Review: Jason Momoa's 'Chief of War' is a towering accomplishment

USA Today

4 days ago

Jason Momoa is the man to go to when you want something done right.
The actor is known for his intimidating physical presence in series like "Game of Thrones" and films like "Dune," and he relies heavily on that physicality in his latest series, Apple TV+'s Hawaiian historical epic, "Chief of War." But although he truly carves an impressive hulking figure, Momoa is also a keen storyteller and a warm, magnetic actor. All sides of his multifaceted talent are on display in "War," a passion project that Honolulu-born Momoa, 45, produced, cowrote and intricately brought to life.
"War" (streaming Fridays, ★★★ out of four) is an expensive-looking retelling of the unification of the Hawaiian islands and subsequent colonization, from the point of view of titular warrior and leader Ka'iana, played by Momoa. The limited series is a thrilling grandiose adventure, the "War and Peace" of the Pacific. Filmed with a nearly all-Polynesian cast and often told in the Hawaiian language, the series is transportive, immersive and enlightening – the prettiest and bloodiest history lesson you'll get all year.
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Spanning years and oceans, this tale is both familiar and entirely foreign to many of us. We've all seen the white sails of colonial ships sailing up to beautiful beaches, but we've never learned much about what happened on those lands in their own history first. "War" brings the scale and power of Hollywood storytelling to Hawaiian history and politics, the way we've seen stories of American and European history for countless series and films before. And "War" does this with a thrilling pace and superb performances. It's the best kind of expensive, ambitious streaming TV: You'll binge-watch it because you can't look away from the spectacle.
The series begins during the period in which the islands of Hawaii are divided − Kauai, Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Kauai, Ni'ihau and Lanai are all ruled by separate leaders and tribes that have fought on-and-off-again wars over their long history. King Kahekili (Temuera Morrison, "The Mandalorian") of Maui is ready for more war and conquest, much to the horror of his great warrior Ka'iana (Momoa), who turns on the chief. Just as Kahekili is raging a bloody campaign across the archipelago, American and British ships start sailing by the islands, bringing guns and political interference to the conflict. The "paleskins" are spurned by many but welcomed by some, including Ka'ahumanu (Luciane Buchanan, "The Night Agent"), daughter of the chief of Hawaii. Ka'iana gets mixed up with a merchant ship's crew, striking up a friendship with crewman Tony (James Udom), a Black man marginalized by the white sailors just as Ka'iana is.
The series' first two episodes are almost entirely in Hawaiian with subtitles, which may be a barrier for some viewers, but shouldn't be. Each episode is better and more gripping than the one that came before, as the stakes of the story increasingly raise. Plus, as the influences of the outside world are felt on the Hawaiian islands, English dialogue becomes more frequent. Whatever language is being used, "War" doesn't lack for must-watch moments or performances. Momoa remains his magnetic, forceful presence on screen, but he is well matched by Buchanan, who gets to show off far more than in Netflix hit "Agent" where she played second fiddle to the action hero. Ka'ahumanu may have a supporting role in the story and a predetermined role in Hawaiian society as a woman and royalty, but Buchanan imbues her with agency and verve that makes her scenes some of the best of the series.
"War" is a compelling story, with the mix of violence and palace intrigue that Momoa's "Thrones" fans already love. And the actor, with all his box office draw and cultural cachet, has brought this vital story to life in such a thoughtful and captivating way. He is perhaps the only man in Hollywood who could get this story made at this scale and with such care.
Talk about a good way to use your star power.