I knew nothing of the story here. It was certainly worth telling, but especially at the beginning it came across very stagey. The acting was only adequate, with timing and delivery amateurish at times - as these are experienced actors I would have to blame the director and script. It wasnt helped by the cinematography, that used wide shots for many of the speaking parts, emphasising the sense of a stage production. They also made a historical goof with the japanese character complaining about americans trying to open up japan - that only happened 30 years after the events here. But the scenery was lovely

I can't understand all the glowing reviews here.

Ever watched a local capoeira "fight"? That's how bad the choreography is in this film.

There's also a bunch of annoying scenes with an entitled hateful karen, but supposedly that all turns around when karen manages to lift a tree that the buff warriors collapsed trying to lift.

At best it's half interesting, so half the stars

I've seen most of the director's film, including 'The Genius Club', but this is the best film by far. He confirms his seriousness of intent and his enormous respect for his audience. He rates us so highly that he confides in us, telling us something that clearly comes straight out of his heart. If you read my other reviews, I really focus on the humanity of every movie and this film has gobs of humanity flowing through the entire movie. The theme of sacrifice, faith and devotion seemed almost futuristic in the presentation. I was glued to the screen and realized how beautiful the ugliness of a supposed noble time really was without Christ. The acting was also superb and the way the story turned out was unexpected. I also think the way the movie is directed displays an almost religious theme to it and the actors seemed drawn into the his vision. The ending made you think about your faith and convictions knowing the choices these people made seem unreasonable then. But not now. To quote the Bible from the book of Peter 5:10, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast". I give 'The Islands' two thumbs up. High recommend.