Finding ‘Ohana Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A couple of Brooklyn kids find a pirate map in Hawaii and accidentally summon the ghosts of ancient warriors while trying to steal treasure to pay their grandpa’s back taxes.

🍿 Finding ‘Ohana: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Relocation to O’ahu and Discovery of the Journal

Brooklyn-raised siblings Pili and Ioane (E) reluctantly move to O’ahu with their mother, Leilani, to help their grandfather, Kimo, who is facing health and financial difficulties. Pili, an avid geocaching enthusiast, feels displaced until she discovers an old journal in her grandfather’s art studio (an old bus). She meets Casper, a local boy who covers for her as she sneaks off with the journal.

The Legend of the Night Watchers

That night, Pili tries to decipher the journal, and E explains the legend of the Night Watchers – ghosts of fallen warriors who protect the island. Meanwhile, E becomes interested in Hana, a local girl and Casper’s friend, who challenges his attitude towards the younger kids. The journal, written by a quartermaster named Monks, details the mutiny of privateers who hid treasure ashore, placing Monks as the guardian. He eventually entrusted the diary to Pili’s ancestors.

The Treasure Hunt Begins

Kimo catches Pili with the journal but ends up sharing some landmarks with her before falling and breaking a rib. With Leilani preoccupied at the hospital, Pili and Casper secretly set off to find the treasure, prompting E and Hana to follow. The group navigates treacherous caves, including ‘The Jaws of Death,’ and crosses a dangerous ravine. E hides that he may have been bitten by a venomous spider to avoid alarming the others.

The Awakening of the Night Watchers

Upon reaching the treasure room, Pili and Casper decipher the pulley system to access the gold. As they collect the treasure, Hana recognizes a religious statuette and warns that they are in a tomb. Ignoring her warning, they awaken the Night Watchers. The group flees, dropping their loot and using banyan roots to descend.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Pili (Kea Peahu): A Brooklyn-raised, adventurous young girl who discovers a treasure map and reconnects with her Hawaiian heritage.
• Ioane (Alex Aiono): Pili’s older brother, who is initially reluctant but joins the treasure hunt and develops a connection with Hana.
• Leilani (Kelly Hu): The single mother of Pili and Ioane, who is struggling to balance family and financial responsibilities.
• Kimo (Branscombe Richmond): Pili and Ioane’s grandfather, whose health and financial problems prompt the family’s move to Hawaii.
• Hana (Lindsay Watson): A local Hawaiian girl who befriends Ioane and helps them understand the cultural significance of the treasure.
• Casper (Owen Vaccaro): Pili’s quirky and cautious friend who aids in the treasure hunt.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Pili: “Home isn’t a place, it’s who you’re with.” – Pili realizes the true meaning of ‘ohana and belonging during their adventure.
• Kimo: “Take care of the land, the land takes care of you.” – Kimo imparts wisdom about respecting the Hawaiian culture and environment.
• Hana: “It’s not just about finding treasure, it’s about finding ourselves.” – Hana articulates the deeper meaning of their journey beyond just financial gain.
• Ioane: “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” – Ioane echoes the core theme of the film, reinforcing the importance of family bonds.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Finding ‘Ohana Reviews

Personal Review

As a big fan of ‘The Goonies,’ I was excited to see a modern take on that classic adventure. ‘Finding ‘Ohana’ definitely scratched that itch! I loved the Hawaiian setting and the focus on family. Some scenes were a little cheesy, but overall, it was a heartwarming and fun movie to watch with my family. The Night Marchers scene gave me chills!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a fun adventure movie”
  • “Viewers interested in Hawaiian culture and mythology”
  • “Fans of movies like The Goonies and Indiana Jones”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril and action sequences”
  • “Brief moments of suspense”
  • “Themes of loss and family hardship”

Professional Reviews

• MovieWeb: “While ‘Finding ‘Ohana’ leans heavily into ‘Goonies’ territory, it does offer a modern spin with its focus on Hawaiian culture and family. The performances are charming, and the scenery is gorgeous, making it a pleasant family adventure.
• Common Sense Media: “Finding ‘Ohana’ is a decent family adventure. While the acting is a bit hit-or-miss and the plot predictable, the movie’s heart is in the right place, and its celebration of Hawaiian culture is a definite plus.

Audience Reactions

The strong emphasis on Hawaiian culture and family values resonated deeply with viewers.: Many viewers praised the movie for its heartwarming storyline, beautiful scenery, and representation of Hawaiian culture.

The adventure elements and treasure hunt were exciting and engaging for audiences of all ages.: Viewers who enjoyed ‘The Goonies’ found this movie to be a similar, enjoyable experience.

Overall Consensus: ‘Finding ‘Ohana’ is a heartwarming family adventure that pays homage to ‘The Goonies’ while celebrating Hawaiian culture. While some find it predictable, many appreciate its positive messages and fun storyline.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ke Huy Quan, who plays George Phan, was also in ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ and ‘The Goonies’, making his presence a nostalgic nod to classic adventure films.”
• “The film showcases authentic Hawaiian culture and language, with many cast members being of Hawaiian descent, adding to the film’s realism and cultural sensitivity.”
• “Filming took place in various locations around O’ahu, Hawaii, including recognizable spots like Honolulu and Halona Beach, featured in ‘From Here to Eternity’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Finding ‘Ohana?

Finding ‘Ohana is currently streaming on Netflix. Check Netflix in your region for availability. As a Netflix original movie, it is exclusively available on the platform and not available for rent or purchase on other services like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Finding ‘Ohana, you might like these similar films:

• The Goonies (1985): A group of kids goes on a treasure hunt to save their homes, similar in plot and adventurous spirit.
• Lilo & Stitch (2002): Explores the meaning of ‘ohana (family) and Hawaiian culture in a heartwarming way.
• National Treasure (2004): Features a historical treasure hunt with clues and adventure, appealing to the same sense of discovery.
• Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019): Modern adventure movie focused on teens searching for treasure, similar demographics.
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984): Similar archeological adventuring, and stars Ke Huy Quan, adding to the nostalgia.

🛒 Finding ‘Ohana Related Products

• Finding ‘Ohana’ Movie Poster: A vibrant poster featuring the ‘Finding ‘Ohana’ cast, capturing the spirit of the movie. Perfect for fans wanting to commemorate the adventure.
• Hawaiian Treasure Hunt Kit: Create your own ‘Finding ‘Ohana’-inspired treasure hunt with this kit, complete with clues, maps, and Hawaiian-themed prizes. Provides hours of family fun and adventure.
• Finding ‘Ohana’ T-Shirt: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring the ‘Finding ‘Ohana’ logo and iconic imagery. Available in various sizes for fans of all ages.
• The Goonies (Original Movie) [Blu-ray]: Relive the original treasure-hunting adventure that inspired ‘Finding ‘Ohana’. A must-have for any fan of the genre.

🎧 Soundtrack

Finding ‘Ohana features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Aloha Ke Akua” – performed by Josh Tatofi
• “I’ll Remember You” – performed by Keali’i Reichel
• “Hanalei Moon” – performed by Brothers Cazimero

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Making Of FINDING ‘OHANA – Behind The Scenes, Bloopers & On Set Interviews | Netflix Original Film

Ever wonder what it’s like on a movie set? This behind-the-scenes video is a blast, showing bloopers and interviews from ‘Finding ‘Ohana.’ It definitely gives you a new appreciation for all the hard work that goes into making a movie, and the cast seems like they had so much fun!

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