Moana was a great film and a prime example of what Disney is known for and is capable of. In certain respects, it’s typical princess movie songs, big bad problem, brave heroine, and funny sidekick. That being said, the movie doesn’t feel forced or cliche, it has powerful messages of family and self identity.
Although there are only two or three main characters, their voice acting was executed. Auli’i did an amazing job as Moana she was a perfect teenage protagonist, her performance brought real life to Moana and made her very relatable. At times she was sarcastic, funny, loving, clever and of course brave. There were certain moments that I felt she especially genuine like when she manipulates Maui into helping her. Maui himself was well played as well initially he seems like a mere Arrogant, selfish, people pleaser. But as the movie progresses, we sympathize with him and understand that he is actually willing to make sacrifices to help and support Moana’s quest.
The transitions in the film were well done. In action filled scenes the focus followed the action without changing shots overwhelmingly, although the majority of the stores are on a small canoe, it still feels plenty large enough to hold the characters and their actions. One of the beginning songs shows Moana’s island and how everyone belongs and has a clear role. During the song Moana grows from a curious toddler into a determined future chief, a montage of her learning all the different roles of her people and how to lead them shows how she grows physically and emotionally.
The sound and score is fantastic in its emotions and realism. Throughout the movie the sounds of water seem incredibly real but not overwhelming. The score is used very well to convince the audience of certain emotions. During one scene the grandma character falls ill and when the characters find out the sound effects of the island and dialogue are silent but the score becomes very emotional.
Although this is animated film the direction is clear. The directors worked previously on other similar movies for Disney, like The little mermaid. The characters’ movements seem very realistic and not programmed, even the ocean itself is a believable character with clear opinions and personality without any true body or dialogue.
The animation/special effects were stunning in typical Disney fashion. The majority of the film is three dimensional and feels almost palpable, the characters move in realistic ways and are incredibly detailed. There is also some traditional two dimensional animation Maui’s tattoos and the introduction were both clear differences, but didn’t distract from the main style. It’s the combination of the two styles that works so well in one scene the animation is 2d but with voice over by the 3D characters to show the scene is imagined and not real when the scene switches back to the main 3D animation it shows the break of the daydream back to reality.
Two main themes of the movie are family and being loved, and the difference between self identify and societal norms. Moana know everyone on her island and everyone is like a giant family working together. Maui was rejected by his parents, but performs various acts of heroism to gain the love and admiration of humanity. By the end of the film, Moana is ready to lead her people and Maui has gained a true friend rather than just a fan. Moana has issues with fulfilling her role as future chief and struggles with her fascination of the ocean that her grandma encourages. She feels unable to follow either path, but eventually finds a way to combine the parts of her identity. She leads her people as chief on the ocean showing them how to sail.
Two repeated symbols are dances and self decorations. The dances of the island people are very orderly and young Moana has difficulty fitting in, however as she gets older and becomes more comfortable leading her people she learns the dance well enough to teach the children of the village. The grandma’s dance is very different from the others her dance is more flowing and water like representing the ocean. After the village moves to the ocean, they create a new dance that reflects their new identity. The dances are visual representations of the people’s beliefs and feelings. The tattoos of the village people and grandma are of an animal that represents them and the animals they will become after death. The grandma chooses a ray to explore the ocean and stay with Moana. Maui’s tattoos have a different meaning. He didn’t pick them out instead they show the important parts of his life which is why it’s very meaningful that his adventure with Moana becomes a new tattoo. Tomatoa decorates himself with treasure to show off how rich he is and to appear more beautiful. Although the tattoos and treasure have different meanings they are still a form of self expression.
Although there are only two or three main characters, their voice acting was executed. Auli’i did an amazing job as Moana she was a perfect teenage protagonist, her performance brought real life to Moana and made her very relatable. At times she was sarcastic, funny, loving, clever and of course brave. There were certain moments that I felt she especially genuine like when she manipulates Maui into helping her. Maui himself was well played as well initially he seems like a mere Arrogant, selfish, people pleaser. But as the movie progresses, we sympathize with him and understand that he is actually willing to make sacrifices to help and support Moana’s quest.
The transitions in the film were well done. In action filled scenes the focus followed the action without changing shots overwhelmingly, although the majority of the stores are on a small canoe, it still feels plenty large enough to hold the characters and their actions. One of the beginning songs shows Moana’s island and how everyone belongs and has a clear role. During the song Moana grows from a curious toddler into a determined future chief, a montage of her learning all the different roles of her people and how to lead them shows how she grows physically and emotionally.
The sound and score is fantastic in its emotions and realism. Throughout the movie the sounds of water seem incredibly real but not overwhelming. The score is used very well to convince the audience of certain emotions. During one scene the grandma character falls ill and when the characters find out the sound effects of the island and dialogue are silent but the score becomes very emotional.
Although this is animated film the direction is clear. The directors worked previously on other similar movies for Disney, like The little mermaid. The characters’ movements seem very realistic and not programmed, even the ocean itself is a believable character with clear opinions and personality without any true body or dialogue.
The animation/special effects were stunning in typical Disney fashion. The majority of the film is three dimensional and feels almost palpable, the characters move in realistic ways and are incredibly detailed. There is also some traditional two dimensional animation Maui’s tattoos and the introduction were both clear differences, but didn’t distract from the main style. It’s the combination of the two styles that works so well in one scene the animation is 2d but with voice over by the 3D characters to show the scene is imagined and not real when the scene switches back to the main 3D animation it shows the break of the daydream back to reality.
Two main themes of the movie are family and being loved, and the difference between self identify and societal norms. Moana know everyone on her island and everyone is like a giant family working together. Maui was rejected by his parents, but performs various acts of heroism to gain the love and admiration of humanity. By the end of the film, Moana is ready to lead her people and Maui has gained a true friend rather than just a fan. Moana has issues with fulfilling her role as future chief and struggles with her fascination of the ocean that her grandma encourages. She feels unable to follow either path, but eventually finds a way to combine the parts of her identity. She leads her people as chief on the ocean showing them how to sail.
Two repeated symbols are dances and self decorations. The dances of the island people are very orderly and young Moana has difficulty fitting in, however as she gets older and becomes more comfortable leading her people she learns the dance well enough to teach the children of the village. The grandma’s dance is very different from the others her dance is more flowing and water like representing the ocean. After the village moves to the ocean, they create a new dance that reflects their new identity. The dances are visual representations of the people’s beliefs and feelings. The tattoos of the village people and grandma are of an animal that represents them and the animals they will become after death. The grandma chooses a ray to explore the ocean and stay with Moana. Maui’s tattoos have a different meaning. He didn’t pick them out instead they show the important parts of his life which is why it’s very meaningful that his adventure with Moana becomes a new tattoo. Tomatoa decorates himself with treasure to show off how rich he is and to appear more beautiful. Although the tattoos and treasure have different meanings they are still a form of self expression.
Your movie review was focused on not only the aspects of the movie such as the character development, transitions, and themes, but also the symbolism and meaning and purpose of this film which made this piece meaningful and sticky. It is really interesting how dance portrays the characters, their beliefs, and how they shifted over time.
ReplyDeleteYou did a really nice job not only describing the characters, but also exploring the symbolism. I also thought it was really good that you compared it to the typical Disney princess movies and then went on to express the differences.
ReplyDeleteYour review did a great job of highlighting the best aspects of the film, and what really stuck out to you. The character development and meaning that you discussed was very insightful. The detailed explanation of the music in the film shows how important it is to the overall feel of the film.
ReplyDeleteYour review did a great job of highlighting the best aspects of the film, and what really stuck out to you. The character development and meaning that you discussed was very insightful. The detailed explanation of the music in the film shows how important it is to the overall feel of the film.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job with this movie review, I really liked reading about your input on the movie. You did a great job describing the character development in the movie which gives more meaning to the movie.
ReplyDelete