, ”Based on the movie. Davis is also an executive producer of the film.
It was presented in a short 90 minutes, although I enjoyed it, I would welcome another 30 minutes.
Halasima’s film is currently one of the few documentaries stirring up the box office, and no wonder. Your emotions and senses will be fully involved. “Country people” is thrilling.
Four stars
