Introduction
We've gone three years without a new Disney Princess, so after a brief detour into the world of animals, Walt Disney Animation Studios is returning back to their bread and butter. Unlike many other previous Princesses, Moana isn't a (loose) adaptation of a specific story, but rather a reflection of Polynesian culture in general.
Without a love interest.
Plot
On a mystic island in Polynesia, the 16-year-old strong-willed daughter of the chief of the tribe, Moana from Motunui Island, is chosen by the ocean itself to reunite the Heart of Te Fiti. She sets sail in search of Maui, a legendary demigod and hopes to save her people.
Release Dates
General Information
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios.
Running time: 103 minutes
Language - English
Directors: Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, Treasure Planet, The Princess and the Frog)
Producer: Osnat Shurer (Pixar shorts)
Written by: Jared Bush (Wreck-It Ralph, Cedar Rapids), based on an original draft by Taika Waititi
Music by: Mark Mancina, Lin-Manuel Miranda (In The Heights, Hamilton: An American Musical, the cantina scene in The Force Awakens)
Characters
Moana Waialiki
Moana Waialiki is the high-spirited sixteen-year-old daughter of a chief in a long line of navigators, who sets sail to an island with an almighty demigod to help save her family from annihilation. As her name means "ocean," she has an uncanny connection with it and all its creatures. Voiced by Auli'i Cravalho.
Maui
Maui is the legendary demigod who sets off with Moana on her journey. Voiced by Dwayne Johnson.
Gramma Tala
Gramma Tala, Moana's Grandmother. Like Moana, Tala shares a passion for the ocean. Voiced by Rachel House.
Tui and Sina
Chief Tui Waialiki is Moana's overprotective father and chief of Motunui Island. Voiced by Temuera Morrison
Sina Waialiki is Moana's mother and Tui's wife. Voiced by Nicole Scherzinger.
Tamatoa
Tamatoa is a villainous 50-foot crab from Lalotai, the realm of monsters. Voiced by Jemaine Clement.
I look forward to kicking your butt in Kingdom Hearts 3.
Hei Hei
Hei Hei is Maui and Moana's pet rooster, and described by director Ron Clements as "the dumbest character in the history of Disney animation." Voiced by Alan Tudyk.
Reviews
PSA: There is a stinger