Writer: Erny Suzira

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Watch this if you liked: “Tangled” and “Frozen”

The Good, the Bad and the Heroine's Journey:

From the directors who brought you amazing Disney classics like "The Little Mermaid", "Aladdin", "Hercules" and "The Princess and the Frog", comes another amazing animated fantasy that will also go down in history!

"Moana" is a visually breath-taking and colourful work of art with a compelling heroic story that is dying to be told to the world.

The story follows 16-year-old Moana, daughter of the Chief of a Polynesian tribe, who sails across the seas along with demigod, Maui, in order to save her home island.

The movie is directors John Musker and Ron Clements' first venture into 3D animated film, and it is definitely a strong follow-up to Disney's last traditional animation film, "The Princess and the Frog".

Based on the South Pacific legend, the story which celebrates the history and culture of the Pacific Islands is beautifully translated into CGI animation, featuring a diverse heroine, traditional storytelling and a modern touch.

The Disney team has definitely raised the bar in the animation department, as apparent with the CGI effects of even the water - which features in 80 percent of the film - is too realistic and is literally alive.

The effects of the water is not the only amazing animated feature of the film, Moana's hair is also very realistic down to the very strand, even more so than Rapunzel's hair in "Tangled".

Following the footsteps of Merida from "Brave" and Elsa from "Frozen", Moana is one of the very first Disney princess who does not have a love interest, and with her spunky attitude, she definitely doesn't need one!

Also, breaking from the traditional Disney norm, Moana is the first princess to not have a super slim, unrealistic stick-like figure. Her figure is tougher, buffer, and she has a realistic waistline unlike the past Disney princesses.

Though Moana is a unique princess of her own, she is also a mix of past Disney princesses/characters like Mulan, Ariel, Merida, Rapunzel and a bit of Lilo too because she's Polynesian.

It is such a joy to watch the heroic adventure filled with hilarity as voice actress Auli'i Cravalho pulled it off effortlessly as if she has already been in this industry for so long when it is actually her first time - making her a truly natural entertainer.

Meanwhile, the other great voice cast such as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Rachel House, Jemaine Clement, and especially Alan Tudyk, also did not disappoint with their very recognisable voices!

Like every other Disney musical, the movie also features great songs thanks to Broadway royalty Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the ones in this movie really gives off the 'Aloha' vibes and serves as a proper tribute to the Polynesian culture.

Look Out For:

• Hei Hei the Chicken!

Trivia:

• Auli'i Cravalho is the youngest Disney princess voice ever, she voiced the Moana at the age of 14.


Cinema Online, 22 November 2016