CHIEF OF WAR (2025)
Apple TV+ just dropped a historical epic that feels like lightning in a bottle—and the thunder is still rolling.
Jason Momoa doesn’t just star as Kaʻiana; he breathes him into existence, pouring heart, heritage, and sheer will into a performance that’s being called his career-best. Soulful, stubborn, gently ferocious—this is Momoa stripped of blockbuster armor, delivering raw depth as a warrior navigating the brutal collision of worlds in pre-colonial Hawaiʻi.
The series is a visual poem: lush feathers swaying in trade winds, hand-carved war canoes slicing turquoise waters, volcanic landscapes that feel alive and ancient. Shot mostly in New Zealand but radiating authentic aloha, every frame is “visually radiant,” with Hans Zimmer’s Dune-esque score swelling like the ocean itself—thrilling, primal, unforgettable.
What sets it apart? The bold choice to center ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi as primary dialogue. Subtitled, unapologetic, and immersive, it pulls you into a culture and history rarely seen on this scale. Critics are comparing it to Shōgun for good reason: high-stakes political intrigue, visceral large-scale battles, and an indigenous perspective that refuses to compromise.
Luciane Buchanan and Temuera Morrison bring fire to the ensemble, while the family-saga threads weave themes of land, legacy, and resistance with profound grace. Pacing can feel jagged at times, and the dense historical context might demand patience early on—but stick with it. The payoff is devastating and beautiful.
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