Customer Reviews

Diamond Head [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This 1962 film is set in Hawaii and, considering that it had just become a state a mere three years before, certainly captured the public's imagination and interest. Charlton Heston is cast as a wealthy widower whose sister, Yvette Mimieux, is in love with a Polynesian, played by James Darren. He vehemently objects to the marriage on racial grounds, but has no problem having his own little inter-racial affair with France Nuyen. Complications arise, especially when Nuyen becomes pregnant. There is a violent incident when the future bridegroom is murdered, and his doctor brother, George Chakiris, gets into a romance with Yvette Mimieux. The whole film is about racial intolerance and it sends a strong message, which kept the story interesting. The acting was good and Yvette Mimieux, then 20 years old, was a pleasure to look at. The setting was beautiful too; I can never get tired of looking at films set in Hawaii.

However, there was just a bit too much melodrama for my taste and although the story moved fast and was well plotted, I never felt any real emotion for the characters. And, as in the 60s, most of the people who were supposed to be Polynesian were really Caucasian actors with darkened skin, thereby losing authenticity. Usually, this kind of casting makes me angry, but this time I just relaxed and enjoyed the video, which was pleasant, dealt with a controversial theme, and was easy to follow. But we can't expect all movies to be works of art. Therefore, despite its faults, I give this film a lightweight recommendation.

I have always enjoyed this movie. Set in glorious Hawaii, Charlton Heston is his usual best with a great support cast. This movie lived up to my memory of first seeing it years ago. It mixes the underlying tension in Hawaii at that time, with the explosive forbidden love tangle. A very pleasant film in many ways with exquisite scenery, good acting, set in a great era and has nice closure. A must for Heston fans.

Contemporary audiences may only know Charlton Heston from his vehement NRA sponsorship and his occasional cameo roles in big budget films and commmercials, but at one time, he was a BIG MAN in film. Fresh from his role in "Ben-Hur, the film has him playing a domineering and self-serving plantation owner who makes life "hell" for his young sister played by Yvette Mimieux. Filmed three years or so after the admission of Hawaii into the Union, the film carefully treads the tense waters that exist between haole and native Hawaiians. Mimieux's character is romantically involved with James Darren's Paul Kahanna, a "native" boy. The relationsip is frowned on by the hypocrital Heston who himself is having a "back street" affair with France Nuyen. George Chakiris, as Darren's successful doctor brother, provides support for Mimieux after a fatal occurance.

As far as political correctness is concerned, the film is hopelessly flawed with the choice of actors playing the respective Hawaiians. Darren, an alumnus of so many teen movies, does a credible job, but, not once, is believed to be Hawaiian. Chakiris, who had previously won an Academy Award for playing a Puerto Rican in "West Side Story" fares even less. Mimieux is adequate in the typical 60's sex kitten role. Heston is basically playing his typical larger than-life self as "King" Howland.

The film is entertaining and noteworthy as an early exercise in focusing on race relations. For that reason, it gets a recommendation. Heston fans, of which I am one, will probably like it.

One highlight is the powerful score done by a young John Williams. As Heston rides a horse over the opening credits, the music is majestic and worthy of the scope and expanse of the plantation, and hints at the story to follow.

I remember this movie when it came out, so that really "dates" me. I was young when it was released, and I loved the stars of it (well most of them) and it was the beginning of a love affair with Hawaii. The story line is old, it's that outdated stuff about prejudice over skin color, that is similar to the West Side Story theme and others of that time. But I really enjoy the acting of everyone in this (although not a Charlton Heston fan) and although I am younger than Yvette Mimeux as a young girl I thought she was so beautiful and I was such a fan of hers. Also back in those days I was a James Darren fan (especially being a South Philly girl myself as a child) despite his small role in this and also a George Chakaris fan and I so enjoy the acting and the beautiful scenery. If you are young and you don't care for old movies, this won't do it for you. If you're older like me, it could bring back some memories. If you just enjoy movies, you will like it.

Its'a wonderful movie about love and race- prejudice.
The actors are very charismatic and the pictures are wonderful.
Also I am very pleased about the high quality of sound and colours in this DvD.I am glad of having bought it.

This is an old film i have not seen in a very long time! When i found it online,wow,had to get it...soooo glad i did. old hollywood with the best actors of that time...romantic,sad,beautiful setting,very soap opera ish..but sooo delish..ooo soo entertaing!

A very well photographed filmed. I enjoyed the movie, however that scene where Heston hits that guy in the face TWICE with the riding crop made me mad. I can't believe a man would let another man hit him in the face like this and do nothing, this is hard to believe. I would have floored him. Yvette Mimieux at the beach was breath taking, wow is she hot. Hawaii in 1959 looks very cool, check it out.

if you're over 60 you'll remember this "chick flick". Although dated, it's still a good movie and I enjoyed watching again!

Wow ! It had been awhile since I had seen this movie, but found it as true now as it was originally. My only criticism would be that the parts of Hawaiians went to actors who were popular at the time and not to real or Hapa Hawaiians. Of course we have Charleton Heston chewing up the scenery as usual, but you expect that in a Heston movie and the role sort of fit in this case. My other critic would be the way it ended, but it was the 50's and if you just sit back and enjoy it (and the scenery) it's still a pretty good movie.

Never seen before this movie and I was wondering about.

Well, its a good drama movie (about mixing hawaiian blood and white blood) with great actors like Charlton Heston, George Chakiris (West Side Story), James Darren, Frances Nuyen, Yvette Mimieux.

Picture quality is good but it doesn't look digital restored. Sound is also ok. Optional available english subtitles.

No Bonusfeatures except any few trailer like "Major Dundee".