IMDb > Rapa Nui (1994)
Rapa Nui
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Videos (see all 2)
Rapa Nui (1994) -- US Home Video Trailer from Warner Bros.
Rapa Nui (1994) -- Sinematurk - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
6.1/10   1,909 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 6% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Kevin Reynolds (story)
Tim Rose Price (screenplay) ...
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Contact:
View company contact information for Rapa Nui on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
9 September 1994 (USA) more
Plot:
Tenuously based on the legends of Easter Island, Chile, this story details a civil war between the two... more | full synopsis
Awards:
1 win more
NewsDesk:
In the meadow, we can pan a snowman
 (From Roger Ebert's Blog. 24 December 2008, 9:04 AM, PST)

User Comments:
An overlooked gem of a film more (20 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Jason Scott Lee ... Noro

Esai Morales ... Make

Sandrine Holt ... Ramana
Eru Potaka-Dewes ... Ariki-mau
Emilio Tuki Hito ... Messenger
Gordon Hatfield ... Riro
Frenxa Reuben ... Heke
Hori Ahipene ... Overseer
Chiefy Elkington ... Fisherman
Ruihana Rewa ... Old Woman
George Henare ... Tupa
Rawiri Paratene ... Priest
Pete Smith ... Priest
Mario Gaia ... Short Ears

Cliff Curtis ... Short Ears
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Additional Details

Runtime:
107 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Goofs:
Anachronisms: The Rapa Nui had long abandoned carving moai by the time of the Cult of the Birdman. more
Movie Connections:
Featured in Mars Attacks! (1996) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
10 out of 12 people found the following comment useful.
An overlooked gem of a film, 27 November 1998
Author: Aaron Woodin (purchagent@aol.com) from White Plains, NY



Rapa Nui is more than just a bunch of Polynesian (and Hispanic!) actors running around half-nekkid. It's an allegory about the dangers of theocratic government, and a tale of class struggle. Rapa Nui is the Polynesian name for Easter Island, that famous dot in the Pacific Ocean with the mysterious statues. We get to see how these things were carved - and why. The Long Ear tribe has effectively subjugated the Short Ear tribe, forcing them to carve Moai (statues) in order to placate the gods. Director Kevin Reynolds uses the island and the carving of statues as an effective backdrop to illustrate the enmity between the tribes, as well as a power struggle for eventual spremacy of the island. The film is driven by visuals and ideas. The writing hardly ever rises above so-so, and it's jarring to hear Polynesian-looking people with British, American and Latino accents. But the film has a certain power to fascinate, and for that alone I recommend it highly.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (20 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Rapa Nui (1994)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Why does this movie only have around 550 votes? Jacksrevenge
Why this was a good movie Muleke
COME ON...DVD RELEASE ALREADY! octagonproplex
When is this movie going to be released on DVD in Region 01? jtrinc
why is this movie considered so dull? burke2182
Isn't available in netherlands and belgium ??? Darknezz
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