Almost everything about Disney’s latest musical extravaganza, Moana, is virtually familiar to past Disney films. Once again, there’s a young woman leaving the safe haven of home for a dangerous world in search of her destiny – all while singing infectious tunes and an animal companion on her side. Only this time around, the stunning ethnic Polynesian aesthetics brings about a breath of fresh air to the past Disney movies of the same formula.
From the creators of Aladdin and Tarzan, Moana follows the adventures of a young woman who finds her own voice and discovers who she truly is. She chooses to save rather than be saved, which the film acknowledges by not giving her a love interest – this is definitely a refreshing twist. She also has both the wisdom to respect her people’s traditions and the bravery to blaze her own trail towards the better future.
Moana is the daughter of a chief (kind of like a princess), on the verge of becoming the first female chief, in the proud history of her Polynesian tribe. But there’s also a hankering to find her true self, which she sets off to do with a narcissistic demi-God, a barely there chicken and the advice of her eccentric but super lovable grandmother.
Moana spends the entire film believing that the ocean chose her to be demi-god Maui’s sidekick, to help him regain his confidence and magical abilities (or fish hook). However, this perspective is soon turned around as Moana discovers that she was chosen to do the saving, not Maui. And I absolutely loved that Disney did that.
How does this unfold? Well, you’re going to have to watch the movie to find out.
Set in a tropical setting, Moana is visually stunning with a million shades of green blue – it feels like every leaf and underwater creature created was done with love. The film definitely has all the components of a feel-good Disney film – catchy tunes, comical banter, enjoyable performances and an overall sense of fun. It’s got a few scary moments (lava monsters and demons alert) which is probably why it’s rated as PG13.
Despite of that, this movie will definitely delight viewers of all ages. Even the older viewers would enjoy the wistful possibility in seeing a woman assume a leadership position for which she was destined – especially at this point of history where the girl power movement is stronger than ever.
This year’s must-see movie for boys and girls alike, Moana debuts Auli’I Cravalho, a Hawaiian teenager with skills beyond her experience and years, whose voice depicts Moana perfectly. It doesn’t hurt that the character kind of looks like Auli’I too (Fun fact: Moana was designed way before Auli’I was casted into the role).
Dwayne Johnson shows off his chops in a light that we’re definitely welcoming as Maui. The sexiest man alive turns into the cutest demi-god ever with the charm and tough-guy image you’d expect from The Rock. It’s been said by the creators that Maui’s eyebrow gestures were modelled based on Dwayne’s as well.
Character movements are based on traditional Polynesian and Samoan dances. Apart from an attempt at a dated joke about Twitter, the comedy is lively and keeps the tempo going in establishing the characters. The songs also draw on Polynesian drumming and choral vocals for a rich, hypnotic sound.
Maui’s hype song, “You’re Welcome”, and Tamatoa the crustacean’s Bowie-esque “Shiny”, are upbeat and catchy show tunes – the kind that will have you humming your way out of the hall. The movie does go for the easy slapstick gag one too many times with Moana’s animal friend, a kooky, cross-eyed chicken named HeiHei (voiced by Alan Tudyk) who accidentally follows her on her journey through high seas. But viewers quickly recover from that through Moana and Maui’s sibling like banter.
But Moana from Motonui is a strong, curvy girl with realistic physical features, who is ready for any challenge that comes her way. And you will board her boat.
Moana drops in Malaysian cinemas December 1st 2016.
