We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Walt Disney animated feature films have enchanted for centuries. And 2016 Disney flick “Moana” enters as a fresh addition to the Walt Disney arsenal. Following the titular Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho), it’s a magnificently rendered movie on multiple levels. From its impressive visuals to fresh original music and a thoughtful narrative brought to life by its star-studded cast, “Moana” is destined as a Disney classic.
Inhabitants of the Polynesian island Motunui worship the goddess Te Fiti. As the legend goes, Te Fiti gave life to the ocean with a pounamu stone which doubles as her heart and source of power. Shapeshifting demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) stole Te Fiti’s heart as a gift to humanity, but was subsequently attacked by the volcanic demon Te Kā. And in the process, Maui loses both his magical fishhook that affords him powers of transformation, as well as the heart.
In present day, Moana, daughter of Motunui’s chief Tui (Temuera Morrison), is selected by the ocean as its chosen one. However, her father Tui has other plans. Moana is slated to ascend to the thrown as Motunui’s next chief. However, a plague strikes Motunui, and Moana’s grandmother Tala (Rachel House) insists that the heart of Te Fiti must be returned. Despite Tui’s warnings, Moana steals away in a boat heading beyond the barrier reef, and seeks out Maui and the heart of Te Fiti.
“Moana” is a masterpiece among Walt Disney productions. Its animation glistens with an awe-inspiring realism: light shimmering across the surface of the ocean water, a gradient of greens comprises the island foliage. Colors are dynamic and truly pop on-screen. And its soundtrack complements the eye candy wonderfully. Mark Mancina handles the score, with Opetaia Foa’i and Lin-Manuel Miranda aiding Mancina on the lyrics. Music varies from comedic pieces to moving, emotional ballads, but the unifying factor is that all tracks are incredibly catchy and memorable.
There’s ample character development. While Tui initially appears as an overly protective father, a flashback reveals his reluctance to let his daughter venture beyond the reef. Grandma Tala seems bonkers and while she’s certainly a bit kooky, Tala ultimately proves correct in her assertion that Moana must put back the heart of Te Fiti. Moana remains the star of the show as a likable heroine. She’s imperfect in a relatable human way, and endearingly headstrong. Maui, voiced with aplomb by Dwayne “The Rock,” Johnson proves to be the movie’s most nuanced character. On the surface, he’s an all-powerful demigod, yet his backstory paints a gentler picture of the hulking Maui.
Arguably the most enjoyable aspect of “Moana” is that it’s a wholly feminist film. Moana, no shocker here, saves Motunui, aided by Tala. Even the main deity, Te Fiti, is a godess. Moreover, the movie foregoes a romance subplot far too often shoehorned into the narrative. Instead, there’s only platonic love washing over the entire film. Visually-stunning, bolstered by a solid cast, and masterfully scored, “Moana” is a well-deserving Disney classic.
This post may contain affiliate links. We are a participant in affiliate programs such as the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, all products are thoroughly tested and reviews are honest and unbiased.