With the rise of international storytelling on streaming platforms, it’s no wonder that audiences constantly question whether new shows are primarily in a language they understand or if subtitles are necessary. One show sparking curiosity is Chiefs of War, a historical epic set in Hawaii’s pre-colonial past. Given its cultural depth and setting, potential viewers are wondering: is Chiefs of War all subtitles?
TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
Chiefs of War is not entirely in subtitles. The show uses a mixture of English and Hawaiian languages to tell its story. Key dialogue intended for emotional impact or cultural authenticity is delivered in Hawaiian with subtitles, while the majority of the show remains accessible in English. The bilingual format adds depth without compromising comprehension for an international audience.
The Language Composition of Chiefs of War
Created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, Chiefs of War is an Apple TV+ limited series that takes audiences through Hawaii’s tumultuous past during unification. The creators have made a deliberate decision to incorporate the Hawaiian language (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi) to honor the culture and authenticity of the story. But this raises a central question: how much of the show relies on subtitles?
The answer is nuanced. According to early episodes and feedback from viewers, around 30–40% of the dialogue is in Hawaiian, accompanied by English subtitles. The remainder of the dialogue is in English, allowing broader accessibility across global markets. This blend of languages ensures cultural fidelity while remaining welcoming to viewers who may not be fluent in Hawaiian.
Why Hawaiian Matters in Chiefs of War
To understand why parts of Chiefs of War are in Hawaiian, one must consider the show’s cultural goals. The creators aim to present an authentic narrative drawn from Hawaii’s history and traditions. Language is an essential part of that authenticity, especially considering the historical marginalization of the Hawaiian language during colonization.
By including Hawaiian dialogue, the show serves as a form of linguistic reclamation. As more shows like Reservation Dogs and Shaka: The Story of Aloha find mainstream success using Indigenous languages, Chiefs of War takes it one step further by integrating Hawaiian in emotionally and symbolically significant scenes.
Jason Momoa, who himself is of Native Hawaiian descent, has publicly spoken about the importance of representing his culture fully and unapologetically. Including Hawaiian isn’t just for flavor—it’s a narrative and political choice.
Is It Hard to Follow the Subtitles?
For viewers who are hesitant about subtitles, there’s good news. The subtitles in Chiefs of War are thoughtfully crafted, concise, and timed well to match the pacing of the scenes. They don’t distract from visuals or action sequences, and in some cases, they actually enhance the viewer’s connection to the characters.
In emotionally charged scenes, for instance, hearing a character lament in Hawaiian, with poetic subtitles capturing the nuance, allows a richer emotional experience. One viewer even compared the language flow to reading Shakespeare—not in complexity, but in how it draws in the audience through rhythm and tone.
The Balance Between Accessibility and Authenticity
This fusion of English and Hawaiian is not new in global television. Shows like Narcos (Spanish and English), Dark (German and dubbed/subtitled), and Pachinko (Korean, Japanese, and English) have proven that audiences are increasingly open to multilingual storytelling. Chiefs of War follows suit but stands apart because of the specific cultural motivations behind its language use.
The show strategically alternates between English and Hawaiian depending on the setting and characters. Ceremonial events, dialogues between tribal elders, or sacred rituals often unfold in Hawaiian. By contrast, E.U. colonial interactions and family discussions with mixed fluency often default to English for clarity.
This strategy ensures no viewer ever feels lost. In fact, many find that switching between languages creates a rhythm that keeps engagement high and anticipates emotional peaks.
What Critics and Viewers Are Saying
- Critics: Early reviews from television critics applaud the inclusion of Hawaiian, commending it as a brave and necessary move toward decolonizing media narratives.
- Viewers: General audiences appear divided. While many praise the authenticity and feel more immersed in the setting, others express initial hesitation with subtitles, only to find that it enhanced the storytelling experience.
- Language Learners: Those studying ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi have found Chiefs of War a valuable resource for hearing real-time pronunciation, inflection, and sentence structure that no textbook could replicate.
A secondary benefit noted by some educators is the show’s potential to ignite interest in Hawaiian language and culture among younger generations, both local and international.
Impact on Future Programming
The careful yet powerful integration of Hawaiian in Chiefs of War sets a precedent for future productions. It challenges the long-held assumption that viewers won’t tolerate subtitles or multilingual scripts, especially for Indigenous narratives.
If successful, this show could pave the way for more series harnessing their native tongues to tell stories authentically. It could also influence how educational content and language preservation initiatives tap into entertainment media to inspire participation.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
If you are curious about indigenous cultures, epic histories, or visually stunning storytelling, Chiefs of War is worth the watch. The presence of subtitles should not deter you; rather, it should excite you. Not only will you enjoy compelling acting and plotlines, but you may also come away with a few Hawaiian words or phrases that add to your global literacy.
This is not just a show. It’s a movement wrapped in sweeping cinematography and cultural depth. And it’s one that speaks from the heart of Hawaii, in more ways than one.
FAQ
- Q: Is Chiefs of War entirely in the Hawaiian language?
A: No, about 30–40% of the show is in Hawaiian. The rest is in English. - Q: Are there subtitles provided for Hawaiian parts?
A: Yes. All Hawaiian dialogue is accompanied by English subtitles. - Q: Can I understand the show without reading subtitles?
A: You’ll likely need to read subtitles during Hawaiian sections, but they’re clear and easy to follow. - Q: Does the Hawaiian language appear randomly in the show?
A: No, it’s used purposefully in scenes where cultural depth and symbolism are essential. - Q: Is the show dubbed in English?
A: No, the show maintains the original audio, using subtitles for Hawaiian dialogue. - Q: Will I learn Hawaiian from watching the show?
A: You won’t become fluent, but you will become familiar with basic phrases and pronunciation. - Q: Is the use of language accurate and respectful?
A: Yes. The show was created in collaboration with cultural advisors and native speakers.
