Moana (2016)

Plot Summary: In ancient Oceania, an adventurous Polynesian teenager sets sail on a daring mission across the open ocean to save her people, teaming up with the mighty demigod Maui.

Directors: John Musker, Ron Clements
Producer: Osnat Shurer
Screenplay: Jared Bush

Starring:
Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana
Dwayne Johnson as Maui
Rachel House as Gramma Tala
Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui
Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa
Nicole Scherzinger as Sina
Alan Tudyk as Heihei

Music: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, Mark Mancina
Cinematography: Rob Dressel, Adolph Lusinsky
Editing: Jeff Draheim

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⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️

A Bright Return to a Disney Favorite

Moana, or I should say Vaiana, because we've watched the Portuguese (pt-pt) dubbed version. Which sucks. If you have a child that can already read, please let him/her watch the original English version with subtitles. Not hearing the beautiful voice of Jemaine Clement in the character of Tamatoa is simply a crime. As it is with everyone else really. I've watched Moana in its original version before and I decided that it was time for my daughter (4 years old) to see it now (the movie is not suitable for children under the age of 8, ups!). I think this is the perfect Disney movie. They did it, they achieved perfection. (insert Shia LaBeouf slow clap meme). The original Lion King was replaced by Moana in my favorite Disney movie list and I never thought that that would be possible.

Hello friends! After listening to one of the songs from Moana on the way home from a beautiful Portuguese beach, we decided to re-watch this bright and warm Disney work about a brave Polynesian girl. I completely support Freddy in that the original is incomparable and the Portuguese voice acting did not really convince me. The animation is excellent. All these mysterious Polynesian myths, incredible music with ethnic motifs and a completely different world of Oceania (the second time I caught myself thinking that I would madly want to visit there one day, on the islands soaked in the aroma of coconut and vanilla).

A little note on the side - I find it funny that, today, when you search for the reason for the change of the name from Moana to Vaiana they tell you that it's probably because of copyright issues. A few years ago, everyone knew the real reason - Moana Pozzi. Yep, check that out, but turn your Google search safety on.

Most likely Moana Pozzi really influenced the change of the original name. Since the name Moana in Hawaiian and Maori means "ocean" or "sea".

Emotion, Myth, and Why Moana Works So Well

Moana has the power to turn me into a crying baby every time. I don't know what the f**k it is, but every time I hear those drums on the part where Moana discovers the big boats, I get extremely emotional. The song (We Know the Way) and animation that follows is just the most beautiful thing ever created by man for the entertainment of children. It's so vibrant and inspiring. I kind of feel that it plays with some ancient memory that I have in my DNA about sea travel and exploration (I'm Portuguese after all). I really can't watch that scene without getting super emotional. Nothing before has ever done this to me, except for the song Teach Your Children by Crosby Still Nash and Young. That one gets me every time also. 😭

Hell, this movie even has the power to make Krasnaya cry. She's hard to get with movies, but yesterday I caught her with watery eyes, going to the kitchen to hide it ahahah.

Freddy, you're so cute! I was touched by the scene when Moana realizes that the angry lady is Te Fiti, infinitely unhappy from a lost heart.

By the way, you know, I remember another animation that touched you even more, and me too. Do you remember Coco? Let's review it with Eva, I'm sure she will be delighted.

Auli'i Cravalho's beautiful and sweet voice also gets me emotional in that last scene, which has a superb conclusion. Instead of violence to put an end to the monster, Moana uses her awareness and understanding. This is a great message for kids. My daughter was truly scared of the huge bad fiery lady before she became tamed by compassion. Now she's not afraid of that monster anymore, because she knows...

Our girl is very brave and Moana in this regard is one continuous inspiration. This cartoon is about decision-making and responsibility for them, about understanding yourself and finding your place, about mutual assistance and family. Outsider's inadequate cockerel is my daughter's favorite, she loves such freaks - and even he turned out to be useful, and not only for laughter. Also in the cartoon, the language of myth tells a modern story about consumer attitudes towards the planet.

Final Verdict: Disney Adventure With Heart and Soul

The movie is filled with great adventure, comedy, action and even a bit of spooky stuff besides the incredible musical scenes. I'm thinking of Maui tweeting or the dumb chicken for comedy. Action and adventure for the coconut attack on Moana's wa'a kaulua (double hulled outrigger canoe), and spooky for the underwater monsters of the realm of Lalotai. All of these elements are perfectly balanced in Moana to bring you an engaging and fulfilling experience right to the end. The animation is also one of the best. My eyes exploded with colors at the moment Maui is singing his Welcome song or the moment where Tamatoa turns bioluminescent while fighting Maui.

There are many memorable moments in Moana, although the scene with coconuts, as it turned out in 5 years (since the first viewing), Freddie and I forgot a bit. And yes, what an excellent animation, everything is so colorful and juicy. I keep thinking about how they managed to draw the ocean like that, it really looks alive.

I also wanted to say that all the characters are well developed. It is difficult to choose who is in charge in tandem - Moana or Maui. Our two main characters feel organic and are disclosed in detail. Moana's grandmother also sunk into my soul - a local eccentric, as she says about herself.

Moana is a tear jerker fest of a movie to me. It should teach you to be more respectful towards our natural world. Everything is Te Fiti. When you rob her and abuse her, she will turn on you. Perfect score for Moana. I need a movie poster for my office... 😬 I mean my daughter's room.

Moana is filled with the spirit of ancient beliefs of people and a sense of unity with nature, which we have long lost. Disney made a great animation. I believe that it will inspire someone to find himself, remind someone that it is important to take care of our planet, or make someone interested in learning more about the myths and traditions of the Polynesian peoples.

Freddy's Score

100/100

Krasnaya's Score

88/100

FINAL SCORE

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