Here is another unsavory tale about the greed and raw power of American imperialism at work in the world. In 1888, Hawaii is an independent kingdom where King Kalakaula (Ocean Kaowili) rules a happy people. But behind the scenes, Lorin Thurston (Barry Pepper) is trying to undermine the monarchy and pave the way for an American take-over. When the king signs a puppet constitution that diminishes the country's independence, Archie Cleghorn (Jimmy Yuill), a widowed Scotsman, becomes frightened about the safety of Princess Kaiulani (Q'orianka Kilcher), the 13-year-old successor to the throne. He takes her to England to stay with his friends the Davies family. At school in Victorian England, the Princess is shocked by the racial prejudice against her. But her spirit is eased when she becomes romantically involved with Clive Davies (Shaun Evans). He pledges loyalty to her but does not really understand the deep soulful connection she has with Hawaii.
Everything changes for the Princess when she learns that the Davies family has kept from her the news that in 1893 American citizens led by Thurston and the U.S. Marines have taken over the country ruled by her aunt. Upset by the betrayal of Clive and his parents, Princess Kaiulani travels to the United States, she gets some headlines and wins a meeting with President Grover Cleveland whom she impresses with her love of country and plea for justice.
Writer and director Marc Forby has created a romantic drama that also manages to reveal the power plays of American business interests in the takeover of Hawaii. Q'orianka Kitchner, who was so impressive in The New World comes across as a passionate lover of her country and a courageous soul in the face of injustice. It would be very interesting to see the responses to this movie of American tourists who have vacationed in Hawaii. What feelings would it spark in them?
Special features include a commentary with writer/Director Marc Forby, featurettes: "Kaiulani: The Crown Princess of Hawaii" and "Princess Kaiulane: Behind the Scenes," and the theatrical trailer and coming attractions.
