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

While film critic Gene Siskel thought that the egg hunt was ridiculous, the ritual did indeed exist as part of the Birdman Cult.

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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

Followed by Rapa Nui: Legends in Stone (1994)

User Reviews

Hidden Treasure Hollywood Gem

After watching this movie one can only wonder why hasn't anyone heard of this what was happening in 1994 the overshadowed this movie. Was it a lack of promotion the presumably R rating?.

I found this to be an excellent film all the characters main and supporting are very intriguing the setting is breathtaking , and the actors all played their roles superbly and with passion.

I did not find a problem with the English speaking actors I feel the director wanted to get the point of the movie across without tiring the audience out by having to read subtitles.This is a movie after all not real life, one cant expect things to be exact.

This movie is far different then most of what Hollywood churns out the plot is simple as the time the movie takes place the story is very believable and understandable with some historical elements thrown in.

As one watches this film they will come to see that's there's no simple answer to the protagonist problems they will have to take them selves back to that time and place.

As far as a love story goes i feel its an epic one easily as touching if not more so then Star Wars or Titanic, Also similar to 10,000 BC. Its shame that such a good movie seems to have gone virtually unheard of.

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