How Far We’ll Go: Our Family’s Review of Disney’s Moana

When Disney’s “Moana” was released, I had high expectations. After all, this was Disney’s return to creating a classic-style animated feature with a strong female protagonist. What I didn’t expect was for it to become an instant family favorite that we would return to again and again. After multiple viewings with Grace and Connor, I’m excited to share our complete family review of this beautiful film that combines stunning animation, memorable music, and powerful themes that resonate with both children and adults.

First Impressions: The Visual Experience

From the opening scene, “Moana” captivated our entire family with its stunning visual presentation:

• Animation Quality: The ocean scenes are breathtaking, with water animation that feels almost realistic. The waves look like they have personality and emotion.
• Character Design: Moana is beautifully animated with expressive features that perfectly convey her emotions throughout the journey.
• Color Palette: The vibrant Polynesian-inspired colors bring the island setting to life in a way that feels authentic and beautiful.
• Attention to Detail: From the intricate tattoos on Maui to the realistic hair movement, the attention to detail is remarkable.

The Story: A Journey of Self-Discovery

At its core, “Moana” tells a story of courage, self-discovery, and determination:

1. Moana’s Call: The film begins with young Moana feeling drawn to the ocean despite her village’s prohibition against sea travel. Grace immediately connected with this as she often feels pulled toward things that seem forbidden or mysterious.
2. The Quest: When her island is dying, Moana must overcome her fears and sail beyond the reef to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti.
3. Character Growth: Throughout the journey, Moana discovers her own strength and abilities, learning that the ocean chose her.
4. Resolution: The climax beautifully demonstrates that true strength comes from within, not from external powers or magical items.

What Our Kids Loved About the Movie

Both Grace and Connor found different aspects of “Moana” appealing:

• Grace’s Perspective:
  • Moana is a strong, independent character who doesn’t need a prince to save her
  • She loved the beautiful songs and said the music made her feel “brave and happy”
  • The ocean scenes were “magical” and she wanted to visit the islands
  • Moana’s determination resonated with her as someone who likes to overcome challenges
• Connor’s Perspective:
  • Maui’s shapeshifting abilities were “cool” and funny
  • The ocean as a character that could interact with Moana was “awesome”
  • He liked the action scenes and said Moana was “like a superhero”
  • The crab character, Tamatoa, was hilarious to him

The Music: Catchy and Meaningful

One of the standout elements of “Moana” is its exceptional soundtrack:

1. “How Far I’ll Go”: This song perfectly captures Moana’s internal struggle and desire to explore beyond her island. It’s become one of Grace’s favorite songs to sing.
2. “You’re Welcome”: Dwayne Johnson’s singing voice and comedic timing make this a family favorite that even Mike sings along to.
3. “Shiny”: The Tamatoa song is so catchy that the kids requested the soundtrack after seeing the movie.
4. Repeating Music: The melodies are memorable enough that they stick with you long after viewing, but not annoyingly repetitive.

Parent-Perspective: Themes That Matter

As a parent, I appreciated the deeper themes woven throughout the film:

• Self-Confidence: Moana’s journey teaches that you don’t need external validation or magical powers to be worthy.
• Following Your Dreams: The film encourages pursuing your calling even when others doubt you.
• Respect for Nature: The relationship between Moana and the ocean highlights respect for nature and the environment.
• Family and Community: The importance of listening to family while also following your own path.
• Redemption: Maui’s character arc shows that people can change and grow.

Positive Representation

Disney deserves credit for their approach to cultural representation in “Moana”:

1. Cultural Advisors: The film was developed in consultation with Pacific Islander cultural experts.
2. Authentic Voices: The main characters are voiced by actors from Polynesian backgrounds.
3. Respectful Depiction: The culture is portrayed with respect and authenticity rather than stereotypes.
4. Educational Value: The film introduces children to Polynesian culture in an engaging way.

Replay Value: Why We Keep Coming Back

Several weeks after our first viewing, “Moana” remains on our family’s rotation:

• Multiple Viewings: Each viewing reveals new details in the animation that we didn’t notice before.
• Character Complexity: The characters have enough depth that they remain interesting after multiple watches.
• Positive Messages: The themes are positive enough that I don’t mind the repetition.
• Family Discussion: The movie provides opportunities for meaningful conversations about courage, following dreams, and perseverance.

Age Appropriateness

Based on our experience, here’s how “Moana” works for different ages:

1. Ages 3-5 (Connor): Enjoyed the colorful characters and action, but some concepts were over his head. Some scenes were slightly intense but manageable.
2. Ages 6-10 (Grace): Perfect age group – understood all themes and character motivations. Engaged with all aspects of the story.
3. Adults: Appreciated the depth of storytelling and character development alongside the children.
4. Family Viewing: Works well for family movie night with minimal content concerns.

What Sets “Moana” Apart

Among Disney’s recent offerings, “Moana” stands out in several ways:

• No Love Story: Refreshingly, there’s no romantic subplot, making the focus entirely on Moana’s personal journey.
• Strong Female Lead: Moana is independent and powerful without losing her humanity.
• Cultural Authenticity: More respectfully done than some previous Disney cultural depictions.
• Empowering Message: The film empowers children to follow their dreams and trust themselves.

Minor Concerns

While we loved the film overall, there were a few considerations:

1. Intensity: Some scenes are slightly intense for very young children (the Kakamora coconut pirates, the lava monster).
2. Length: At 107 minutes, it’s on the longer side for younger children’s attention spans.
3. Complexity: Some themes about identity and purpose might be too complex for children under 5.

Activities and Extensions

Our family extended the “Moana” experience with related activities:

• Music: Learning the songs and singing along during car rides
• Crafts: Making our own Polynesian-inspired patterns and decorations
• Books: Reading books about Polynesian culture and ocean life
• Recipes: Trying simple Polynesian-inspired snacks

Final Verdict

“Moana” has earned a permanent place in our family’s collection of favorite films. It’s a beautifully crafted movie that resonates with both children and adults, offering meaningful themes alongside stunning animation and memorable music. The film’s focus on self-discovery, determination, and respect for nature provides excellent discussion points for parents and children.

For families looking for a Disney film that emphasizes character growth over romance, promotes cultural appreciation, and features a strong, independent female protagonist, “Moana” is an excellent choice. It’s a film that grows on you with each viewing and provides positive messages that I want my children to internalize.

We’ll definitely be adding “Moana” to our collection of films we can watch repeatedly, and I have no hesitation recommending it to other families. The “How Far I’ll Go” message is one that encourages children to pursue their dreams with determination and courage.