Apple TV+ has unveiled 'Chief of War', a sweeping 18th-century war epic that explores the unification and colonisation of Hawai'i. Created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, the nine-episode series delves into a nearly 30-year period whose repercussions are still felt today. The show is described as stunning, historical, and meticulously detailed, focusing on greed, power obsession, and the brutality of war.
The story begins with a prophecy foretelling a great king who would unite the four kingdoms of O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i, and the big island of Hawai'i. The protagonist, Ka'iana (played by Momoa), is the son of a Maui warrior who has fled to Hawai'i seeking peace after a unjust battle. However, his peaceful existence is disrupted when he is summoned by Maui's King Kahekili (Temuera Morrison) to fight against O'ahu. Ka'iana soon finds himself leading a devastating conflict he did not sign up for, leading him to abandon his post and be branded a traitor.
Adrift outside the Hawaiian Islands for the first time, Ka'iana gains insight into the threat posed by colonisers, whom he calls 'paleskins'. With the help of his friend Tony (James Udom), he tries to convince Hawai'i's War Chief Kamehameha (Kaina Makua) to prepare for both internal and external threats. The series highlights tensions among families, fractured loyalties, and the encroaching outside world.
Notably, the majority of the dialogue is in Hawaiian, an endangered Polynesian language, offering audiences an immersive experience into the islands' inner conflicts and history. While some episodes may feel overwhelming due to numerous storylines, Episode 5 ('The Race of the Gods') stands out, featuring a traditional lava sledding competition that showcases family bonds and warrior grit.
The first two episodes of 'Chief of War' premiere on August 1 on Apple TV+, with new episodes releasing weekly. The series is praised for its textured visuals, authentic costuming, and captivating storytelling, drawing comparisons to FX's 'Shōgun'.
