Moana 2 Review: Growth and Sacrifice
8 years is a long time… Why did it take so long for Moana 2 to be released? In late 2020, a sequel to the first movie was initially announced, but as a Disney+ streaming series. The significant amount of adjustments to put together a small series to a full-length movie added a longer gap between the release dates.
Source: Disney
The movie starts off with Moana and her iconic canoe travelling back to her homeland, Motunui. The audience is then greeted with a new setting, the vast ocean now filled with life and canoes, a huge contrast from the first movie where the focus was on one island. Along with it, they also introduced new characters.
Source: Disney
This time round, the adventurous Moana forms a new wayfinding crew of unique personalities. A brilliant craftswoman, Loto, who designs and fixes canoes, Moni, the island’s storyteller who’s an avid fanboy of the dependable and witty Maui. Lastly, Kele, a grumpy old farmer who prefers land than sea.
Moana receives a new title from her village people. Known now as ‘Tautai Moana,’ she sets sail to the mystery island—Motufetu—hoping to bring together the people who have been separated by a curse.
Source: Disney
The most significant detail Moana 2 brought out was the characters' growth. As Moana continues her quest, you will witness how she transforms from a solo wayfinder in the first film into a confident and sensible leader, prepared to face even greater challenges. However, it is not just her transformation we witness, we see how her crew get together and provide support for their leader in a comforting yet touching way.
Source: Disney
Initially, the new soundtrack felt like the creators were trying to remake hits like "How Far I'll Go” but fell short of it. However, by building new layers to the movie's emotional tone, the songs help to steer the plot, and there is a potential that it will grow on people over time.
The movie portrayed the Polynesian culture and its roots beautifully, with a strong theme of courage and teamwork. It is also surprisingly emotional in some ways. If you recall in the first movie, the Kakamoras are infamously known as the vicious coconut pirates, but it is revealed in Moana 2 why they have been voyaging all this time.
Source: Disney
The Kakamoras scene is one of my personal highlights from Moana 2. Another scene that left a deeper impression is when Simea, Moana’s younger sister, passes Moana a starfish charm, a reminder of home and to return safely.
Source: Disney
I have to applaud the visuals; with enchanting animations of the mythical creatures, the ocean, and the islands, Disney brought the movie to life in the most magical way. However, I did wish to see Matangi, the bat lady, more, as it felt like her role in the movie was only for a niche moment despite all the suspense about her identity.
Overall I rate it a 9/10. Moana 2 is a very heartwarming movie where we learn to trust ourselves and be there for others. It felt like I was celebrating self-discovery, sacrifice, and family all at the same time, and it will leave you walking out rethinking your existing relationships.
