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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
RADIANT BEINGS TEMPT FATE IN SILVER LIGHT, October 30, 2002
Among the more beautiful places on our small planet, the South Pacific has long been deemed a living paradise and a favorite destination of lovers and adventurers since the beginning of human history. It has also generated and inspired musicians, artists, writers and filmmakers. Filmed in 1929 entirely on location on the magical island of Bora Bora, "TABU" is a collaboration between legendary directors F.W. Murnau ("Nosferatu," "Faust" and "Sunrise") and the great drama-based documentarian Robert Flaherty ("Nanook of the North"). Like Romeo and Juliet, young fisherman Matahi and beautiful Reri are two island lovers damned by a tribal mandate declaring the girl off-limits or "tabu" to all eligible males. The young couple run away, but discover that so-called civilization (remember, it's 1929 Tahiti) is not to be their salvation. This beautiful film literally glows. The drama of destiny and fate is played out by half-naked young bodies that move through the silver light that radiates, reflects and refracts everywhere. It vibrates in the dappled shadows of tropical foliage and dances on the sparkling lagoons, pristine waterfalls and unpolluted beaches. "Tabu" deservedly won a 1931 Oscar© for Best Cinematography. Sadly, Murnau died in a freak auto accident in the El Cajon pass a week before the New York premier. This digital edition, thanks to UCLA restoration, is the first time since its original release that "Tabu" has been available in a complete and uncensored print. Significant extras include a surprisingly intriguing audio commentary by UCLA Film Professor Janet Bergestrom, a still gallery, outtake footage, original theatrical trailer and the short film "Reri in New York." Highly recommended.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
TABU - A Story of the South Seas, August 26, 2000
Tabu was Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau's last film. This director is perhaps best known today for his 1922 "NOSFERATU" the early Dracula film. Although produced in the early 1930's the film was shot in silent mode (music added later). This allowed the film to be shot on location, and allowed some brilliant cinematography not usually seen in this period of film making as the combined camera and microphones for the "talkies" were big, heavy, clumsy and relatively "static". The film is rather slow at the start. I believe this was due to a conflict in creative control between the producer and director, Murnau. However the pace picks up as the simple tale is told, and even the "modern viewer" will find the build up to the climax of the film very engaging. What makes this a "stand out" movie is the cinematography. The "lovers" are always seen projected as "larger than life" against their lesser mortals and the landscape. There is a wonderful use of light and dark. The composition of some of the shots is just stunning, for example the "old man" sailing away with the young girl in a sailboat upon a limitless sea. I have been very lucky to see this film on a large cinema screen; I am not sure how this would translate to the small screen. But I think that it would be difficult not to appreciate the magnificence of Murnau's artistry! Alas, Marnau was killed in a car accident after returning to Hollywood from location, just two weeks prior to the film's opening.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the 10 Best Silent Films, January 24, 2004
I will go against the grain of conventional opinion and admit that this is my favorite Murnau film. I think it was the influence of Robert Flaherty (in regard to location, subject matter, & casting) that put it over the top. But make no mistakes, this is Murnau's film. Amidst this cast and backdrop, Murnau brought his technique (the artful expression of narrative thru film images) to its most perfect form. There are barely any intertitles in this film; the pictures speaks almost completely without them. And here in Tahiti Murnau's fascination with the supernatural found poignancy in the exploration of the Tabu of the native islanders. Add to that romance and dancing scenes that are tantalizingly pure and delightful, and in my humble opinion you have Murnau's finest work.
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