Netflix’s Finding ‘Ohana is an action-packed family adventure film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With a PG rating, is this new movie kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements in my Finding ‘Ohana Parents Guide and Movie Review to help YOU decide if it’s safe for kids. As always, no spoilers!
Finding ‘Ohana Parents Guide + Movie Review
When I tell you this movie is action-packed, I’m not kidding. It literally opens with a fun scene where main character, Pili, is competing in a geocaching contest. This opening is perfect, as it sets the film up for its adventure-themed storyline.
From my understanding, Finding ‘Ohana has a very similar plot as The Goonies. Now I’m going to let you in on a little secret — I’ve NEVER seen The Goonies. I know, I know. As someone who was born in the 80’s, this is shocking. So while I may have missed every single Goonies reference there was, it is certainly worth mentioning that they’re there.
The Story
Pili (Kea Peahu) and Ioane (Alex Aiono) travel with their mother, Leilani (Kelly Hu), to O’ahu, Hawaii to care for their grandfather. The Brooklyn-raised siblings are less than thrilled with their accommodations, especially when they learn there is no Wi-Fi — the horror!! Pili goes snooping through her grandfather’s trailer, and discovers a journal which depicts a hidden treasure. Determined to help save her struggling family, Pili sets off with her new friend Casper on an epic adventure.
Of course nothing ever goes exactly as planned. When Ioane discovers his sister has left, he goes after her with his friend Hana (Lindsay Watson). And then the adventure really begins!
Finding ‘Ohana is Much More Than Just a Treasure Hunt
There are so many great takeaways from this movie. While yes, this film is fun and thrilling, it’s not just about finding a long lost treasure. Pili and Ioane are Hawaiian, however, they really don’t know anything about their culture. Hana couldn’t be more opposite, as she is fiercely protective of her culture. She is proud of her heritage and doesn’t want to stray from her roots. Hana owns her identity, while Pili and Ioane were forgetting where they came from. There is a great message about respecting your culture.
Throughout their search for treasure, the teens come across many twists and turns along the way. They are faced with many situations and need to overcome their fears. Every single one of them has a fear and is put to the test to be brave and believe in themselves.
Is Finding ‘Ohana Kid-Friendly?
A family adventure film in search of a mysterious treasure. Finding ‘Ohana rated PG for crude references, adventure action, and some suggestive comments. Just how safe is it for kids? Here’s what parents want to know about Finding ‘Ohana.
While I didn’t personally find this movie overly violent, there are a few moments of peril between the characters. They’re in an underground cave hunting for treasure, so some spooky stuff is bound to happen. They come across skulls, spiders, lava, and are placed in dangerous situations. It is done in a kid-friendly manner though, nothing gory or over-the-top.
There were a few choice words worth mentioning. “Stupid” was used an abundance of times, as well as “sucks.” There was your typical potty language that most kids films tend to go overboard with. The weird thing though was the topic of nipples being mentioned. I just didn’t think it was needed, or appropriate really.
As far as what age I would recommend, I’m going to say ages 8 and up…BUT, it will depend on your kids. Finding ‘Ohana has a runtime of 2 hours. TWO HOURS. I’m saying that again because it was certainly too long. There is no way my 7 year old would sit through this movie. However, just because my 7 year old would lose interest doesn’t mean yours would. I also want to mention it’s not like he can’t sit through a 2 hour movie, because Frozen 2 was one of his favorites. This movie was too long for me. I think they could have easily cut 30 minutes out.
Overall Thoughts
Aside from its runtime and a few choice words, Finding ‘Ohana is a great family adventure film. I loved the cinematography of Hawaii, and even the visuals in the caves was done so well. While this movie is fun and full of action, it really is about so much more. Pili and Ioane discover who they truly are, and that is a beautiful thing. Sometimes the “treasure” isn’t something materialistic. It’s something more. Something deeper and meaningful. Finding ‘Ohana offers great life lessons not only for kids, but for everyone. Stream this epic journey on Netflix today!
Finding ‘Ohana Synopsis
A summer in rural Oahu takes an exciting turn for two Brooklyn-raised siblings when a journal pointing to long-lost treasure sets them on an epic adventure with new friends, and leads them to reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage.
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