Moana: Fantastic at all levels

Cast voiceovers: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement

Rated: 8/10

There is a reason why this absolutely lovable animation film from Disney is the movie of the week despite Kahaani 2 being propelled as the Friday showstopper. That’s because while Durga Rani Singh is on a quest that is linear, Moana is on a journey full of colourful myths, deep sea voyager thrills and characters that endear you forever. Last but not least, Moana is the most compelling story by Disney in a while, a story that does not get lost or cowed down by all that picture perfect colour, landscaping and animation.

Based around a Polynesian myth of the great ancient seafarer race, a bumbly but well-meaning demigod and a pesky princess chosen to deliver the stolen heart of Te Feti to Goddess Nature burning in angst across the deep blue and stormy ocean, Moana is a treat to be with — at all levels.

It has verve, vivacity, charm and chemistry, all in equal measure. No it is not a romance but it has the most definitive storyline, life lessons that come without being preachy, a girl more human than a mere animation, a journey full of thrills, a culture specific to the South Pacific but an appeal that’s global, a more than stunning landscape, beautifully crafted beings and animals (you can’t not fall in love with the blind chicken) and a lovely score.

It is a fairytale but no Aesop’s fable. It showcases a culture not many know about, so it’s a learning lesson with props which not just the children but also the grown-ups will feel for and enjoy to the hilt.

So go laugh, cry, indulge, learn and enjoy with Moana, the becoming Disney girl who didn’t, for once, emerge from a well-known children’s storybook and had the courage to be more you and me than you would have expected from the central character of a fairytale master specialist. 

Source: Sunday Pioneer, December  4, 2016