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Copyright 1995 ABC-CLIO. This review was taken from the ABC-CLIO Video Rating Guide for Libraries on CD-ROM, a 5-year compilation of over 8900 video titles and reviews, 1990-1994. For information regarding order VRGL CD-ROM, contact: ABC-CLIO, P.O. Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911; 805-968-1911. Website: http://www.abc-clio.com
This following text has been included in the UCB Media Resources Center Web site with the kind permission of the publishers.
- Rating: ****
- Audience: College to Adult
- Price: Public performance: $165.00
- Home use: $39.95
- Date: Copyright 1993. Released 1993.
- Descriptors: United States - History - 19th century.
Hawaii - History. Lilliukalani, Lyndia
Kamekeha.
- Production Information: Live action, Film transfer, Stills.
Produced by Puhipau, Joan Lander. Directed
by Puhipau, Joan Lander. Sponsored by
Center for Hawaiian Studies. Color. Also
available in 3/4 inch. Dolby, Stereo. 58
min.
- Production Company: Na Maka o ka Aina
3020 Kahaloa Dr.
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808) 988-6984
- Available from: CrossCurrent Media
346 9th Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 552-9550
- Cataloging: 996.902 Hawaii - History - Revolution of
1893||Hawaii - Politics and government -
to 1893||Documentary films
- Print Entry #: 5:665
- Reviewer: Mary Mueller
This video tells the story of the American annexation of Hawaii
from the native Hawaiian point of view. It is a well-made and
thought-provoking production, but would be stronger with the
inclusion of more background information.
Native Hawaiian historians discuss and narrate the events of
the 1893 overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and her independent
nation of Hawaii. Some background about the white exploitation of
the natives and the enormous decline in the native population is
included, but it is not very clear how the missionaries and their
planter sons were able to assume such power over Hawaiian
affairs. Although the entire production presents only the native
point of view, it also includes many primary sources, such as
letters and documents, that are spoken or read aloud and help
prove the point that the US government acted unfairly in its
support of the overthrow of the legitimate Hawaiian government.
The entire program is very visually appealing. The producers
used a variety of techniques to illustrate the story line,
including some shots of modern Hawaii, old photos, prints, film
footage, and re-creations of major events. The beauty of the
islands and their native inhabitants is emphasized. Editing and
sound are both excellent.
Viewers in both educational and general audiences will be
moved by the plight of the Hawaiian people stemming from the loss
of their country and their right to determine their own method of
government. However, this would have been a stronger production
if it had provided more background about the white rise to power
and more information about how the Hawaiian government was
influenced by the rest of the world. In spite of that flaw, this
is a good choice for school and public libraries needing
materials about either cultural issues or this era in American
history.
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