Interesting mix of old (black and white) photography, with new, modern sound. In 1926, Robert Flaherty filmed and directed this documentary of Samoa. Lots of climbing up the trees for the coconuts. Beautiful (black and white) crashing waves, pushing water up through the volcanic cones. That volcanic cone looks very similar to the one on the south side of Kauai. But maybe i'm just being too cynical. Tattoo and dance rituals, mostly as we follow one young couple around. The photography at the beginning and the end is washed out, faded quite white, while the photography in the middle is almost too clear, too perfect. Had me wondering if there was some recent photography mixed in here. Who knows? The ceremonial mats that they unroll seem to be brand new, as are the wraps worn by the couple. Interesting film. The cards at the beginning and end tell us that Flaherty's daughter went back to obtain a soundtrack to accompany the original film. Flaherty must have known what he was doing... he was nominated for an Oscar in 1949 for Louisana Story. An interesting watch, whatever is really going on.
