Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one today knows why.
Disney‘s upcoming movie Moana is reminiscent of the style of Pocahontas and Lilo and Stitch with a cast of vibrant characters including the voices of Dwayne Johnson as the demi-god Maui and 14-year-old newcomer Auli’i Cravalho as Moana. Auli’i is also the first person to voice a character the same age as her.
Moana will be Disney’s first Polynesian princess (or heroine) and thus far, there has been no mention of a prince. She is a skilled navigator and goes on a dangerous mission to save her people, proving herself a master way-finder and fulfilling her ancestors’ unfinished quest. Along the way, she pairs up with Maui who will help her finish the quest. As they encounter monsters and impossible odds, Moana may find the one thing she has been looking for: her own identity.
Disney‘s direction with this film is refreshing as they take a more feminist stance, with Moana as the hero of this compelling story. The animation is stunning and the trailer showcases the rich culture of the Pacific and the lush environment around them, not to mention the adorable animals like Moana’s pig we get a glimpse of. With Disney dipping into different cultures and weaving a story that is not based on love, I think we have a winner here.
The film will sail into cinemas 23 November 2016.