How Accurate Is Princess Kaiulani Film? True Story

The film “Princess Kaiulani” tells the story of the life of Princess Victoria Ka’iulani, the daughter of a Scottish businessman and a Hawaiian princess, who played a significant role in the history of Hawaii during the late 19th century. While the film takes creative liberties with some events, it is based on a true story and attempts to capture the essence of Princess Ka’iulani’s life and struggles. To understand the accuracy of the film, it’s essential to delve into the historical context and the life of Princess Ka’iulani.

Princess Ka’iulani was born on October 16, 1875, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Archibald Cleghorn, a Scottish businessman, and Princess Miriam Likelike, the sister of King Kalākaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Her father was a wealthy and influential man in Hawaiian society, and her mother was a member of the royal family. This mixed heritage would later become a significant factor in Princess Ka’iulani’s life, as she navigated the complexities of her identity and the political landscape of Hawaii.

One of the most significant events in Princess Ka’iulani’s life was the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893. The film depicts the princess as a key figure in the resistance against the overthrow, which is partially true. While she did travel to the United States and Europe to raise awareness about the situation in Hawaii and to lobby for the restoration of the monarchy, her role in the resistance was more symbolic than directly involved.

The film also portrays Princess Ka’iulani’s relationships, including her romance with an Englishman named Clifton Davis. However, there is no historical evidence to support this specific relationship. It is known that Princess Ka’iulani did have relationships with men, but the details of these relationships are not well-documented.

The annexation of Hawaii by the United States is another critical aspect of the film. The annexation was a highly contested and complex issue, with different groups in Hawaii having varying opinions on the matter. Princess Ka’iulani was indeed opposed to annexation, and she traveled to the United States to lobby against it. Her efforts, although ultimately unsuccessful, were significant in raising awareness about the issue and in advocating for Hawaiian sovereignty.

In terms of historical accuracy, the film takes some creative liberties with the timeline of events and the characters involved. For example, the film depicts Princess Ka’iulani as being present during the overthrow of the monarchy, which is not entirely accurate. Additionally, some characters, such as Clifton Davis, are fictional or composite characters.

Despite these inaccuracies, the film does capture the essence of Princess Ka’iulani’s life and struggles. It highlights her courage, determination, and commitment to her people and her culture. The film also sheds light on a significant period in Hawaiian history, which is often overlooked in mainstream historical accounts.

In conclusion, while the film “Princess Kaiulani” takes some creative liberties with the true story, it is based on historical events and attempts to capture the spirit of Princess Ka’iulani’s life. The film’s portrayal of the princess’s relationships, the overthrow of the monarchy, and the annexation of Hawaii by the United States is partially accurate, but it should not be taken as a entirely factual account. Instead, it should be viewed as a dramatization of a significant period in Hawaiian history, with Princess Ka’iulani as a central figure.

Some of the key points to consider when evaluating the accuracy of the film include:

• Princess Ka’iulani’s mixed heritage and its impact on her life and identity
• The overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893 and Princess Ka’iulani’s role in the resistance
• The annexation of Hawaii by the United States and Princess Ka’iulani’s efforts to lobby against it
• The historical context of the time, including the complex political landscape of Hawaii and the influence of foreign powers

By considering these factors, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the film and its portrayal of Princess Ka’iulani’s life, as well as the historical events that shaped her story.

In evaluating the film’s accuracy, it’s essential to consider the complexities of the historical context and the life of Princess Ka’iulani. By examining the film’s portrayal of key events and figures, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the true story behind the film.

Some potential discussion topics to explore further include:

• The impact of Princess Ka’iulani’s mixed heritage on her life and identity
• The role of foreign powers in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii and the annexation of Hawaii by the United States
• The significance of Princess Ka’iulani’s efforts to lobby against the annexation of Hawaii and to advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty
• The lasting legacy of Princess Ka’iulani and her impact on Hawaiian history and culture

By exploring these topics and considering the historical context of the film, viewers can gain a more nuanced understanding of the true story behind “Princess Kaiulani” and the significance of her life and legacy.

In conclusion, the film “Princess Kaiulani” is a dramatization of a significant period in Hawaiian history, with Princess Ka’iulani as a central figure. While the film takes creative liberties with the true story, it attempts to capture the essence of Princess Ka’iulani’s life and struggles. By examining the film’s portrayal of key events and figures, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and the significance of Princess Ka’iulani’s life and legacy.