Moana (2016)

Starring: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson and Rachel House

Moana is the new Disney’s musical animation movie. It is a heart-warming story of the chief’s daughter who is trapped in a Polynesian island with her born tribe duties. The Ocean plays a role in the story as a living character and chooses Moana to cross the reef and rescue Maui, the demi-god that stole the heart of the islands goddess Te Fiti, spreading darkness through the world.

Having excellent songs, the movie goes beyond a cute story. It shows children a strong female character that lives in conflict about what society and her parents expect from her and what she wants to do. Choosing to follow her heart, she goes in an adventure and learns many skills otherwise impossible. During the climax, after she is abandoned by Maui and lost in her own thoughts, she receives a visit from her dead grandmother, telling her she has the power of choice. Then, she finds the strength to keep going by herself, demonstrating that you can do everything you want, you just have to believe in yourself.

She finishes the movie single, still hunting for adventures, which is great to show kids and adults that the world is full of diversity and has been changing a lot in the past few decades and a girl is not just about being pretty for a man.

My favourite quote is from a song, when she finds herself and sings: "I am Moana!"

Trailer: