Hawaiian Rainbow

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful film on Hawaiian music and it's history
Review: A wonderful film on Hawaiian music featuring live concert footage with Auntie Genoa  Keawe, Raymond & Elodia Kane, Sam Bernard Trio, Vicky Holt Takamine & Pua Ali'i 'Ilima,  Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, Andy Cummings, Ho'opi'i Brothers, Jerry Santos & Haunani Apoliona,  Violet Pahu Liliko'i, Billy Hew Lin, Michael Kahikina, and Puanani Burgess. 

Robt. Mugge has done a brilliant job of presenting the history of Hawaiian music in a film that will be watched over and over by anyone with an appreciation for this lovely music. This film is a treasure. "Two thumbs up."

Rating:
Summary: Island music historicized and demonstrated
Review: In this documentary, first an academic or musician talks about the history of a Hawaiian musical style. Then someone demonstrates it. The focus in on music, but there is some hula here. I love the way that this way constructionist: they talk about pre-Cook music as well as the non-American but still Western influence on modern Hawaiian forms. This film showed male and female; young and old; thin and fat. To be honest, I dozed off a few time watching this, but that's because the music is so soothing. This film totally makes me want to visit the Pacific Islands and learn the Hawaiian language. I think all those interested in indigenous cultures and ethnomusicology should see this piece.