Polynesian/Islander culture in the media

[Cthulhudrew]

Does Lt. Robin Crusoe, USN count?

 

[Tonguez]

If you want to know the legend of Maui (a Hawaiian version of "Hercules"), you should go here.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/pac/maui/index.htm

I'm not sure to what extent Maui can be compared to Hercules beyond the point that they were both 'demi-gods' who accomplished great deeds. However the deeds performed by Maui were self-appointed and done specifically to challenge the 'status quo' and have things as he himself wanted them to be (he pit out the village fires so that he would have to get fire from its guardian, he staved his grandmother to get her knowledge and even beat the man who raised him in order for the sun to slow down). In this extent Maui is more comparable to the 'Trickster heroes/gods' = Prometheus, Mercury, Anansi rather than Hercules

For other Polynesian-themed movies, try Rapa Nui starring Jason Scott Lee (part-Hawaiian). It tells the story of the culture on Easter Island.

The movie Rapanui tells the story of the culture on Easter Island in the same way DnD tells the stpry of medieval europe - ie as history it is complete bollocks even if some of the images might fit. That said its an okay movie

 

[Hand of Evil]

Web Site: http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/oceania/polynesian/

 

[Ranger REG]

The movie Rapanui tells the story of the culture on Easter Island in the same way DnD tells the stpry of medieval europe - ie as history it is complete bollocks even if some of the images might fit. That said its an okay movie

Well, it's not like the OP wants National Geographic documentaries.

I take historical fiction movies made in Hollywood (or its non-US counterparts) with a grain of salt. (Yes, it's bad for my health.)

 

[frankthedm]

If Hawaii counts, a film based on Kamehameha's life and starring The Rock was announced in 2002.

 

[tecnowraith]

Any video games or table-top rpg games would cool. Yes Hawaii count and I am including the Polynesian triangle for any influence or reference.

 

[Steel_Wind]

Sean Penn's Thin Red Line. Set in the Marshall Islands during WWII.

I absolutely hated this movie. But there is a lot of the Polynesians as Penn is deserting during the war. Anime it isn't.

Or my personal fave: The 2 part Brady Bunch in Hawaii. Spooky lava mini statues.

 

[Tonguez]

I forgot about Mataku a series of 30 minute 'tales of the supernatural' based on Maori legend and folklore. Made in NZ by Tangata maori and available on DVD - includes Ghost stories, curses, evil spirits, ponatur and taniwha...

 

[tecnowraith]

Did Stargate series have anything related to Polynesian culture or myth, since they almost every other culture and myth?

 

[Hypersmurf]

Or my personal fave: The 2 part Brady Bunch in Hawaii. Spooky lava mini statues.

Ooh - Joe Vs the Volcano?

-Hyp.