Moana (2016)★ 7.9/10

Moana is an electric, entertaining, and humorous watch throughout, with some of the best film songs of 2016 (we’re talking about La La Land year) and great voice-acting. When Moana leaves her village during a dire time of crisis, I felt the film got instantly better. Making the film more enjoyable once Moana felt freer was probably not a conscious choice by the filmmakers, but all my critiques on the animation style, the pacing, etc. were completely wiped out once Moana crossed the reef. Furthermore, that third act is amazing—one of Disney’s best.

So pleasing in its aesthetic depiction of elements corresponding with Moana's main journey that you'll cry from the sheer beauty of each beat. The environment is seamless in how it represents emotion by literally rising to life as dancing textures and substances—representations of her internal state—within her familiar quest. Its specificity matters, clinging to the beauty of showcasing an underrepresented culture taking the reins within an established system of myths. It’s unequivocally gorgeous and awe-inspiring.

So great to watch with the kids, because it has the best songs ever!

An animated film with a psychological theme, it is hidden deeper and more cleverly than Inside Out, more subtle yet understandable than Zootopia. The tribal island is exceedingly fascinating and charming, the musical segments have improved and are hard to surpass, and the animated characters are extremely lifelike. The details and depth are cleverly conceived, and the core message is very impactful. It’s a masterpiece. Follow your inner voice, respect and love the world, and live life the way you want to. The songs and the original soundtracks are so good too!

The story is interesting and the songs are good, but I really dislike the way the characters start singing out of nowhere when they’re just having a conversation with someone. They sang too, in previous Disney movies, but the singing usually occurs during the plot transitions, like when they’re exploring, playing, or working. Yet now, even the main plot and the emotional scenes rely on music to move the narrative. The part where Moana and her grandmother reunite would have been more touching if it were simply a direct conversation, instead it almost turned into an opera.

In addition to showing us a beautiful relationship of respect between its protagonist and nature, the whole story of Moana is based on the relationship with her grandmother and the things that her teachings lead her to achieve.

This movie is one of the newest inspirational adventures for the little ones all over the world. The beautiful songs in "Moana" talk about freedom and daring to dive ourselves in the unknown.

Girls have a new role model and her name is Moana, an adventurer who dares to sail the seas in search of freedom. Being lost at sea has never been so exciting.

In search of balance nature, Moana will embark on a journey of self-discovery through the most beautiful places shown in animated cinema. A story about courage and respect towards nature.

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