MOVIE - THE DESCENDANTS
2011 Oscar-Winning Drama
Movie poster for The Descendants
"My friends on the mainland think just because I live in Hawaii, I live in paradise. Like a permanent vacation - we're all just out here sipping Mai Tais, shaking our hips and catching waves."
This memorable quote from the opening scene of The Descendants sets the tone for a film that offers a captivating perspective of modern life in Hawaii, and its often-overlooked realities. Based on the critically acclaimed first novel by Hawaii—born, Punahou graduate Kaui Hart Hemmings, The Descendants follows the life of Matt King (George Clooney), a real estate lawyer and land baron in Hawaii, as he deals with his wife's tragic accident and an impending land sale. As Matt reconnects with his daughters (Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller) and confronts the truth about his life, he must make a significant decision about the future of his family and their ancestral land.
This novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings inspired the Oscar-winning movie
If you've spent time on Oahu and Kauai, The Descendants offers glimpses of familiar spots – downtown Honolulu, Queen’s Hospital, Nuuanu Valley, Lihue Airport, Hanalei Bay, Kipu Kai Ranch, and the iconic Tahiti Nui Bar. The film's locations are not just picturesque backdrops but also are integral to the story's development.
In an important scene from the film's first half, George Clooney runs downhill to another family's home in his neighborhood. The movie captures the realness of Hawaiian family life, highlighted by a plantation-style house that is the real-life home to Tiare Finney, complete with her personal photos, art, furniture, and even Poppy, the pygmy goat living in the front yard under a 50-foot lychee tree!
The soundtrack, featuring an all-Hawaiian lineup of artists and songs, adds to the film's authentic portrayal of Hawaiian culture, heart, and lifestyle. From traditional slack-key guitar tunes to contemporary Hawaiian melodies, the music includes works by Gabby Pahinui, Keola Beamer, Sonny Chillingworth, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Jeff Peterson, and Dennis Kamakahi.
A stretch of beautiful land on the south shore of Kauai
The movie allows viewers to appreciate elements beyond the typical tourist experience, such as the chirping of geckos and the faded aloha shirts worn by rich and powerful locals. The underlying message of the film underscores the deep connection that Hawaiian’s have to their ancestral homeland. It also portrays a deeply painful, emotional, and complicated family moment respectfully, with humour, honesty, and grace.
The Descendants received five Oscar nominations - Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay (Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash). It won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and won the Golden Globe for Best Picture – Drama.
Kaui Hart Hemmings makes a cameo appearance in the movie!