I saw this film back in 1994 on video and was most impressed with the caliber of the overall film. It is an intimate story set at a bar in downtown Honolulu that accurately captures the lives of various local people and the changing times around them. It is bittersweet in tone and a rare glimpse at a part of Oahu that we never see on TV or in films. There are no stereotypes here of Hawaiians or Asians but real people who are interesting and engaging. The film is very well acted and for the most part is populated by local Hawaii talent including local stalwarts such as TV newsman Joe Moore and Ray Bumatai, a wonderful actor who passed away in 2005. The writing is solid and compelling. The overall production is as good as it gets and directing is excellent. I wish we could see more films like this come out of the Aloha State and highlight the lives of a most interesting and profound culture that has gone through more changes in the past two hundred years than perhaps any other place on the earth. The fact that writers Susan Killeen and Dennis Christiansen (also excellent along with Tim Savsage as co-directors and of the film) could tell such an intimate tale that also subtly speaks about larger issues is quite a feat in American Independent film. I'd also like to see more from these talented writers and filmmakers.
Review of Goodbye Paradise
