Moana is the latest Disney adaptation, directed by Thomas Kail (famous for directing and producing previous famous musical works such as Hamulton and World’s Best) and written by Jared Bush (known for his screenplays such as Zootopia and the original Moana). The film, which is set in ancient Polynesia, centres on Moana, a strong-willed village chief’s daughter who is selected by the ocean to return a mysterious artefact to the goddess Te Fiti. In an attempt to save her people, she sets out to find the fabled demigod Maui when a blight threatens her island. Will the duo manage to restore peace to their island and safely deliver the artefact? Or will the marine roadblocks hinder them?
Firstly, the backbone of this film is its strong nostalgic value, catchy musical tunes and laugh-out-loud humor. Rather than relying on cheap or exaggerated comedy, Moana perfectly balances light-hearted moments with heart-touching emotion, creating a story that resonates with audiences of all ages. The relationship between Moana and Maui develops perfectly and naturally throughout the journey, with both characters getting an equal amount of screen time. Supporting characters such as Grandma Tala and the hilarious chicken Hei Hei also leave lasting impressions despite their limited screen time.
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Every frame explodes with colour, from the crystal-clear blue waters to the tropical islands rich in greenery, creating a world that feels alive and engaging. Disney’s stunning animation perfectly captures the beauty of the culture present in Polynesia, making the film as much a visual spectacle as it is an emotional tale. Working side by side with these visuals is an exceptional soundtrack featuring songs such as How Far I’ll Go, You’re Welcome and We Know the Way. Each musical number not only remains incredibly catchy long after the credits roll but also serves to develop the characters and advance the story at a perfect pace.
The cast elevates the screenplay even further with heartfelt performances. Catherine Laga’aia shines as Moana, perfectly capturing her determination and staying true to the original animated film, while Dwayne Johnson (although a bit goofy with hair) brings immense charisma and humour as Maui.
With all the praise aside, the film is not entirely without flaws. Certain parts of the middle act can feel slightly repetitive as their journey follows the familiar template of an adventure film, and some supporting characters could have been explored further, such as Moana’s father. Nevertheless, these minor issues only slightly derail a film that is ultimately a heartfelt and visually spectacular adventure.
