Watch Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Bridge is a documentary film from 1972, directed by Chuck Wein. The film revolves around a concert by the legendary guitar player Jimi Hendrix, which took place on the Hawaiian island of Maui in 1970. The movie captures the essence of the hippie counterculture of the time, as well as the beauty of the island and its inhabitants.

The movie opens with a shot of Maui's stunning landscape, accompanied by the soothing sound of Hawaiian music. We are introduced to a range of characters who live on the island- from flower children to farmers, who all share a deep connection to the land they call home. The film portrays their lifestyle as idyllic, carefree, and often unconventional. They seem to be living in harmony with nature, away from the constraints of mainstream society.

As the preparations for the concert get underway, we see various people from the island coming together to help out. Hendrix is shown rehearsing with his band and also taking some chill time with his friends. The film captures the excitement building up around the concert as people get ready to come together to celebrate music and peace.

The concert itself is the centerpiece of the movie. We see Hendrix arriving on the island by helicopter and then taking the stage in his signature style, decked in colorful clothing and wearing his iconic Afro. The concert takes place against the backdrop of a volcanic crater, with a stunning view of the ocean beyond. Hendrix plays some of his best-known tracks and also some lesser-known ones to great applause. The audience is shown dancing and singing along, and the general atmosphere is one of joy.

Intercut with the concert footage, we see various snippets of life on the island. There are interviews with farmers, surfers, and hippies who talk about their way of life and how they find meaning in it. There are scenes of people frolicking in the ocean, dancing around bonfires, and generally enjoying themselves. The film portrays the island as a utopia, where people can live freely and happily.

As the concert ends, the film takes a somber turn. We see Hendrix playing music alone on a rocky beach, looking reflective and pensive. There are shots of a gathering of musicians, including Hendrix, playing impromptu music, almost as if processing the intensity of the experience they've just been through. It feels like a farewell, both to the island and to Hendrix himself. We know that he would pass away shortly after, adding a layer of melancholia to an already emotional movie.

Rainbow Bridge isn't just a concert movie; it's a snapshot of a moment in time. It captures the spirit of the early 70s, when people were searching for a deeper connection to nature and each other. The film celebrates the power of music to bring people together and offers a glimpse into a world that feels almost utopian in its simplicity. It's a movie that feels both nostalgic and timeless, offering a portal to a different era.