Rapa Nui (1994)

Love between the representatives of two warring tribes changes the balance of power on the whole remote island.

Director:

Kevin Reynolds

Writers:

Kevin Reynolds (story), Tim Rose Price (screenplay)

Stars:

Jason Scott Lee, Esai Morales, Sandrine Holt

1 win & 1 nomination.

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 Gaoa	...	Short Ears
Cliff Curtis	...	Short Ears

Storyline

Tenuously based on the legends of Easter Island, Chile, this story details a civil war between the two tribes on the island: the Long Ears and the Short Ears. A warrior from the ruling class falls in love with a girl from the lower class, and must decide on his position in a time of great civil unrest. The ruling class are demanding larger and larger Moai (stone statues), a task which the lower class and the island ecology are more and more reluctant to provide.

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Plot Keywords:

17th century | aboriginal western | easter island | statue | kiss | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | History | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some tribal violence and sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ironically, while the film was trying to send an ecological message, it was, on the contrary, the trigger for a real disaster on Easter Island. Because by overpaying the natives 40 $ / day during the shooting, the film made some indigenous people addicted to the western consumer society way of life. After the release of the movie, mass tourism industry began to roll on the island. 20 years later, Easter island is crumbling under rubbish and does not know how to get rid of it.

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Goofs

The Rapa Nui had long abandoned carving moai by the time of the Cult of the Birdman.

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: The River Wild/Jason's Lyric/Ed Wood/The Scout/Rapa Nui (1994)

User Reviews

Gorgeous

The island itself is stunningly beautiful and the film makes good use of this, especially the race at the end which is compelling in its apparent difficulty for the actors. As for the accuracy of the film it is mainly based on guesswork, so the whole racial element is for the benefit of drama. What surprises me is that some of the other reviewers wonder how an advanced civilisation can be so racist! Take a look at your own society and wonder! As well as a love story there is a competitive element, and an explanation about what happened to the island. If Easter Island interests you this film will entertain. As for the nudity, don't be so prudish!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 September 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rapa Nui

Filming Locations:

Killalea, Shellharbour, New South Wales, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$305,070

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$305,070

Company Credits

Production Co:

Majestic Films International, Newcomm, RCS

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1