Barbarian Princess
Encyclopedia
Princess Kaiulani is a 2009 film based on the life of Princess Kaiulani (1875–1899) of the Kingdom of Hawaii
.
in the role of Princess Kaiulani, one of the last heirs to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii
. This movie was shown in Hawaii International Film Festival
under the title Barbarian Princess; afterward, Roadside Attractions
acquired this movie's United States
rights and changed this movie's title for United States
release.
The movie follows the progression of Kaiulani's short life, beginning with a happy life in Honolulu interrupted by the events surrounding the imposition of the Bayonet Constitution. The movie follows her through her education in Victorian England, the announcement of the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, her campaign to attempt to convince the United States to reverse the overthrow, and her return to Hawaii.
The historical events are generally portrayed accurately, though some of the details, for example the reasons for King Kalākaua
's signing of the Bayonet Constitution, are not explained in detail. In contrast, many of the personal details of the princess's life, including particularly the depiction of her love life, are representative of who she was rather than strictly historical. Her life also included many significant events that are not in this movie.
The movie was written and directed by Marc Forby, and also stars Barry Pepper
as Lorrin Thurston, Will Patton
as Sanford B. Dole
, Julian Glover
as Theophilus Harris Davies
, and Shaun Evans
as Clive Davies
.
The first public performance of the movie was in Honolulu on October 16, 2009, at the historic Hawaii Theatre
, as part of the 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival
. The performance was sold out.
Many native Hawaiians were disappointed that the film used a non-Hawaiian for the title role.
reported that only 23% of critics gave the film a positive review. Roger Ebert called it an "interesting but creaky biopic."
Hailed by the Hollywood Reporter and panned by the New York press, Princess Kaiulani was either praised or left audiences cold.
The film won the Audience Award for "Best Feature" at the 2009 Honolulu International Film Festival in a tie with Precious
based on the novel Push
by Sapphire
.
Kingdom of Hawaii
The Kingdom of Hawaii was established during the years 1795 to 1810 with the subjugation of the smaller independent chiefdoms of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lānai, Kauai and Niihau by the chiefdom of Hawaii into one unified government...
.
Description
The film stars Q'orianka KilcherQ'Orianka Kilcher
Q'orianka Waira Qoiana Kilcher is a U.S. actress, singer and activist. She is best known for her role as Pocahontas in the 2005 film The New World, directed by Terrence Malick. Her second memorable film role is Princess Kaiulani in Princess Kaiulani.-Early life:Kilcher was born in Schweigmatt,...
in the role of Princess Kaiulani, one of the last heirs to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii
Kingdom of Hawaii
The Kingdom of Hawaii was established during the years 1795 to 1810 with the subjugation of the smaller independent chiefdoms of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lānai, Kauai and Niihau by the chiefdom of Hawaii into one unified government...
. This movie was shown in Hawaii International Film Festival
Hawaii International Film Festival
The Hawaii International Film Festival is a film festival held in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It was started in 1981 by Jeannette Paulson Hereniko and has been held annually in the fall for two weeks...
under the title Barbarian Princess; afterward, Roadside Attractions
Roadside Attractions
Roadside Attractions is a US film distributor based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2003, specializing largely in independent films.Lionsgate bought a partial stake in Roadside in 2007.-List of films released by Roadside Attractions:...
acquired this movie's United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rights and changed this movie's title for United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
release.
The movie follows the progression of Kaiulani's short life, beginning with a happy life in Honolulu interrupted by the events surrounding the imposition of the Bayonet Constitution. The movie follows her through her education in Victorian England, the announcement of the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, her campaign to attempt to convince the United States to reverse the overthrow, and her return to Hawaii.
The historical events are generally portrayed accurately, though some of the details, for example the reasons for King Kalākaua
Kalakaua
Kalākaua, born David Laamea Kamanakapuu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua and sometimes called The Merrie Monarch , was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii...
's signing of the Bayonet Constitution, are not explained in detail. In contrast, many of the personal details of the princess's life, including particularly the depiction of her love life, are representative of who she was rather than strictly historical. Her life also included many significant events that are not in this movie.
The movie was written and directed by Marc Forby, and also stars Barry Pepper
Barry Pepper
Barry Robert Pepper is a Canadian actor. He is best known for playing roles like Sergeant Michael Strank in the Clint Eastwood film, Flags of Our Fathers, Private Daniel Jackson in Saving Private Ryan, Roger Maris in 61*, Ned Pepper in True Grit and for his recent role as Robert F...
as Lorrin Thurston, Will Patton
Will Patton
William Rankin "Will" Patton is an American actor.-Life and career:Patton was born in Charleston, South Carolina, the eldest of three children. His father is Bill Patton, a playwright and acting/directing instructor who was a Lutheran minister and served as a chaplain at Duke University...
as Sanford B. Dole
Sanford B. Dole
Sanford Ballard Dole was a lawyer and jurist in the Hawaiian Islands as a kingdom, protectorate, republic and territory...
, Julian Glover
Julian Glover
Julian Wyatt Glover is a British actor best known for such roles as General Maximilian Veers in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, the Bond villain Aristotle Kristatos in For Your Eyes Only, and Walter Donovan in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.-Personal life:Glover was born in...
as Theophilus Harris Davies
Theophilus Harris Davies
-Life:Davies was born January 4, 1833, the son of a minister.He was recruited in England to join the firm of Janion, Green & Co. in Hawaii, a successor to Starkey, Janion & Co., formed in 1845.Partners were Robert Cheshire Janion and William Lowthian Green....
, and Shaun Evans
Shaun Evans
Shaun Evans is an English actor.Evans completed a course with the National Youth Theatre before relocating to London at the age of eighteen to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His first major role was that of gay French teacher John Paul Keating in the Channel 4 comedy-drama...
as Clive Davies
Clive Davies
Thomas Clive Davies is a former Welsh cricketer. Davies was a right-handed batsman who bowled slow left-arm orthodox. He was born in Pontrhydyfen, Glamorgan....
.
The first public performance of the movie was in Honolulu on October 16, 2009, at the historic Hawaii Theatre
Hawaii Theatre
The Hawaii Theatre is a historic Vaudeville theatre and cinema in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. It is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places....
, as part of the 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival
Hawaii International Film Festival
The Hawaii International Film Festival is a film festival held in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It was started in 1981 by Jeannette Paulson Hereniko and has been held annually in the fall for two weeks...
. The performance was sold out.
Cast
- Q'orianka KilcherQ'Orianka KilcherQ'orianka Waira Qoiana Kilcher is a U.S. actress, singer and activist. She is best known for her role as Pocahontas in the 2005 film The New World, directed by Terrence Malick. Her second memorable film role is Princess Kaiulani in Princess Kaiulani.-Early life:Kilcher was born in Schweigmatt,...
as Princess Kaiulani - Barry PepperBarry PepperBarry Robert Pepper is a Canadian actor. He is best known for playing roles like Sergeant Michael Strank in the Clint Eastwood film, Flags of Our Fathers, Private Daniel Jackson in Saving Private Ryan, Roger Maris in 61*, Ned Pepper in True Grit and for his recent role as Robert F...
as Lorrin A. ThurstonLorrin A. ThurstonLorrin Andrews Thurston was a lawyer, politician, and businessman born and raised in the Kingdom of Hawaii. The grandson of two of the first Christian missionaries to Hawaii, Thurston played a prominent role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom that replaced Queen Liliuokalani with the... - Shaun EvansShaun EvansShaun Evans is an English actor.Evans completed a course with the National Youth Theatre before relocating to London at the age of eighteen to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His first major role was that of gay French teacher John Paul Keating in the Channel 4 comedy-drama...
as Clive Davies - Will PattonWill PattonWilliam Rankin "Will" Patton is an American actor.-Life and career:Patton was born in Charleston, South Carolina, the eldest of three children. His father is Bill Patton, a playwright and acting/directing instructor who was a Lutheran minister and served as a chaplain at Duke University...
as Sanford B. DoleSanford B. DoleSanford Ballard Dole was a lawyer and jurist in the Hawaiian Islands as a kingdom, protectorate, republic and territory... - Jimmy YuillJimmy YuillJimmy Yuill is an actor, born in 1959, in Golspie, Scotland.He is a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and later joined the Renaissance Theatre Company. He has appeared in many of Kenneth Branagh's films, most recently as Corin in the 2006 As You Like It...
as Archibald Scott Cleghorn - Leo Anderson Akana as Queen Liliuokalani
- Ocean Kaokinaowili as King KalākauaKalakauaKalākaua, born David Laamea Kamanakapuu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua and sometimes called The Merrie Monarch , was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii...
- Reupena Paopao Sheck as Prince David Kawānanakoa "Koa"David KawananakoaPrince David Laamea Kahalepouli Kinoiki Kawānanakoa Piikoi , was the patriarch of the House of Kawānanakoa. He was in the line of succession to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii around the time of the kingdom's overthrow.-Life:...
- Kimo Kalilikane as Kalehua
- Kamuela Kalilikane as Mamane
- Peter BanksPeter BanksPeter Banks is an English guitarist. He was the original guitarist of the progressive rock band Yes.-Early career:When Banks was a young boy, his father bought him an acoustic guitar...
as President Grover ClevelandGrover ClevelandStephen Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. Cleveland is the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms and therefore is the only individual to be counted twice in the numbering of the presidents... - Rosamund Stephen as Mrs Cleveland
- Julian GloverJulian GloverJulian Wyatt Glover is a British actor best known for such roles as General Maximilian Veers in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, the Bond villain Aristotle Kristatos in For Your Eyes Only, and Walter Donovan in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.-Personal life:Glover was born in...
as Theophilus Harris DaviesTheophilus Harris Davies-Life:Davies was born January 4, 1833, the son of a minister.He was recruited in England to join the firm of Janion, Green & Co. in Hawaii, a successor to Starkey, Janion & Co., formed in 1845.Partners were Robert Cheshire Janion and William Lowthian Green.... - Barbara Wilshere as Mrs. Davies
- Tamzin MerchantTamzin MerchantTamzin Merchant is an English actress. She is known for her role as Georgiana Darcy in Pride & Prejudice and for her role as the ill-fated Queen Catherine Howard in The Tudors.-Career:...
as Alice Davies - Catherine SteadmanCatherine SteadmanCatherine Steadman is an English actress, best known for playing Joan Bulmer, best friend and betrayer of Catherine Howard in the fourth and final season of The Tudors.-Career:...
as Miss Barnes - Kainoa KilcherKainoa Kilcher- Biography - Kainoa Kilcher : is an American actor, black belt martial artist and stunt performer, unit still photographer, Magician, songwriter, and indigenous rights activist...
as Kaleo - Laura Soller as Mrs. Anna Dole
- Christian BrassingtonChristian BrassingtonChristian Brassington is a British actor. He trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and attended Basingstoke Stageschool from a young age.-Career:...
as Duke of Winchester - Olivia Mardon as Duchess of Winchester
- Jay Lembeck as Premier GibsonWalter M. GibsonWalter Murray Gibson was an American adventurer and a government minister in the Kingdom of Hawaii prior to the kingdom's 1887 constitution.-Life:...
- Ka'alaka'iopono Faurot as Keiki (Baby) Kaiulani
Controversy
The film's working title "Barbarian Princess" provoked controversy in Hawaii, with individuals stating that it brings up painful memories of past discrimination. In response, the title was briefly changed to The Last Princess, changed to Princess Kaiulani later in 2008, then shown as Barbarian Princess for the 2009 festival. The producers stated that the title was meant to be ironic and is meant to draw audiences who may not be familiar with the history of Hawaii. The film was finally released for wider distribution as Princess Kaiulani.Many native Hawaiians were disappointed that the film used a non-Hawaiian for the title role.
Critical reception
Princess Kaiulani was almost universally panned by critics. Rotten TomatoesRotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
reported that only 23% of critics gave the film a positive review. Roger Ebert called it an "interesting but creaky biopic."
Hailed by the Hollywood Reporter and panned by the New York press, Princess Kaiulani was either praised or left audiences cold.
The film won the Audience Award for "Best Feature" at the 2009 Honolulu International Film Festival in a tie with Precious
Precious (film)
Precious , is a 2009 American drama film directed by Lee Daniels. Precious is an adaptation by Geoffrey S. Fletcher of the 1996 novel Push by Sapphire. The film stars Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, and Paula Patton...
based on the novel Push
Push (novel)
Push is the 1996 debut novel of American author Sapphire. Thirteen years after its release, it was made into an acclaimed film that won two Academy Awards and was produced by Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry.- Plot summary :...
by Sapphire
Sapphire (author)
Sapphire is an American author and performance poet.- Early life :Ramona Lofton was born in Fort Ord, California, one of four children of an Army couple who relocated within the United States and abroad. After a disagreement concerning where the family would settle, her parents separated, with...
.