Moana

Director: Don Hall, Chris Williams

Overview

Young navigator Moana (voice of Auli'i Cravalho), the daughter of a Polynesian tribal chief, is chosen to find a precious artifact that could save her people. She teams with demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to locate a legendary island, and together the pair explore fantastical lands and encounter incredible sea creatures in this animated adventure from Disney. The film's soundtrack includes contributions from Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony and Grammy-winning creator of the popular stage musical +Hamilton. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker.

Product Details

Release Date:	03/07/2017
UPC:	0786936852417
Original Release:	2016
Rating:	PG
Source:	Walt Disney Video
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround]
Language:	English
Time:	1:47:00
Sales rank:	2,459

Special Features

Inner Workings short film [G]; Music Video - "How Far I'll Go" Alessia Cara; Audio commentary

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Christopher Jackson	Chief Tui
Phillipa Soo	Unspecified Villager/Sina
Auli'i Cravalho	Moana,Villager #2
Dwayne Johnson	Maui
Temuera Morrison	Chief Tui
Rachel House	Gramma Tala
Nicole Scherzinger	Sina
Oscar Kightley	Fisherman
Troy Polamalu	Villager #1
Louise Bush	Toddler Moana
Adrien Antoine	Voices
Christine Delaroche	Voices
Lina Larissa Strahl	Voices
Andreas Bourani	Voices
Maud Ackermann	Voices
Marion Martienzen	Voices
Dorota Stali¿ska	Voices
Magdalena Turczeniewicz	Voices
Maksymilian Bogumi¿	Voices
Lin-Manuel Miranda	Composer

Technical Credits

Pamela Ribon

Aaron Kandell

Osnat Shurer	Producer
John Lasseter	Executive Producer
Pamela Ribon	Screenwriter
Aaron Kandell	Screenwriter,Screenwriter
David E. Fluhr	Sound Effects
Chris Williams	Co-Director,Director
Don Hall	Co-Director,Director
Jamie Roberts	Casting
Rachel Sutton	Casting
Tim Nielsen	Sound/Sound Designer
Sarah Raoufpur	Casting
Asolelei To'Alepai	Casting
Christina Asher	Casting
Fiona Collins	Casting

Editorial Reviews

Moana (voiced by Auli'i Cravalho), the titular princess of Disney's most recent animated endeavor, is the daughter of a tribal chief on an island called Motunui. Like many of her fellow Disney royals, she was raised with a set of expectations; but unlike them, she isn't being groomed to be married off to the most eligible suitor. Instead, she is to become the chief of the island and lead her people to prosperity…but with one caveat imposed by her father: She is not to go beyond the reef surrounding Motunui, despite the fact that she has felt restless and drawn to the sea her entire life. When the island is endangered by an ancient curse, independent Moana decides to take charge. In order to end the scourge, she must find the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and a jewel that he supposedly stole a thousand years ago. Following the encouraging words of her grandmother, she embarks on an epic sea voyage beyond her comfort zone with an unlikely companion -- a wonky chicken named Heihei (Alan Tudyk). Moana's Polynesian folklore imbues its traditional coming-of-age arc with an exciting newness. The magnificent soundtrack, created by frequent Disney collaborator Mark Mancina, Hamilton visionary Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Opetaia Foa'i of the South Pacific band Te Vaka, anchors the story in this culture and helps drive the plot forward. The animation is positively breathtaking, enchanting viewers with glittering night skyscapes, lush island paradises, and, most excitingly, an eerily neon, almost Lovecraftian underwater "realm of monsters." (Be on the lookout for a hysterical glam-rock number in the realm of monsters, performed by a giant, treasure-hoarding crab voiced by Jemaine Clement). Though the film does lag a bit during some of the lengthier scenes at sea (and its sweet, heartwarming conclusion is completely predictable), the music, characters, and constantly changing scenery keep Moana feeling like a fun ride. Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, both of Polynesian heritage, are perfectly cast as Moana and Maui: Their sibling-like banter and heartfelt conversations add authenticity, depth, and humor to the story. Watching the fiercely independent and quick-thinking Moana come into her own during her magical, musical journey across the ocean and through the realm of ancient gods and monsters is an inspirational treat, one that will surely delight kids and adults alike for many years to come.