I love the way the twist is unexpected. In most tomb raider movies we can judge the next move or outcome but “Finding Ohana” captures your interest with every turn.
The treasure hunter team of young students consists of one determined individual pulling the rest into a mysterious comical adventure. Having to adjust to their new environment affects them as it would all us; with an uncomfortable start before settling in which only takes place at the end of the journey.
Since the days of Indiana Jones we have come accustomed to the old traps working as planned but “Finding Ohana” answers the real questions we all asked, “How can something so old still last”, making the journey feel authentic.
The introduction of culture intertwined with history allowed me to connect to the roots of Hawaii and see majestic mountains and beautiful scenery. The map is based on a diary handed down through the family lineage and finally gets unraveled by a young girl learning about her heritage and discovering the family secret.
Stubbornness and rebellion from being raised in New York get Pili and Loane on their way while the patient and respectful attitude from Casper and Hana makes them feel out of sorts and they act ridiculous. The attraction and repulsion between characters had me questioning the chemistry between them, will they be friends or not.
They had to face many phobias throughout the journey and together they encouraged each other with a touch of comedy along the way especially the storytelling part which played a big part at the end. The obstacles were far from conventional and yet they found alternative methods that made it captivating.
Respecting the dead stood out strongly as it is part of the culture of Hawaii natives and the involvement of ghosts was scary but not frightening with a comforting outcome making it suitable for kids to watch. The adventure through the caves and many close calls to failure keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat.
