2016 has been a strong year for Disney, but can their penultimate offering match or improve on their high standards?
Moana is a tale of Polynesian Islanders told through the eyes of the chief’s young daughter. To begin with we are enlightened by the cultural stories that underpin the Polynesian way of life. These tales bring a spiritual element to the story as Moana explores her connection with nature and her heritage. As her life begins to unfurl on a predetermined course, the guidance she receives helps her explore who she is rather than what she thinks people want her to be.
The creation of the world, its design and animation is a labour of love that sets the tone for the entire movie. As the sea and most of the animals take on a character of their own it draws you further into believing in the spiritual connection with the world. This is a key element as you are introduced to Maui and nature’s various other demi gods. The tales of the gods and their motivations never feel hollow as they are engaging and well supported. The anthropomorphised characters like the chicken, coconuts and sea bring fantastic comic value. Although this is usually the way with Disney’s sidekicks Moana steps this up as it has more than one loveable minor character.
Moana is one of very few Disney lead females to not be given a love interest.
As the headline act Moana delivers a deep and engaging persona, flawed only in the most human ways, yet resolute in the face of adversity when driven by the needs of those dependant on her. Moana delivers a message about culture as a strong resourceful female lead who interestingly never has a love interest thrown at her. Free of that most ritually used plot devices in film, this allows for some touching moments of family interaction and self exploration throughout the movie.
Dwayne Johnson as Maui delivers possibly one of his best performances ever, not that the benchmark was ever that high. As a big name actor it is pleasing to engage with the fantasy being brought to life rather than keep being reminded it is Dwayne Johnson. Full of himself and with an injured sense of pride Maui develops throughout the journey as Moana peels back his story, layer by layer, much to his discomfort. While Johnson might display some subtlety in this role there is no mistaking New Zealand’s Main export after sheep, rugby and Lord of the Rings. Jermaine Clement as Tamatoa provides a complex mix of sinister and laugh out loud comedy, the only shame is his brief part in the proceedings.
Ranking as one of my favourite Disney movies to date it is fantastic to see 2016 turning into a good vintage for one thing at least. On par with or better than Zootropolis there is something for everyone in Moana regardless of age. The culture is interesting, the characters believable, the comedy is never laboured and the cinematics and music are always engaging. This is a must watch feel good film for the Christmas season.
Author: Joe, Bath store
