Watch Diamond Head

Set in the backdrop of the beautiful and scenic island of Hawaii, the movie "Diamond Head" is a 1962 American drama film directed by Guy Green. Starring Charlton Heston, Yvette Mimieux, and George Chakiris in lead roles, the movie explores themes of love, loyalty, family, and power dynamics amidst a historical cultural background. The story begins with the arrival of Richard Howland (Charlton Heston), a successful mainland developer, who comes to Hawaii to acquire a valuable piece of land on the Diamond Head for his construction project. The land is owned by the Andersons, a wealthy and prominent Hawaiian family, who are not willing to sell it after their experience with the previous developer.

As Richard pursues getting the land and working with the Andersons, he falls in love with the family's daughter, the beautiful and strong-willed Sloan Anderson (Yvette Mimieux). To complicate things further, Sloan's brother, Manulani (George Chakiris), is fiercely protective of their land and sees Richard as a threat to his family's values and traditions.

Richard, a man from the mainland and not accustomed to the local customs and traditions, finds himself in a constant battle with Manulani and the Andersons. However, as he learns more about the Hawaiian culture and traditions, Richard begins to develop a deep respect for the land and the Andersons and starts to question his own motives and intentions. Meanwhile, Sloan wrestles with her own conflicting emotions as she is torn between her love for Richard and loyalty to her family.

As the story progresses, the audience is taken on a ride populated with intense emotions and complicated relationships as Richard, Sloan, and Manulani play out the complex threads of love and betrayal. The movie further explores the cultural and political dynamics in Hawaii during the early 1960s, including the place of the native people and their uprooting due to the tourism that had already begun to grip the state.

The acting in the film is outstanding, with Heston delivering a phenomenal performance as the conflicted Richard. Mimieux and Chakiris are equally impressive in their roles, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. The supporting cast is solid, with a notable mention of Elizabeth Ashley, who plays an intriguing character of an ambitious local girl who left Hawaii to find success in Hollywood.

The music amplifies the beauty of the lush Hawaiian island with its rich mix of traditional Hawaiian tunes and modern pop numbers, adding to the film's overall charm. The cinematography takes full advantage of the stunning Hawaiian scenery, showcasing the stunning landscapes and sunsets that were alluring to tourists and visitors around the world.

Overall, "Diamond Head" is a powerful and dramatic tale that is both compelling and intriguing. It offers an enriching cinematic experience that explores complex themes and relationships, set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii's beautiful scenery. The film's rich portrayal of Hawaiian culture and traditions offers a glimpse into a unique period in American history, making it a timeless classic that is worth revisiting.

Diamond Head is a 1963 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.