So, in my bid to watch at least one film from every country and territory in the world, I have arrived at American Samoa, not to be confused with Samoa, which is an independent country (the back story to this arrangement is quite convoluted - look it up if you're interested). I wasn't exactly spoilt for choice as - barring a couple of documentaries - this appears to be the only film ever made there.
To be blunt this is not a great movie by any means. There is not much of a plot, the pacing is off, the acting is not exactly stellar, and some of the humour is pretty cheesy (think Bollywood's Jonny Lever). However the film provides an interesting look at life on this tiny American territory (even the capital Pago Pago is barely more than a large village), and it held my attention through its 90 minute length. Some of the scenes are quite funny esp. those involving the OTT fa'afines (transgenders), and the film, despite being at heart a love story, doesn't take itself too seriously. Some of the local references went over my head so those with Samoan heritage or with a better knowledge of the islands may get more out of it then me.
Overall not a must-see by any means, but worth a watch if you have an interest in Samoa, or fancy watching a love story with a twist. My score would be lower for an Hollywood film, but I have made allowances for the low budget and lack of film making infrastructure on the islands.
To be blunt this is not a great movie by any means. There is not much of a plot, the pacing is off, the acting is not exactly stellar, and some of the humour is pretty cheesy (think Bollywood's Jonny Lever). However the film provides an interesting look at life on this tiny American territory (even the capital Pago Pago is barely more than a large village), and it held my attention through its 90 minute length. Some of the scenes are quite funny esp. those involving the OTT fa'afines (transgenders), and the film, despite being at heart a love story, doesn't take itself too seriously. Some of the local references went over my head so those with Samoan heritage or with a better knowledge of the islands may get more out of it then me.
Overall not a must-see by any means, but worth a watch if you have an interest in Samoa, or fancy watching a love story with a twist. My score would be lower for an Hollywood film, but I have made allowances for the low budget and lack of film making infrastructure on the islands.
