The Ride (2003)

Every single scene in the movie, The Ride, was done to perfection. I was truly transported to that time in the past in a way that was so believable. It was hard to imagine that these actors were not seasoned, professional, actors. I came to Hawaii in the early 60's and fell in love with the surfing scene and all the stories about the great Duke. This movie brings the passion and love of Hawaii and surfing that Duke had to the screen. There was so much sensitivity given to every part of the story in making it as true to the culture and time as possible. I saw this movie when it first came out and was thrilled to meet some of the actors in the lobby of the theater before the showing. I received an autographed poster at the time and that poster has had a place of honor in our home ever since. My family will not let me take it down.

Caught "The Ride" on a Hawaiian Airlines flight, and immediately set about trying to purchase it. If you're into real Hawaii - not the touristy one, but the culture, the feeling, and the true spirit of Aloha; and you're into surfing - not because it's "in" or it's the "cool" thing to do right now, but for the feeling "The Ride" gives you - this movie will touch your heart. While not a high-budget, glamour collection of slick wave shots, this story about how a pro surfer who goes back to a time before contests and huge payouts comes to understand the true meaning of "The Ride" will touch a chord in anyone who understands what surfing is really about - and may just change some who don't understand. Very, very special.

A must see for anyone who has lived in the islands for any length of time. The first thing you notice is the scenery, and the lack of buildings. And it's believable. You say to yourself " maybe this IS how is was in 1912?". This is not a surf movie. This is a movie about Hawaii and the Aloha spirit. It's so much more than a surf movie. It captures how Duke and his family and how they treated others. I saw this film with a friend, and the first thing I said was " I feel like I saw something really special" and she agreed. If you love Hawaii, you"ll love this film.I can't wait for it to come out on DVD. I plan to give them as Christmas gifts. I wish this film got more marketing and distribution here in Hawaii. I think it could become a local favorite if it was played in the regular theaters.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and plan to purchase it when it becomes available. It is so refreshing to find a clean movie. The acting was superb, the surfing was fun to watch, and the historical scenery, and atmosphere which they recreated was eye-opening for those of us who live in the Honolulu area now. The romance was contrived, but it drew us in. I hope they produce more of this type of film. I was intrigued by the historical figure Duke Kahanamoku who was a main subject in the film. I went to see the film, because I heard it was about Duke, and I would especially like to see more historical depictions of his life.