Disney has once again created a beautiful and funny film that will pull on your heart strings as well as once again providing us with unrealistic expectations of hair! Admittedly, I was probably one of the oldest people in the cinema but I didn’t care because I loved it and while I may have a few critiques, I feel the real importance is its messages and background.
This animated adventure follows Moana, an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people along with demigod, Maui who must return reunite a mystical relic as well as battling some of the most dangerous creatures of the ocean.
Moana is such a beautiful and iconic character as she’s not only a strong, progressive and independent woman who is a female leader-in-waiting but who cares about the environment and who looks beyond the borders of her homeland to face the challenges of the future. She is an inspiration to the next generation. The banter between her and Maui is enjoyable and won’t fail to crack and few laughs and put a smile on your face. But the most beautiful character is that of the ocean itself, a symphony of fluid movements whose waves become hands that aid our hero’s, not least in constantly saving Moana’s half-witted chicken companion Heihei, who provides many slapstick laughs.
Moana is the first Disney film to focus and highlight Polynesian culture, I really felt that when I came out of the cinema I had learned something about their culture and how beautiful it is. I appreciated the five years of research that went into this film and the effort that went into animating this unique and beautiful culture and lifestyle.
My only criticism is that I thought it dragged on a bit and that some scenes weren’t needed, including the scene with a giant crab, for me, it didn’t sit well with the rest of the film, however, that scene did include a pretty catchy song. The soundtrack, some of which was written by the incredible Lin-Manuel Miranda, again incorporates the Polynesian culture and language as well as being inspiring and addictive. I’ve been playing its songs for the past week and I just can’t get them out of my head!
In final then, I’m going to give this film 4.5 stars as it was a heart-warming film for all the family to enjoy which included both child and adult humor. All the characters were beautifully created as well as breaking more boundaries for female stereotypes. If your fans of Pocahontas and Mulan then I can guarantee that you’ll be a fan of Moana!
A Fangirl's Opinion 