MOANA REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

So far, Disney have managed to produce over hundreds of entertaining features, both live-action and animated, that are suitable for the whole family. Moana, Disney's latest animated offering, is no different and provides over 100 minutes of solid storytelling, the best animation I've seen this year and two likable lead characters.

Moana Waialiki (voice of Auli'i Cravalho) is a sea voyaging enthusiast and the only daughter of a chief in a long line of navigators. When her island's fisherman can't catch any fish and the crops fail, she learns that the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) caused the blight by stealing the heart of the goddess Te Fiti. The only way to heal the island is to persuade Maui to return Te Fiti's heart, so Moana sets off on an epic journey across the Pacific. The film is based on stories from Polynesian mythology.

Moana takes place in Polynesia which is a part of Oceania, a region that consists of numerous islands dispersed throughout the Pacific Ocean. This isn't the first Disney animated film to feature a Polynesian theme. Lilo & Stitch also took place in modern day Hawaii, however, Moana is the production company's first Polynesian princess, growing up in the fictional island of Motunui. She is also a clear example of the lead animated characters becoming more diverse. For a long time, Disney were known for creating princesses whose only concern were marrying a prince. Fortunately, those times have changed and there is no love interest for the lead protagonist. Maui behaves like her older brother most of the time. This was one of my favourite things about this animated feature. 

Despite being only 16, Cravalho is the perfect voice for the title character. She is also the youngest actress to voice a lead female character in a Disney animated feature as most of them are voiced by adults which isn't a bad thing but, considering Moana is a teenager, it seemed right that she'd only be voiced by one. Johnson is also a great choice for Maui as, like the character, he is known for being strong and having large muscles. His character was also inspired by several legends. As shown in the trailer, Maui is capable of numerous and miraculous feats. The demigod used his magical fishhook to slow down the sun and create longer days. Not only that, but he pulled islands out of the sea whilst fishing. According to legend, this explains the origin of New Zealand. In addition to those myths, the filmmakers also drew inspiration from several other legends whilst creating their version of Maui. 

Like I mentioned earlier, this is the best animation I've seen this year. The islands themselves are breathtaking and look like the land of paradise with its gorgeous landscapes. This is where the animation is at its best. I wouldn't be surprised if Moana was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards early next year. 

If Moana could be nominated for an Academy Award other than Best Animated Feature, I think it could be for Best Original Song. The songs that feature in Disney's animated films are always an important element. I doubt anyone has forgotten Let It Go from Disney's 2013 feature, Frozen. Fortunately, the songs don't disappoint. With the majority of them co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is best known for writing the songs in the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, they all prove to be enjoyable songs, especially Maui's song You're Welcome and Moana's motivating How Far I'll Go.

This also may come as a surprise to a lot of people but Moana is Disney's second original princess, the first being Merida from Disney/Pixar's animated feature, Brave. In addition to being the first Polynesian princess, Moana will stand out as the second princess not to be based on an existing fairy tale or fable. Like Merida, Moana will also be a young warrior who sets out on a journey of self-discovery. This makes her an important role model for young girls watching this film. I grew up watching the likes of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty which lead me to believe I need a prince or a boyfriend. I now know that couldn't be further from the truth and, hopefully, the new generation of young girls will grow up believing they can be whatever they want to be, prince or no prince.

Overall, with its title character being as three-dimensional as its beautiful animation, Moana is truly a family-friendly adventure for the ages.

8/10