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 | easter island | statue | kiss | epic | 

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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

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 September 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Elveda cennet

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:

2.35 : 1

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

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

User Reviews

If you missed it, it is well worth a rent !

I am saddened that so few people seem to have seen this film; It is worth watching for the lush photography alone.. It takes some getting used to the accents of the actors, and many lines may not be clear on first viewing.

I have read many books about Easter Island and the mystery surrounding its statues.. This film attempts to answer some of these mysteries (how the statues were moved, why work stopped so abruptly on then, what happened to all the trees on the Island, etc.) First read up in an encyclopedia on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and then watch history (or at least a good guess at it) come to life. Film making and story telling at it's best, along with an athletic competition at the end unlike any you have ever seen.