Title : Chief Of War
Creators: Jason Momoa, Thomas Paa Sibbett
Cast: Jason Momoa, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Brandon Finn, Siua Ikaleo, Mainei Kinimaka, Temuera Morrison, James Udom, Benjamin Hoetjes
Directors: Justin Chon, Anders Engström, Brian Andrew Mendoza, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3.5 stars
Runtime: 9 episodes
A swirling blood soaked epic, Chief of War, a historical drama, tells the story of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands from an indigenous point of view.
Set at the turn of the 19th century, this 9 part series, a period piece created by Thomas Paa Sibbett and Jason Momoa, who also stars, executive produces, and even directs one of its most powerful episodes, is an unapologetic exploration of the human cost of forging a nation.
A world of unparalleled beauty is rent by conflict from within and without. The four individual islands locked in a perpetual cycle of combat will now have to face a foreign threat.
Kaʻiana (Momoa), a noble warrior of Kauaʻi who has given up on violence, living in self-imposed exile with his family, is drawn back into conflict when foreign threats and tribal tensions start wrecking his hard earned peace. Kaʻiana was a warrior who, initially was from Maui, and later sought refuge in Kaua’i, residing there with his two brothers, in consonance with nature.
The series begins with an ancient prophecy: “A Star with a Feathered Cape will signal the rise of a great King, who will unite the kingdoms and end the age of war.” Taking place when the Hawaiian Islands was untouched, the series focuses on four kingdoms that stood alone: the Kingdom of O’ahu, the Kingdom of Maui, the Kingdom of Kauai, and the Kingdom of Hawaii.
The powerful King Kahekili (Temuera Morrison), Kaiana’s uncle, brings news that the seers of Maui have foreseen a great threat that will enslave their people under the rule of O Ahu. Kaiana’s help is sought to stop this invasion. Kahekili believes that his nephew would not heed to the call of war given his predilection for peace, so he re-words the prophecy to lure him. “The Prophecy does not foretell the rise of a king. It predicts the birth of a moment.” This declaration from his uncle prompts Kaʻiana to take up arms.
Mamoa gives an emotionally resonant performance and together with his physical presence and charisma, it makes for a supremely commanding one. He literally lives the role of the warrior torn between preserving the sanctity of his island culture and his innate craving for peace. The supporting cast also turn in remarkable performances. Kaina Makua as Kamehameha I, the future unifier of the islands, is gravitating. Temuera Morrison has a commanding presence. Cliff Curtis as Keōua, a rival chief, is at once menacing and sad, while Luciane Buchanan, Moses Goods, and Te Ao o Hinepehinga make their presence felt strongly.
The series explores battle strategies, politics and spiritual issues with Kukailimoku, the Hawaiian god of war, weighing in at every turn. Chief of War is visually enrapturing. The Hawaiian islands look lush and resplendent. The depiction of war is brutal, even the hand-to-hand combat is brilliantly choreographed.
Jason Momoa’s helming of a pivotal episode has raw power. The pacing within episodes is a bit uneven. But the emotional intensity never lets up. Terrific dialogue, richly layered conversations, production values that cast a spell on the vastness of this engagement, gorgeous cinematography, lighting that makes everything look bright and beautiful, all combine to make this series one of the best in terms of tech credits.
This series is a rich and varied spectacle of craft and performance – one that is especially a showcase for Momoa’s phenomenal vision and talent.