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Geek Tyrant
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Review: Jason Momoa's CHIEF OF WAR Is a Brutal, Beautiful Dive Into Hawaiian History — GeekTyrant
There's something instantly captivating about watching a piece of history come to life when it's handled with care, authenticity, and a true reverence for the culture it represents. That's exactly what Chief of War accomplishes. Created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, both of whom have native Hawaiian roots, this Apple TV+ historical drama immerses you in a world that feels both foreign and familiar, grand and grounded, bloody and beautiful. Chief of War is set at the turn of the 18th century, a time when Hawaii's four kingdoms were locked in brutal conflict. It follows a Hawaiian warrior on a mission to unify the islands before colonial forces arrive to reshape everything. It's an epic setup, and Momoa doesn't waste a single frame. I've only seen the first two episodes so far as those are the only ones available at the moment, but I'm already all in. The story hits hard, the pacing keeps things moving, and the attention to cultural detail is incredibly impressive. This isn't a half-baked historical drama, it's a passionate, purposeful piece of storytelling. Momoa commands the screen with a performance that might just be his best yet. There's a raw intensity to his character, but it's not just brute force, it's layered, emotional, and rooted in his identity. Temuera Morrison also turns in one of his most powerful roles in years, bringing gravitas and depth to a world torn by violence and shifting loyalties. The entire cast, filled with Polynesian talent including Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, and Cliff Curtis, brings this slice of Hawaiian history to life in a way that feels both authentic and cinematic. What really seals the deal for me is the language. Chief of War is largely told in the native Hawaiian tongue, and it adds a layer of immersion that you don't often get in mainstream historical dramas. It feel like you're experiencing the story the way it was meant to be told, through the voices of those who lived it. Combine that with the series' brutal, bloody action scenes, which go hard and don't hold back, and you've got a show that feels enlightening and edge-of-your-seat intense. The cinematography deserves a shoutout too. Every frame feels meticulously crafted, with Hawaii's rugged beauty on full display. The camera doesn't just show the islands, it captures their spirit. Whether it's a quiet moment of reflection or an all-out battle, the visual storytelling is just as compelling as the dialogue. It's a bit like Shōgun , but with a uniquely Hawaiian heartbeat. You can also draw the Game of Thrones comparisons if you want, but honestly, Chief of War stands on its own. There's also a deeper layer to this series that sticks with you… the idea of who gets to rule, who decides what a nation becomes, and how outside forces reshape identities and erase stories. Those themes hit differently when they're told from an indigenous perspective, and it's clear that Momoa and Sibbett are telling this story not just as entertainment, but as a way to reclaim and amplify a history that's long been overlooked. If you're even slightly into historical dramas, or just looking for something fresh that's got style, substance, and a serious amount of soul, Chief of War should absolutely be on your watchlist. It's bold, it's brutal, and it's one of the most ambitious shows Apple TV+ has put out in a while. We're just two episodes in, and I already know this series is going to be something special.
Forbes
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Chief Of War' Release Schedule—When Do New Episodes Drop On Apple TV+?
Apple TV+'s new historical drama Chief of War has finally arrived. The Jason Momoa-led series has already earned widespread praise from critics for its Hawaiian storytelling, attention to detail and grand set pieces. If you've finished the first two episodes, read on to find out exactly when the rest of the season will be available to stream. Co-created by Thomas Pa'a Sibbett and Momoa, Chief of War is based on the true story of the unification and colonization of Hawai'i at the turn of the 18th century. Momoa portrays real-life warrior Ka'iana, who must 'unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century,' according to the synopsis. Retelling Hawaii's war-torn history in Chief of War holds a deeper meaning for Momoa, who was born in Honolulu and is credited as a co-creator, executive producer and director of season one's final episode, 'The Black Desert.' 'There were moments where, as a little boy, you look at these awesome paintings, because a lot of these images that we saw as kids,' Momoa recalled in an interview with Parade. 'I mean, that's all we had were books and paintings. And to actually direct and be a part of the whole thing, just composing these paintings and watching them come to life and putting music to them and seeing these images, I know what I went through when I made them. I know what I went through when we edited it.' In addition to Momoa, Chief of War features a predominantly Polynesian cast, including Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale'o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Kohe Tuhaka. The series is off to a strong start, premiering with an 86% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. USA Today critic Kelly Lawler praised the limited series a 'thrilling grandiose adventure.' She also called the Momoa's show 'transportive, immersive and enlightening' and "the prettiest and bloodiest history lesson you'll get all year.' Here's what to know about Chief of War's release schedule, episode count, how to watch new episodes for free and more. When Do New Episodes Of Chief Of War Come Out On Apple TV+? New episodes of Chief of War are released on Apple TV+ every Friday at 12 a.m. ET (9 p.m. PT on Thursday evenings). How Many Episodes Are In Chief Of War Season 1? There will be a total of nine episodes in the first season of Chief of War, which is a typical episode count for a new series on Apple TV+. What Is The Chief of War Release Schedule? The first two episodes of Chief of War are now streaming. The remaining seven episodes will be released weekly on Apple TV+ every Friday, leading up to the anticipated Season 1 finale on September 19. Check out the full release schedule for Season 1 (with episode titles) below. How To Watch Chief of War To watch Chief of War Season 1, you'll need to sign up for an Apple TV+ subscription. The streaming platform costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. If you're new to Apple TV+, you can take advantage of the platform's seven-day free trial to stream Chief of War at no cost for a limited time. Or, if you've recently purchased a new Apple device, you may be eligible for three months of Apple TV+ for free. Watch the official trailer for Chief of War below.
Telegraph
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Jason Momoa's new drama will have you googling, ‘Did Hawaiians ride sharks?'
Swept Away with Madonna. Battlefield Earth with John Travolta. Actors' passion projects should be approached with caution, because they're often turkeys. Thankfully, Jason Momoa's Chief of War (Apple TV+) is not in this category, although it is trying to appeal to two quite distinct markets: people with an interest in the unification of the Hawaiian islands in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and people who want to watch the Game of Thrones/DC Comics man-mountain hitching an underwater ride on a shark he has just lassoed. The shark scene is the opener and is far more cartoonish than the action that follows, although Google, 'Did Hawaiians ride sharks?' and the internet will tell you that they did, actually. It's a meaty historical epic bearing similarities to Disney's Shōgun: political intrigue, violence, exotic locations and a brooding hero. There is a lot of dialogue, most of it (all of it in the first two episodes) in the Hawaiian language, as characters scheme and discuss ancient prophecies. It is punctuated at regular intervals by vividly shot battle scenes, all of which involve Momoa fending off attackers with an almost superhuman level of skill: throw spears at him, and he simply catches them and chucks them over his shoulder before pummelling the spear-thrower into submission. One of the most common sound effects, if you watch this with the subtitles on, is 'bones crunch'. Hawaiian-born Momoa spent 10 years creating the series with Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, the writer and producer – we'll take it on trust that the series is well-researched. The striking costumes are historically accurate – Hawaiian warriors favoured buttock-baring loincloths and the kind of feathered capes that would have looked great on Tina Turner – and the cast is predominantly Polynesian. They include Temuera Morrison and Cliff Curtis, who made their breakthroughs in cult New Zealand film Once Were Warriors and have since developed solid Hollywood careers. The stirring score is provided by Hans Zimmer. The cinematography makes Hawaii look heavenly. The main characters are all real figures from history. Momoa plays Ka'iana, a warrior of noble lineage who just wants to live in peace but gets drawn into war between Hawaii's four kingdoms and is soon machete-ing people in the head with gusto. From episode three onwards, the action becomes more international as Ka'iana sets sail with Captain John Meares on a ship bound for Alaska. Meanwhile, British sailor John Young is left behind during an expedition to one of the islands and becomes an adviser to the king. These parallel storylines introduce some English dialogue to the episodes, and also lead to Momoa adopting the Western custom of wearing trousers. It's a big canvas, but the focus remains firmly on the star. John Meares wrote of Ka'iana in 1788: 'He was nearly 6ft 5in in stature, and the muscular form of his limbs was of an Herculean appearance.' Momoa is a suitably gargantuan presence, but also has a charisma that makes his scenes sizzle and the other scenes fizzle. The narrative is also a little hard-going because half the names begin with 'K' – obviously this is historically and culturally appropriate, but as you're just becoming acquainted with the characters it's hard to keep track of who is who when they're called Kamehameha, Kahekili, Keoua, Kupule, Kalani'opu'u, Kupuohi and Ka'ahumanu. And the storyline sags when it turns to romance or familial woes – it's far better when concentrating on the action.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Chief of War' Review: Jason Momoa Turns Hawaiian Folklore Into an Ambitious TV Epic That Rivals ‘Game of Thrones'
Momoa and co-creator Thomas Pa'a Sibbett craft an Apple TV+ drama that's equal parts action-packed and illuminating Ten years in the making, Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett bring their passion project to life with the visually stunning, action-packed and culturally significant series, 'Chief of War.' The Apple TV+ drama tells the story of the unification and colonization of Hawaii at the turn of the 18th century from an indigenous perspective. It's undoubtedly one of the most ambitious series in recent memory, as it takes a heavy and delicate subject matter but manages to make it action-packed and informative in equal measures, which can be a tough line to tow. I knew very little, if anything, about the history of Hawaii. However, after watching 'Chief of War,' I felt inspired to research the various real-life figures and what happened to them after the events of the 10-episode series. More from TheWrap 'Chief of War' Review: Jason Momoa Turns Hawaiian Folklore Into an Ambitious TV Epic That Rivals 'Game of Thrones' Richard Quest Burns Scott Jennings on CNN Over Trump Tariffs Spat, Says He's Not a Real Journalist | Video Warner Bros. Sets Post-Split Multiyear Contracts With JB Perrette and Bruce Campbell Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne Explain Why Hollywood Doesn't Delve Into 'Platonic' Relationships That Often The importance of 'Chief of War' stretches beyond entertainment as it gives native Hawaiians a platform to reclaim their history and tell the story of their people by bringing it to a mainstream audience. This is a big responsibility for Momoa and the cast and crew to ensure authenticity, which they achieve with cultural advisors in every production department. Also, even the inclusion of Hawaiian language dialogue was a culturally-significant moment as the language almost became extinct after it was banned from being taught in Hawaiian schools in 1896. Now, millions of people get to hear the language take center stage on one of the biggest shows of 2025. Beyond the cultural impact, 'Chief of War' is also a bloody entertaining TV show that boasts incredible performances from its cast. This could be a bold claim, but the show will be the making of Luciane Buchanan. The New Zealand actress has already made waves with Netflix's 'The Night Agent,' but her star-turning performance as Ka'ahumanu is a game-changer. In playing the queen consort and one of Kamehameha I's wives, Buchanan brings emotionality and pathos as her character must balance prophecy and tradition with the changing landscape of the modern world and the evil forces that threaten it. Another stellar performance was by the mohawk-sporting Cliff Curtis, who was impeccable as Keōua. The New Zealander's performance added a real gruesome edge to the show, portraying Keōua like a Marvel villain in the way that he seemed an indestructible threat to the protagonists and their way of life. Though the character could have benefited from more scenes exploring the reasons for his madness. Perhaps the greatest character of 'Chief of War' was the Polynesian islands with wide sweeping shots of filming locations in New Zealand and Hawaii, adding real drama and surreal beauty to the drama. Not even the bloody battles and violence could stop this from being a great advertisement to hop on a plane and take in the incredible sights that the islands have to offer. It could be the New Zealand backdrop and violent battles that are clouding my judgment, but it felt like 'Chief of War' took heavy inspiration from 'Lord of the Rings.' And just like the Tolkien stories, 'Chief of War' thrived when it leant into the mystical and fantastical. The old world superstitions and beliefs of the native Hawaiians were represented hauntingly by the Prophetess. While it's hard to strike the balance between being an authentic representation of history and an entertaining show, I would have loved to see more of the surrealist moments, as that created such a unique atmosphere within the show. And just like 'Lord of the Rings,' 'Chief of War' knows exactly how to produce an epic battle scene that had the audience on the edge of their seats with high-octane action. Without giving much away, the final battle sequence was the perfect climax to a dramatic and well-crafted series. It was fast-paced, exhilarating and ultra-violent — the image of Momoa ripping someone's tongue out of their throat and biting it comes to mind. 'Chief of War' writer and lead star Momoa made his big Hollywood breakthrough on 'Game of Thrones,' and comparisons have already been made between the two shows as the audience are taken on an epic adventure to different lands, minus the fire-breathing dragons. Whilst I can't see the upcoming Apple TV+ show having as big a cultural impact as 'Game of Thrones,' I am incredibly optimistic and excited about the future of 'Chief of War.' There are no confirmed plans for future seasons, but Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett have got something special on their hands. The promising first season has given them a perfect launching pad to further showcase the rich culture and powerful stories of native Hawaiians that have been waiting to be told. 'Chief of War' premieres Friday, Aug. 1, on Apple TV+. The post 'Chief of War' Review: Jason Momoa Turns Hawaiian Folklore Into an Ambitious TV Epic That Rivals 'Game of Thrones' appeared first on TheWrap.
Wall Street Journal
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
‘Chief of War' Review: Jason Momoa's Hawaiian Epic on Apple TV+
A common perception of Hawaii in its pre-Sandwich Island days is of an immaculate paradise despoiled by plunderers, and that perhaps Captain Cook rightly died in Kealakekua Bay. But savagery already was there according to 'Chief of War,' a nine-part series co-created by and starring Jason Momoa that is big, grand and grandiose. The series is based largely on fact and set at a time when Hawaii was in a riptide of historical change. It is the late 1700s; Cook has come and gone; Kamehameha (terrific newcomer Kaina Makua) had not yet unified the islands. Each of the four main kingdoms—Hawa'i, O'ahu, Mau'i and Kaua'i, as they are treated in the show—was struggling for supremacy, or at least peace. What Mr. Momoa and co-writer/creator Thomas Pa'a Sibbett have structured is a drama that leans on the real and imagined histories common to cultures around the globe, which doesn't diminish the history of Hawaii as much as it shows that origin stories and creation myths can be shared by people with no obvious connections.
