Chief of War review: Emotionally enriching and raw storytelling on war, destruction

India Today

04-08-2025

'Chief of War', created by Thomas Paa Sibbett and Jason Mamoa, depicts the conflict of power between four major clans in the Hawaiian Islands. Innocent lives are at stake in the power play and bloodshed between the kingdoms of Hawaii (The Big Island), Maui, Oahu and Kauai. Kaiana, the war chief of Kauai (Mamoa), battles internal and external enemies in his quest for justice and peace. Kauai as a warrior who sets aside his rage and strength to avoid the killing of innocent lives, puts himself and his family at risk.advertisement'Chief of War' makes a strong statement about what a just leader or a rebel goes through while defying dictatorship and warmongering. In a world obsessed with hate and destruction, Kaiana is the beacon of hope who symbolises resilience against dictatorship. The Apple TV+ series keeps you engaged with its breathtaking visuals, visceral background music (BGM), soulful performances and emotionally enriching story.'Chief of War', in its very beginning, introduces you to the devastating and heart-wrenching impact of violence and greed on human consciousness. Not just the innocent victims, but the vulnerable humans on the opposing sides also die a million deaths internally. Sibbett and Mamoa have crafted a show that hits you hard. It is not just the gory fights but the mental psyche of a morally conflicted warrior that resonates with the viewers. Mamoa has hit the bull's eye in emoting the fears, guilt, frustration and rebellion of a valiant war chief.
While there have been other shows that made commentary on wars through subtle nuances, 'Chief of War' has an edge in terms of its universal theme. Be it a border dispute between nations, sending soldiers to war zones, bombing innocents or killing civilians, all these stories remain interconnected. The 18th century drama-series reminds you how often the leaders in control change sides and send the military to disputed areas just to suit the political narrative. Quite similar to Uncle Sam and the colonial government which made soldiers fight wars that weren't even theirs.Kaiana's angst and defiance towards a ruthless king who is a threat to humanity is metaphorical of every law-abiding individual who despises crime and injustice. Sibbett and Mamoa do not exercise restraint in narrating a story about a peace-loving warrior who refuses to bow down against the powers that be. A man capable of destroying his adversaries is also shown in his compassionate and vulnerable state. The raw emotions of a warrior clan are emotionally resonant to a larger audience base, not just indigenous communities.Not just Mamoa, but the supporting cast has also done an equally commendable job of maintaining the pace of the show. Luciane Buchanan as Kaahumanu, Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kupuohi, Te Kohe Tuhaka as Namake, Brandon Finn as Prince Kpule, Moses Goods as Moku and Benjamin Hoetjes as John Young have done their best.advertisementHowever, beyond the storytelling and acting prowess of a talented ensemble, it is imperative to acknowledge the technical aspects of 'Chief of War'. One gets a glimpse of the intent behind the show, while paying attention to the BGM. The Oscar-winning Hans Zimmer, alongside James Everingham, amicably captures the serenity of the Hawaiian Islands amid the power tussle. Zimmer and Everingham's ability to bring authenticity to period dramas makes one more eager about their future projects. To all those curious about how Zimmer's collaboration with AR Rahman might shape up, they can experience his potential and brilliance in 'Chief of War'.Watch the trailer here: The background score of the epic drama show is not just their effects, but is a crucial element in the storytelling. The overwhelming threats and obstacles in the lives of the Kauai clan are explored through Zimmer, Everingham's soul-stirring compositions.While the story is not anything new, the series never loses its momentum due to its visually striking cinematic appeal and grounded performances. Justin Chon's direction, especially for episodes one and two, is spot-on. The actors are equally in sync with his vision, which makes the series a compelling watch.advertisementMatthew Chuang and Michael Snyman's cinematography is another aspect that keeps the viewer glued to the screen. Never at a point did the whole 18th century setup ever look fake. All the departments gave it their all with the utmost sincerity and conviction.Mark Yoshikawa, Yael Hersonski, Aaron Marshall. Stephen Philipson, Marc Roussel, Marta Evry and Ron Rosen as editors, gave it their best in creating a show that doesn't lose its soul even after some relevant cuts.'Chief of War' acts as a prism to reflect on the repercussions of war. Apart from the physical damage, the show is an honest attempt at depicting the emotional scars of a war. A must-watch show to witness Aquaman Mamoa in the performance of a lifetime.'Chief of War' is available for streaming on Apple TV+.- Ends4 out of 5 starsMust Watch