puna2320 I am Hawaiian, from Kona. Now, I live in central PA with my wife. We saw this movie last month on our Hawaiian Air flight between Honolulu and Las Vegas. All I can say is...finally, a movie that expresses the true 'uhane aloha (Aloha Spirit). The acting was pretty good, the action shots believable (surfing, etc.), all with beautiful scenery. Real Hawaiian actors, too, not haole people trying to portray us with fake accents (e.g., see North Shore - the movie and the TV show - better yet, don't see them). The love story was compelling, and the Hawaiian values woven into the story about surfing and life fit perfectly and felt pono (right).It reminded me of a movie I saw in 1983 at the Seattle IMAX theater. A young Hawaiian man (played by Blaine Kia) seeks a stronger cultural connection to his Hawaiian roots. He travels back in time to experience the true essence of hula. I wish I could remember the movie's name. Okay, I just did an online search, and I think the movie was "Behold Hawai'i." So, after 20+ years of being disappointed by so many ignorant and degrading films and TV shows made about Hawai'i and Hawaiian culture, "The Ride" fulfills the promise that "IMAX: Behold Hawai'i" gave to me back then. IMHO, today's TV/radio/theaters are filled with one-size-fits-all MTV-style "look-at-me-I-got-the-bling-bling-so-screw-you-beeyatch" videos, music and movies. In contrast, "The Ride" speaks to me on many levels - personal, cultural and emotional. "The Ride" makes me long for the past, while appreciating the present and giving me hope for the future. We need more movies in the style of "The Ride"...one with a good and hopeful message, without being preachy...for me, for Hawai'i, for all Hawaiians, for local people, and for all Hawaiians-at-heart. Maika'i no, mahalo!

vegasginger all the actors were exceptional!!! loved the story and the scenery was beautiful. the story was easy to follow and was told nicely. i grew up in Hawaii in the 1940's and it reminded me of how wonderful Hawaii was then. i met duke in Waikiki and always admired him ;his surfing and swimming abilities. he was was one of the nicest guys i ever met. the woman that played duke's mom (Paulette Franco) is my daughter. my name is Joe Franco and i live in las Vegas, Nevada now. i just received the movie as a wonderful Christmas present today from Paulette and i am thrilled to have it. thank you for making such a historic moviesincerelyJoe Franco

cwelch1 Growing up in Hawaii through the 1950's and 1960's and surfing most of my life, this movie touched my soul in ways that few other movies have. Underneath the relatively simple plot the message is simple and pure - Aloha, as it existed in a much simpler time and could exist now if we would just let it, is the essence of being at peace with yourself and the world around you. In addition to this spiritual element, the scenery behind the story is incredible and I felt transported back to my childhood and further back in time as I've seen it portrayed in old photos. Just as important, the portrayal of Duke and his contemporaries was well done and felt authentic, with the echoes of their energy having rippled forward in time. If you have any feelings for Hawaii or surfing this is a must see.

hwnflyer A must see for anyone who has lived in the islands for any length of time. The first thing you notice is the scenery, and the lack of buildings. And it's believable. You say to yourself " maybe this IS how is was in 1912?". This is not a surf movie. This is a movie about Hawaii and the Aloha spirit. It's so much more than a surf movie. It captures how Duke and his family and how they treated others. I saw this film with a friend, and the first thing I said was " I feel like I saw something really special" and she agreed. If you love Hawaii, you"ll love this film.I can't wait for it to come out on DVD. I plan to give them as Christmas gifts. I wish this film got more marketing and distribution here in Hawaii. I think it could become a local favorite if it was played in the regular theaters.