Tabu: A Story of the South Seas
Seen it?1931 | 86 min | Romance, Drama, Adventure
Friday Night Flickearly ratingWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and adventure fans. If you loved Cast Away or King Kong, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 26 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1931: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
On the South Pacific island of Bora Bora, a young couple's love is threatened when the tribal chief declares the girl a sacred virgin.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Oscar: Best Cinematography. Plus 1 other award.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 17K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Cast Away
Saturday SpecialAnother adventure, and a Saturday Special.
King Kong Saturday SpecialAnother adventure, and a Saturday Special.
Adrift
Weeknight WatchAnother romance, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Last Song Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Return to the Blue Lagoon
Monday Morning MaybeAnother adventure. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by F. W. Murnau
- MatahiThe Boy
- Anne ChevalierThe Girl (as Reri)
- Bill BambridgeThe Policeman (as Jean)
- HituThe Old Warrior
- JulesThe Captain (uncredited)