In 2004’s hit comedy, “50 First Dates”, the filmmakers decided to showcase the beautiful island of O‘ahu. From Kaneohe Bay to Waimanalo and even the beloved Sea Life Park, these scenic wonders were the perfect setting for a story about Lucy (Drew Barrymore), a fun loving, free spirited woman who suffers from a rare memory loss condition (the fictitious Goldfield Syndrome) due to an injury she sustained from a car accident.
Lucy awakens to the same day, every day, which she believes to be her father’s birthday. This is also the day of the accident. Afraid she will learn of her irreversible condition, Lucy’s stern father, Marlin, (Blake Clark) and steroid loving brother, Doug (Sean Astin), go through great lengths to recreate the events of that day.
When Henry (Adam Sandler), a veterinarian and a natural charmer of the ladies, visits a café where Lucy frequents, he decides to put the moves on her. He is soon smitten and the both decide to meet back at the restaurant the next morning.
The next day, Henry sees Lucy, but she has no memory of meeting him the day before. The café’s owner pulls him aside and explains her tragedy. Henry immediately devises ways to meet her, with every time being her first meeting with him. Over time, Henry makes a video for Lucy detailing the events of the day of the accident and chronicles their meeting and falling in love. Lucy keeps a diary and writes about her adoration for Henry.
Lucy overhears a conversation that Henry has postponed a trip to the Arctic. He feels that her memory is improving, but Lucy’s doctor reassures Henry that it will never be the case. With that, Lucy does not want to be a burden to Henry and her family. She destroys the diary and any evidence of their relationship and commits herself to the hospital. Knowing that all hope is lost, Henry decides to leave for the Arctic.
Before he sets sail, Marlin gives him a CD of The Beach Boys. Henry remembers Marlin saying that Lucy sings The Beach Boys on the days she meets him. He realizes that Lucy has not forgotten. Henry turns back and races to the hospital. He sees Lucy, who has no recollection of him, but she shows him paintings and drawings of his face, saying she dreams of him almost every night. They fall back in love and eventually marry.
This film not only employed local crew, but featured musicians from Hawai’i including the late Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” and the Makaha Sons Ni’ihau’s “Aloha Ka Manini.”
With its majestic scenery and poetic music, “50 First Dates” certainly set a precedent for filmmakers to return to paradise.
