Act of War

Act of War rediscovers important historical events and brings attention to the culture that is slowly diminishing. The provocative documentary takes audience on a chronological journey through the events leading up, during and after the 1893 overthrow of constitutional sovereign of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Queen Lili'uokalani. The film delivers its powerful message through re-enactments, archival and film, historic quotes and traditional music audience are positioned to view the events through the eyes of the locals, the traditional Hawaiians.
The film develops a sense of nostalgia through the use of re-enactments. Audience witness various historic clips and photographs that are intimidating by portraying the events as something current. These clips and photographs position viewers to view the tragic events through the eyes of one of the locals. By drawing the audience into this perspective it develops an emotional relationship between audience and the Hawaiin culture.
Throughout the film, emotive techniques are used, the most effective is use of music. One of the overpowering, repetitive film techniques is the music. This is because through the different types of music used, the documentary can develop different types of effects. The main type of music used is traditional Hawaiian music as well as more modern as well as simple drums and instruments. Depending on what graphics are in unison, can provide dramatic emotive, traditional even symbolic moods.
The opening of the film is one of the most provocative scenes. The song ‘Blue Hawaii’ is known as a more upbeat, positive tune, the graphics that accompany this is something more confrontational. The music contradicts the images of fighting, police escorting locals and young children screaming “do you want us to be homeless.” The producer has instantly position viewers to question what they know of Hawaii and open minds to the hidden past that not every American understands of the US 50th state.
The symbolism of the traditional Hawaiian music is very raw. It shows that although this place has been lost to America they, the Hawaiians, will not lose their tradition.
Produced exactly 100 years after the overthrow, the film reiterates the message that the Hawaiians will continue their movement for sovereignty and independence. As a result of the strong, emotive film, Congress passed a joint resolution admitting the illegal taking of Hawai'i and formally apologizing to the Hawaiian people. President Clinton signed the resolution after viewing the film in 1993.