Chief of War Review: Jason Momoa’s Most Powerful Role Yet Hits Harder Than Expected

Let’s get one thing out of the way: if you’re expecting Chief of War to be just another Jason Momoa chest-thumping action fest, think again. Yes, he’s still physically imposing. Yes, there’s plenty of blood, blades, and battle cries. But this time, there’s also a deep sense of history, identity, and cultural reclamation that sets this Apple TV Plus series apart.

I had the chance to prescreen the series and let me just say, I went in expecting “epic island warfare” and left thinking, “Wait, Jason Momoa is acting his butt off?” Spoiler free but full of fire, here’s everything you need to know about Chief of War, one of the most impactful new shows of the year.

Chief of War review

Set in 18th century Hawai‘i, Chief of War tells the story of the indigenous Hawaiian people’s resistance during colonization and addresses conflicts within the different kingdoms of Hawai'i to unite and fight that threat. It’s not a sanitized version either, the show doesn’t flinch away from the brutal truth. The threat of colonization and what needed to be done to unite the different kingdoms is depicted as what it was: violent, invasive, and heartbreaking. But within that violence, the show also finds room for love, spirit, and resilience.

This isn’t your standard historical drama. Chief of War uses its setting not just as backdrop but as a statement. Filmed in both Hawai‘i and New Zealand, the show is visually breathtaking. The lush landscapes are more than just eye candy, they’re a constant reminder of what’s at stake for the people fighting to protect their land and identity.

Momoa has made a career out of playing larger-than-life warriors. And hey, we love him for it. But in Chief of War, he taps into something far more grounded. He’s not just playing a hero with a sword. He’s playing a man with history, heritage, and heavy emotional baggage.

As Ka‘iana, Momoa brings both gravitas and vulnerability. He’s strong, yes, but you also see the cracks. There are moments of quiet grief, internal conflict, and surprisingly nuanced emotion. And as someone who’s often been cast for his physical presence first, seeing him take on a character with this much depth was a very welcome surprise. It’s easily one of his best performances to date.

Oh and he also executive produced the series. So, the passion behind the project? You can feel it in every frame.

This show gets major points for not just including indigenous actors, but for centering them entirely. Every major character is given weight, dimension, and purpose. The casting is exceptional, and the performances across the board are rich and believable.

You’ll also hear native Hawaiian spoken throughout the series and it’s not just for show. Language plays a huge role in grounding the story, giving it authenticity and soul. Chief of War makes no attempt to water down its cultural roots, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it so compelling. This is representation with integrity, not checkbox diversity.

Let’s talk writing. Is it Shakespeare? No. But it is clever, well-paced (most of the time), and loaded with meaning. The central conflict is clearly set up, and while the show does take its time getting into the meat of the story, the slow burn pays off. Each episode builds on the last with emotional weight and narrative momentum.

Could it have gotten to the action a little quicker? Sure. But that patience allows the characters to develop, and by the time the big moments hit, they hit harder. Every character has a full arc, you don’t just watch them fight, you understand why they fight. And that matters.

From sweeping aerial shots of volcanic cliffs to quiet, intimate scenes in dense tropical forests, Chief of War is a visual feast. The camera work is gorgeous, and the direction makes smart use of the natural landscapes to add emotional layers to the action. You're not just watching pretty pictures. You're watching land that feels sacred and threatened. And that raises the stakes for every single battle.

Should you watch it? Absolutely. If you're a fan of historical dramas that actually have something to say, or you’ve ever wanted to see Jason Momoa bring serious emotional depth to a role that also lets him kick some serious butt, this is the show for you.

Chief of War balances grit with grace. It’s violent but never senseless, emotional but never manipulative. It treats its subject matter with respect, showcases its indigenous cast with pride, and tells a story that’s long overdue in mainstream media.

So yes, there are swords. Yes, there’s blood. But there’s also truth. And heart. And history. This isn’t just a show about war. It’s about what’s worth fighting for.

Watch it. Feel it. Learn something. Then go tell your friends Momoa isn’t just the dude from Aquaman.