Our take
Co-created and starring Jason Momoa, Chief of War is a historical drama depicting the events that led to the unification of Hawaii. The series is rooted in the perspective of the indigenous people, not the eventual colonizers, which is rare in shows like this. Even FX’s Shogun, which tells a similar story set in 17th-century Japan, has a foreigner as the audience’s avatar. Chief of War, on the other hand, is committed to introducing the islanders in the context of their lived experience, which is why the first few episodes are spoken in pure Hawaiian.
The series is loaded with enlightening historical details, yet it never gets bogged down by them. Instead, it strikes a fine balance between intense action, meaningful characterization, and the island’s deep lore. It helps, too, that the series looks glorious—all lush and sunlit. Controversially, much of Chief of War was shot in New Zealand, not Hawaii, but the show still looks better than 90% of the grayish sludge on TV right now.
What it won
Spirit Awards
1 win
The story
With Hawaii's four kingdoms divided by war, the ferocious warrior Kaʻiana embarks on an epic mission to unite his people—as an existential threat approaches their shores.
Elsewhere
"The series’ impressively brutal action sequences are the fun stuff, but questions about the validity of a monarchy and the intrusions of the outside world on an insular culture are what stick with you."
— Roxana Hadadi
"A similarly single-minded approach could weigh down a show with less momentum, but “Chief of War” has such a strong engine -- in Momoa, his character, and their shared daring -- it rarely feels slow or stagnant."
— Ben Travers
In pre-colonial Hawaii, Kaʻiana (Momoa), a respected royal warrior, helps warring tribes unite against the “Paleskins”—Westerners threatening to take over the islands.
The Hawaiian language is beautiful - anyone who complains about having to read subtitles in the first few episodes should take a step back, and maybe reconsider putting the show on.
What a rare delight to see the story of Hawaii through the natives' eyes.
The details
Streaming arrival
Who picked it
Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.
