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[mrkgoo]

This was kind of a weird movie to watch as it seemingly was just a mish mash of a whole lot of different Polynesian cultures - it's like white people just picking and choosing what they like.

When I was growing up, we learnt all about the legend of Māui (I'm from New Zealand) - so it was kinda fun seeing that on screen, though under the banner of 'random Polynesian thing' instead. Strange that Hina wasn't included.

It was also kind of strange that the Kakamora were depicted as 'coconuts' - as that is the most common racial slur used towards Polynesian people

I think the amulet/heart of Te Fiti was supposed to be greenstone/Pounamu?

Ah, It's just hard to shake the feeling that this was just white peoples view of Polynesia and that it is kind of degrading to just have it all be thrown in a blender.


I still think it's a good movie, mind you; just with some cultural cringe.

It is a bit if a blender, because it's not just paying homage to Maori culture, but a broader polynesia element, including pacific island, samoa, hawaii and so on.

I mean, I'm about as ignorant as it gets for polynesia culture, butI don't think it was supposed to be authentic in detail, just authentic in tone.

 

[nomster]

Just saw this. And I loved it. Best animated movie in years. So beautiful and great songs. So fresh. Much better than Frozen which I find kind of dull.

Just watched with my kids and agree that it's at least the best "princess" movie in years. Frozen is trash compared to this in all respects.

 

[mrkgoo]

Just watched with my kids and agree that it's at least the best "princess" movie in years. Frozen is trash compared to this in all respects.

I'm not a fan of Frozen even without the comparison. It has some nice songs and designs, and while the story has some interesting subversions of usual tropes, the story doesn't actually work for me.

 

[Osahi]

Just saw this. And I loved it. Best animated movie in years. So beautiful and great songs. So fresh. Much better than Frozen which I find kind of dull.

Please watch more animated films.

Last few years saw Inside Out, Princess Kaguya, Your Name, Kubo, Red Turtle, Ma Vie de Courgette,Zootroplis, Anomalisa, ... Heck 2016 alone saw multiple animated movied better then Moana, which is a fun enough movie with good songs, but has serious flaws (pretty dull by-the-books story with a main character that doesn't really evolve. Whole sequences leading to nowhere, just to keep kids attentive with some adhd action, ...)

 

[mrkgoo]

Please watch more animated films.

Last few years saw Inside Out, Princess Kaguya, Your Name, Kubo, Red Turtle, Ma Vie de Courgette,Zootroplis, Anomalisa, ... Heck 2016 alone saw multiple animated movied better then Moana, which is a fun enough movie with good songs, but has serious flaws (pretty dull by-the-books story with a main character that doesn't really evolve. Whole sequences leading to nowhere, just to keep kids attentive with some adhd action, ...)

I'll admit the last couple years have been amazing for animation. But I love Moana.

Did not like princess Kaguya. Loved zootopia. The others I haven't seen yet

 

[Eye for an Eye]

So Best Buy is actually releasing this in a special steel case. First time for a US release.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/brands/disney/pcmcat364300050000.c?id=pcmcat364300050000

 

[JJH]

My god this soundtrack is so good. It's been stuck in my head since I watched this with my wife and daughter.

 

[Tater]

Just saw this Friday night at my son's school - I was blown away, everything was amazing.

You know a movie is good when 100+ elementary school kids are sitting quietly and watching the movie instead of running around going crazy.

My highlights:

- Maui tells Moana *in song* that he's going to take her boat. I didn't even realize it the first time I listened to it, I was so focused on the music.

- The battle with Tamatoa. Nice that it wasn't formulaic BS, good to see the good guys taking their licks instead of going (demi)god mode on everything. A wonderful David Bowie vibe on the villain as well, he gets really sinister once the lights go down.

- The entire f'ing soundtrack. So good, it's stuck in my head days later.

 

[Brandwin]

My god this soundtrack is so good. It's been stuck in my head since I watched this with my wife and daughter.

Well, Tamatoa hasn't always been this glam
I was a drab little crab once


Same here. Favorites are Shiny, You're Welcome and How Far I'll Go. My five year old makes me plays those over and over. Great movie.

 

[Deadly Cyclone]

I enjoyed this. I loved how you could immediately tell Lin wrote most of the music just due to the cadence similarities to Hamilton.

 

[Pein]

Might be my favorite disney movie since lilo and stitch. just a wonderful film. Its an absolute classic.

 

[Malyse]

Just watched with my kids and agree that it's at least the best "princess" movie in years. Frozen is trash compared to this in all respects.

 

[Cfh123]

Anyone notice the Studio Ghibli influences?

The design of the monster that attacked Moana before she encountered the crab was Ghibili-esque.

Spoiler

The way the lava monster at the end moved reminded me of the monster (with the mask) in Spirited Away. Also the lava monster was not defeated but transformed. The monster is not really a monster and is defeated through non-violent means is a recurring element of Ghibli movies.

I'm not sure if spoiler tags are still needed - the movie has been out for a while.

 

[GSG Flash]

Just watched Moana today. I liked it overall but I thought it had way too many songs. There was a song like ever 5-10 mins the first half of the movie.

 

[Tizoc]

Just watched Moana today. I liked it overall but I thought it had way too many songs. There was a song like ever 5-10 mins the first half of the movie.

I was fine with it. In fact I was pleasantly surprised that there WERE songs. Various Disney movies from the past decades didn't have songs in them and I rather missed this Disney tradition of sorts.

 

[DukeLongfellow]

Saw it. Liked the imagery, soundtrack and characters, one of my favorite Disney films in the last few years. Could honestly have done without the songs as they are usually one of those things I tend to tolerate in Disney films (despite loving them to death) but ehhh. 7.5-8 is what I would easily give it.

One thing I really didn't like was the

Spoiler

giant crab guy segment in the middle of the film.

Killed the pacing and felt really out of place.

 

[JeTmAn81]

Just watched this. It might be a Disney classic. The CGI is probably the most beautiful I've seen. I really liked it.

 

[ramparter]

Watched it yesterday, why didn't you tell me it's the best Disney film ever released? I'm disappointed GAF,

 

[Familienoberhauptvogel]

Watched it yesterday, why didn't you tell me it's the best Disney film ever released? I'm disappointed GAF,

 

[digdug2k]

I'll admit the last couple years have been amazing for animation. But I love Moana.

Did not like princess Kaguya. Loved zootopia. The others I haven't seen yet

I've seen most of those and I'd still say Moana easily belongs in the list, but like you there's shit on that list (Inside Out and Zootopia) that I find kinda shitty.

 

[Tricky I Shadow]

Underrated post.

Watched it yesterday, why didn't you tell me it's the best Disney film ever released? I'm disappointed GAF,

Actually, we did.

 

[Ampersands]

Saw it a few days ago. Mid-tier Disney film but better than most of their recent output (looking at you Zootopia). It looked really nice at times but I got some uncanny valley vibes when the characters were wet from certain angles.

The songs were mostly good but some were tedious. How Far I'll Go has a great hook. I applaud the film for managing to maintain my interest without relying on traditional Disney tropes.

And because this is a gaming forum, Wind Waker anyone? The small islands and sailing really brought me back.

 

[TheBryanJZX90]

The crab guy song was great but it had some real clunker lines. "I just love free food / You look like seafood" ... ... ... Really?

 

[Samurai G0SU]

The crab guy song was great but it had some real clunker lines. "I just love free food / You look like seafood" ... ... ... Really?

Easy lyrics for kids to repeat. Seems like they nailed it.

 

[Maximo]

The crab guy song was great but it had some real clunker lines. "I just love free food / You look like seafood" ... ... ... Really?

"Well, Tamatoa hasn't always been this glam I was a drab little crab once. Now I know I can be happy as a clam. because I'm beautiful, baby!"
Loved Shiny is grows on you.

 

[TheBryanJZX90]

Easy lyrics for kids to repeat. Seems like they nailed it.

Oh yeah just like when the song tells kids to get a dictionary to understand what decapod means

 

[Samurai G0SU]

Oh yeah just like when the song tells kids to get a dictionary to understand what decapod means

Glad it upsets you that much. Lol

 

[bionic77]

Watched it yesterday, why didn't you tell me it's the best Disney film ever released? I'm disappointed GAF,

We just saw it last night and I was also blown away.

 

[victreeb3l]

Saw this on Netflix and I didnt really like it all that much. The soundtrack didnt do anything for me and it felt like it was targetting really little kids. The jokes and stuff were kinda dumb.

It was a visual feast though. Loved the scene when they were escaping from the coconuts.

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

HOW FUCKING GOOD IS THIS MOVIE THOUGH? PACIFIC-ISLANDER REPRESENTATION IN HEEERE!

AND OH, OH MY GOSH IS THE FUCKING CG WATER FUCKING INCREDIBLE! TEAR DROPS HUN. TEAR DROPS!

 

[HiiiLife]

Loved the fact that a good amount of the lore was drawn directly from Samoan/Tokelauan (especially the singing). So good. Best songs were the ones in our native tongue.

 

[HStallion]

Loved the fact that a good amount of the lore was drawn directly from Samoan/Tokelauan (especially the singing). So good. Best songs were the ones in our native tongue.

Yeah I was honestly surprised as you never see much about Samoans outside of football these days and this comes from someone that is a good part Samoan.

 

[BassForever]

Saw this on Netflix and I didnt really like it all that much. The soundtrack didnt do anything for me and it felt like it was targetting really little kids. The jokes and stuff were kinda dumb.

It was a visual feast though. Loved the scene when they were escaping from the coconuts.

This is more or less how I felt. I really wanted to like Moana but all the music fell completely flat and neither Moana or Maui did much to win me over.

 

[Blizzard]

Loved the fact that a good amount of the lore was drawn directly from Samoan/Tokelauan (especially the singing). So good. Best songs were the ones in our native tongue.

I know a bunch of Hawaiians and they seem to be big fans of the movie as well. It's cool because they sing a song about Maui, and I learned it years before the movie came out. Then when the movie came out, I found parts of the feats mentioned in the song were actually referenced by the movie, so it definitely seems like they took care when creating it.

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

Spoiler

THAT PART WHEN THE WATER PARTED AND IT WENT INTO SLOW-MO AND SHE STARTED SINGING? OOOOH! THAT'S WHEN I WANTED TO TEAR UP.

Ooh, why is Disney so good at tugging at my heart lately. Why, why whyyyyy?

 

[HiiiLife]

Yeah I was honestly surprised as you never see much about Samoans outside of football these days and this comes from someone that is a good part Samoan.

As soon as the intro started and it was samoan lyrics I already knew i was gonna love this. Also the little references and mythos they sprinkled in throughout I've known since I was a kid, like the eel turning into the coconut. So good.

I know a bunch of Hawaiians and they seem to be big fans of the movie as well. It's cool because they sing a song about Maui, and I learned it years before the movie came out. Then when the movie came out, I found parts of the feats mentioned in the song were actually referenced by the movie, so it definitely seems like they took care when creating it.

Did better justice than lilo and stitch, that's for sure lol. Is this the first Disney movie where they used songs in a different language? Because I'm tryna think and I can't remember if they ever incorporated Chinese, French, etc.

Or maybe they did in Beauty and the Beast.

 

[HStallion]

As soon as the intro started and it was samoan lyrics I already knew i was gonna love this. Also the little references and mythos they sprinkled in throughout I've known since I was a kid, like the eel turning into the coconut. So good.

Yeah I haven't had a chance but I want to show my father as he enjoys a good musical and loves when something in pop culture actually touches on Samoa culture or Samoan anything really hah

 

[victreeb3l]

This is more or less how I felt. I really wanted to like Moana but all the music fell completely flat and neither Moana or Maui did much to win me over.

Yeah. It just felt really corny. I wish I liked it more because I love the lore, artwork, and the polynesian songs were beautiful. Just wish it wasnt so dumbed down. The ocean was my favorite character.

 

[Eye for an Eye]

The crab guy song was great but it had some real clunker lines. "I just love free food / You look like seafood" ... ... ... Really?

You could try, try, try
But you can't expect a demigod
To beat a decapod (Look it up)
You will die, die, die

Did better justice than lilo and stitch, that's for sure lol. Is this the first Disney movie where they used songs in a different language? Because I'm tryna think and I can't remember if they ever incorporated Chinese, French, etc.

Or maybe they did in Beauty and the Beast.

Someone posted a video about cultural appropriation in Disney songs. It was kind of fascinating. It's also fascinating the video of the chinese translation with the english version keeping to the tune and meaning of both original dialect and english dialect. Second video is like post #11

http://m.neogaf.com/showthread.php?p=234828004&highlight=we+know+the+way#post234828004

 

[ronco2000]

This is more or less how I felt. I really wanted to like Moana but all the music fell completely flat and neither Moana or Maui did much to win me over.

Umm it's a kids movie. I don't think you're the demographic they're targeting.

 

[ronco2000]

Saw this on Netflix and I didnt really like it all that much. The soundtrack didnt do anything for me and it felt like it was targetting really little kids. The jokes and stuff were kinda dumb.

It was a visual feast though. Loved the scene when they were escaping from the coconuts.

It's a kids movie. Of course it's targeting kids NOT adults.

 

[Poeton]

At this very moment my neighborhood pool is doing a float and watch party with Moana. I really like this movie.

 

[Samara]

I love this movie so much that my husband told the violonist to use it as our wedding march music. It was "I am Moana". I love this man. 🙌

I wish when I was little that I had a princess like Moana. The nose, their skin color, the language, the tattoos, her hair : ethnic af. 🌴🌸

The detail of the ridge in their tattoos is a nice touch. As is when the hair turned slightly brown in the sun. In that moment when she says "let her come to me".
Yaas Queen. Come through

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

Where've you been Samara? I haven't seen you in a while.

 

[Servbot24]

Watched this last night. Thoroughly enjoyed it. The art in particular was absolutely beautiful.

That said I definitely think Disney can do a lot better. The story was very shallow - which is okay, not everything needs to be crazy in-depth. But I would like to see them really push themselves.

 

[Samara]

Hey Corona ! Had a whole wedding to plan by myself. It's only been a week since I've been back. Was great. Amazing even. The days afters...

 

[HiiiLife]

Wonder how many people watched this and the thoughts they had running through their minds regarding tattooing in a Disney movie. Our how the origin of the word tattoo comes from the Samoan word tatau. It's such a sacred part of the culture and it's tacky as fuck when I see dudes who know nothing about it walking around with the tribal sleeves lmao.

 

[aadiboy]

I loved the movie, it and Zootopia are the best movies of the new Disney era. I hope it gets a sequel because this movie set up a world and characters that I would really love to follow in a more in-depth movie. Moana felt like a great beginning because it set up the world and characters, but now that that's out of the way they can build off that and make a more detailed sequel.

 

[victreeb3l]

It's a kids movie. Of course it's targeting kids NOT adults.

Sure but Disney has done way better before. Zootopia, Tangled, Frozen were all kids movies that were enjoyable for all ages. Moana felt dumbed down to focus on just young kids only. The humor didn't work on me at all. Some parts reminded me of those old Dreamworks movies.

 

[Blizzard]

Sure but Disney has done way better before. Zootopia, Tangled, Frozen were all kids movies that were enjoyable for all ages. Moana felt dumbed down to focus on just young kids only. The humor didn't work on me at all. Some parts reminded me of those old Dreamworks movies.

I think it's fair to say, without insulting you, that your opinion is in the minority. I realize that some people didn't like it, but take a look at Rottentomatoes for an example. If 89% of the audience had a positive opinion, that means 11% didn't, and it's okay to be part of that 11%. But I think it's also fair to say that doesn't mean the movie is objectively bad.

I thought it was funny, the Hawaiians I know liked it, the Samoans posting above in the thread liked it, and I'm pretty sure all of those people are adults. The movie has care and thought put into the symbolism. The cultural research is sound. The movie, unusually, doesn't have a standard "villain" and actually reaches resolution without violence and without requiring a man to save the princess.

It wasn't just the humor -- the soundtrack was amazing. My girlfriend was obsessed with listening to it for weeks after we saw the movie.

I'd definitely say it's above the level of Dreamworks movies or Tangled. I liked Zootopia but it's hard for me to pick a favorite between the two.