Moana Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A stubborn teenager and a himbo demigod go on a road trip across the ocean to return a stolen gem, encountering angry coconuts and a sparkly crab along the way, mostly because the ocean told her to.

🍿 Moana: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Legend of Te Fiti

The film opens with the story of Te Fiti, a goddess who brought life to the islands of Polynesia using her heart-shaped stone. The demigod Maui steals the heart, intending to gift its power to humanity. However, he is confronted by the lava demon Te Kā, and both the heart and Maui’s magical fishhook are lost to the ocean. Without its heart, Te Fiti begins to decay, spreading a darkness that threatens the islands.

Moana’s Destiny

A thousand years later, Moana, the daughter of Motunui’s chief Tui, is drawn to the ocean despite her father’s discouragement. When her island begins to suffer from a blight, she discovers that it’s connected to Maui’s theft. Her grandmother, Tala, reveals the truth about their voyaging ancestors and tasks Moana with finding Maui and restoring the heart of Te Fiti to save her people.

Journey to Find Maui

Moana sets sail, braving the open ocean. She eventually finds Maui on a remote island, initially reluctant to help. After some persuasion and a series of comical mishaps, including an encounter with coconut-armored pirates called Kakamora, Moana convinces Maui to join her quest. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to return the heart.

Confronting Tamatoa

To regain his magical fishhook, essential for defeating Te Kā, Maui and Moana venture into the realm of monsters. There, they confront Tamatoa, a giant crab obsessed with shiny objects, in an underwater sequence filled with bioluminescent visuals. A battle ensues, during which Maui relearns to control his shapeshifting abilities, showcasing his growth and redemption.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Moana (Auli’i Cravalho): A strong-willed and adventurous young woman chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti and save her people.
• Maui (Dwayne Johnson): A charismatic and powerful demigod who initially stole the heart of Te Fiti, causing the darkness, and reluctantly helps Moana on her quest.
• Gramma Tala (Rachel House): Moana’s wise and supportive grandmother, who encourages her to follow her heart and embrace her destiny as a wayfinder.
• Chief Tui (Temuera Morrison): Moana’s father and the chief of Motunui, who initially forbids her from venturing beyond the reef due to past tragedy but eventually supports her journey.
• Te Ka (N/A): A volcanic demon and the primary antagonist, who is later revealed to be Te Fiti corrupted by the loss of her heart.
• Tamatoa (Jemaine Clement): A giant, treasure-hoarding crab in Lalotai, the realm of monsters, who possesses Maui’s magical fishhook.
• Sina (Nicole Scherzinger): Moana’s loving mother, who understands her daughter’s adventurous spirit and quietly supports her decision to leave.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gramma Tala: “There comes a day when you’re gonna look around and realize happiness is where you are.” – Gramma Tala tells Moana that everything she needs is on their island and this becomes a source of conflict for Moana.
• Moana: “I am Moana of Motunui. You will board my boat, sail across the sea, and restore the heart of Te Fiti.” – Moana firmly introduces herself to Maui and declares her intentions for their journey.
• Maui: “You’re welcome!” – Maui says this repeatedly after demonstrating his heroic deeds, often sung in his self-titled song.
• Moana: “I know your name. I know who you are. You are Te Ka.” – Moana realizes Te Ka is actually Te Fiti, corrupted by the missing heart, and says this to try to reason with her.
• Maui: “If you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick, you’re a princess.” – Maui teases Moana, categorizing her as a Disney princess based on typical tropes.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $150,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $248,757,044
• Worldwide Gross: $643,332,467

💥 Moana Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Moana’! The music had me singing along, and the visuals were stunning. I felt so connected to Moana’s journey of self-discovery. The scene where she sings ‘How Far I’ll Go’ on the ocean was so powerful and really resonated with me. Seeing her embrace her heritage and find her own path was inspiring and uplifting.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families”
  • “Fans of Disney musicals”
  • “Those interested in Polynesian culture”
  • “Adventure seekers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes with monsters and peril may be intense for very young children.”
  • “Brief moments of sadness.”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Moana is a visual feast with a strong heroine and catchy tunes. Disney delivers a heartwarming story that celebrates Polynesian culture with respect and authenticity.
• The Wrap: “With its fantastic visuals and catchy songs, Moana is a fantastic movie experience. The movie succeeds in engaging the audience and leaves a lasting impression.
• IMDB Top Reviewer: “Easily ranks among the best from the Disney Studio. Oddly also seems to be best work ever from Dwayne Johnson. Momentum slows a little at the top of the third act, but the ultimate themes of redemption, forgiveness and self-discovery at the finale are an absolute joy.

Audience Reactions

The animation was stunning and the Polynesian culture was beautifully represented.: The music and visuals were incredible and the story was inspiring for all ages.

Overall Consensus: Moana is a visually stunning and musically captivating Disney film that celebrates Polynesian culture and tells an inspiring story of self-discovery, appealing to audiences of all ages.

Awards

1. Annie Award (Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Production)- 2017
2. Annie Award (Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Feature Production)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Dwayne Johnson believes that voice acting is the most difficult career in acting, and was very concerned with giving a good performance.”
• “Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of ‘Hamilton’, contributed to the songwriting, bringing a blend of South Pacific culture, pop, and Broadway to the soundtrack.”
• “The film draws heavily on Polynesian mythology and seafaring traditions, with the filmmakers consulting with cultural experts to ensure authenticity.”

🖥️ How to Watch Moana?

Moana is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on Disney+, where a subscription grants you access. Rental and purchase options are available through platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred digital retailer for pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Moana, you might like these similar films:

• The Little Mermaid (1989): Shares themes of a young woman drawn to the ocean, defying her father, and seeking adventure beyond her home.
• Lilo & Stitch (2002): Features a strong connection to Hawaiian culture and mythology, with themes of family, belonging, and finding one’s place.
• Mulan (1998): Another Disney animated film where a strong-willed young woman defies tradition to embark on a heroic quest.
• Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003): Focuses on a seafaring adventure with mythical creatures and a quest to save a world in danger.
• Kubo and the Two Strings (2016): Features a young hero on a quest rooted in mythology, stunning visuals, and a heartfelt story about family and legacy.

🛒 Moana Related Products

• Disney Moana’s Island Adventure Playset: Relive Moana’s epic journey with this detailed playset featuring Moana, Pua, and key locations from the film. A perfect collectible for Moana fans of all ages.
• Moana [Blu-ray]: Experience the magic of Moana in stunning high definition. Includes bonus features like deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes documentaries.
• Disney Moana Adventure Collection, Fashion Doll Set: This doll set includes Moana and Maui plus accessories, allowing kids and collectors to create their own stories and adventures.
• Moana: Rhythm Run – Disney Music Game: Immerse yourself in the world of Moana by following along with Moana and unlocking the music and tapping the patterns to experience these catchy Disney tunes. This edition allows you to join Moana’s music. Run to the music in every level, collect notes, and complete your musical journey!

🎧 Soundtrack

Moana features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “How Far I’ll Go” – performed by Auli’i Cravalho
• “You’re Welcome” – performed by Dwayne Johnson
• “Shiny” – performed by Jemaine Clement
• “We Know the Way” – performed by Opetaia Foa’i & Lin-Manuel Miranda

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“Moana” Movie as Told by LEGO – LEGO Disney Princess – Mini-Movie

Get ready for a delightful treat! This LEGO recreation of Moana brings the Polynesian adventure to life in a whimsical and captivating way.

Everything Wrong With Moana In 15 Minutes Or Less

Prepare to laugh while learning! CinemaSins takes a comedic dive into Moana’s flaws, offering a fresh perspective that will make you appreciate the movie’s charm in a new way.

Symbolism in Moana | Replacing The Masculine.

Embark on an intellectual journey! Jonathan Pageau’s analysis of Moana’s symbolism sheds light on the movie’s cultural and gender-related themes, offering a thought-provoking exploration.

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