The Academy Award-nominated animated film sails into its live action debut in Moana, directed by Tony- and Emmy-winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton).
Moana (Australian newcomer Catherine Laga’aia), the adventurous daughter of the island chief ventures beyond the reef to save her people. Joined by the legendary demigod Maui (Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson*), Moana sets out to right the curse befallen on her people and become a way-finder of the sea. Encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, their action-packed voyage leads Moana to fulfil the ancient quest of her ancestors and discover the one thing she has always sought: her own identity.
Featuring an all-star New Zealand ensemble cast, including Frankie Adams, John Tui and Rena Owen, Moana weaves together powerful ballads, mystical creatures and ageless fun into an adventure that explores the importance of self-discovery and following one’s destiny to go far.
* If you are a fan of the animated versions, which I am, it might be hard to reconcile The Rock’s live action chiselled countenance against the very round babyface of the series semi-demi-hero Maui – but we’ll get there I guess.
It’s also nice to see (hear) the original voice actor of Moana, Auli’i Cravalho, on the soundtrack.
Moana screens at Palace Cinemas from today – palacecinemas.com.au
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