Review of Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999) by Timothy M — 21 Feb 2004

This is actually my first entry. I have seen Molokai twice (two consecutive days). Having read [b][i]Holy Man-Father Damien of Molokai[/i][/b] I was greatly interested in seeing Hollywoods interpretation.

Bravo to all actors, directors, and any participants in the making of this movie. The only complaint I have is it couldn't have been a longer movie so as to insert more information. I have read other reviews and was disappointed that they weren't that great (but to each his/her own).

To those who thought it wasn't "entertaining" enough, may they be blessed they don't have Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) to find out how "entertaining" it can be. Bravo to the casting director; I have always wondered how they do it, but the actors that played the parts did so with such passion.

I cried in many different scenes. David Wenham, Peter O'Toole, Sam Neil, Kris Kristofferson were just superb and if I had been so lucky as to have been an actor, I would have been privileged to have acted alongside any of them.

The actress who played Queen (at this time: Princess) Liliuokulani had me in tears as she sang "Aloha Oye" (which incidently the queen had written herself and was said to have been a great composer, musician and singer in her own right).

I had read [b]Hawaii's Story [/b](written by Queen Liliuokulani herself) and, in my opinion, this actress captured her character very well (it would be great to see her potray the Queen in a movie about the annexation of Hawaii).

Sam Neil's character made me cringe (as well it should have). He is such a great actor. I am sorry to say that I had read reviews before I watched the movie and was dismayed to hear that Peter O'Toole was "entertaining".

As a matter of fact, this is one of the best roles that I have seen Peter O'Toole in. But I'm biased- I really like this actor...what can I say. I had also heard that David Wenham's acting was rather dry.

....NOT SO! He portrayed this charactor with such passion and compassion...yes, he made me cry. What an honor it must have been to play this part and for all the actors to go to Molokai and touch the very land Father Damien and those other brave souls had walked on.

I hope one day I may visit this beautiful island. I highly recommend everyone to see this movie....but first I recommend for everyone to read the book [b][i]Holy Man[/i][/b].....it was so well written (by Gavan Daws).