Review: 'Moana' Cements a Redefinition of the Disney Princess Film

Ben Zacuto ’19 / Emertainment Monthly Assistant Movies Editor
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog), is pure magic. The film tells the story of born-way finder Moana Waialiki, daughter of Chieftain Tui (Temuera Morrison) and mother Sina (Nicole Scherzinger), who sets out on a mission to save the people of the island of Motonui, Moana’s home. Moana, played by 15 year-old newcomer Auli’i Cravahlo, is simply one of the best heroines in Disney’s canon. Her fierce tenacity and desire for adventure provide perfect motivation for her journey to save her people. Combining the best in Disney character establishment, storytelling, and world building, the Polynesian-set musical is yet another example of Disney Animation’s reestablished reign over competitive sibling studio Pixar for the title of “King of Animation.”
The complex backstory is well constructed and provides a unique introduction to Moana’s story. Even more impressive is directors Clements and Musker’s dedication to the authenticity of Polynesian culture and mythology brought to life onscreen. From the opening song (all of which are brilliantly written by Broadway sensation Lin-Manuel Miranda and co-partners Opetaia Foa’i and composer Mark Mancina) “Where You Are,” we immediately get a sense of the scope of research that the Disney team undertook. It is abundantly clear that careful attention to detail was of utmost priority in researching authentic, traditional Polynesian culture through the ceremonial dances, headdresses and garb, and social hierarchy that is presented onscreen.
Aside from Cravahlo’s inspiring Moana, Johnson’s Maui and House’s Gramma Tala stand out as some of the best Disney characters in recent memory. Maui is just as charismatic as Johnson himself, but with added depth and character trauma that makes the character, especially in the film’s third act, truly memorable. Similarly, Gramma Tala is more than just the village “crazy lady,” as she puts it. She provides an ancestral understanding of why Moana is the ocean’s “chosen one” and why she must build a better life for her people. Gramma Tala is also incredibly witty and eccentric thanks to Rachel House’s unique vocal tones and range. She exudes a deep-set familial desire for adventure and provides Moana an outlet to vent against her father’s conservative wishes.
The film Moana, more so than the magnetic characters, captivating world building, and soon to be modern-classic songs, cements a new definition of the modern Disney princess film. Moana, similar to the heroines in Mulan and Brave, does not rely on a love interest to define her life journey. Moana is a go-getter, a dreamer, a doer. Her grandmother’s love drives her to find her true self. Yes, she has a pet sidekick. Yes, she wears a dress. But she’s not apologizing for these tropes. Rather, she uses them to frame a conversation about what it means to be a true heroine. And one we can be sure ole Uncle Walt would be proud of.
Overall Grade: A-
Watch the Trailer
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKFuXETZUsI[/embedyt]