Moana goes on a new adventure

Waves crash, sand blows, and Moana has officially returned for a long-awaited sequel to her first film. Directed by Dana Leodoux Miller, David Derrick Jr., and Jason Hand, Moana was released on November 27, 2024. They are following the events of the first film from November 23, 2016. With the same casting, Auli’i Cravalho as Moana, Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, and Alan Tudyk as Hei Hei, it is exciting to hear their voices again. 

As known, Moana Waialiki is the princess of Motunui and the daughter of a Chief. She is a Polynesian teenager who in the events of the first film, embarks on a daring mission to save her people and restore the world’s relationship with the creation goddess, Te Fiti with the help of her demi-god best friend, Maui. Moana 2 is significantly different, as after Moana succeeds in her mission and reunites with her family, she goes on a new adventure alongside a group of companions. This movie also introduces Simea, Moana’s little sister.

As Moana goes through new adventures, she also welcomes new conflicts. Unlike the first film, this plot introduces Moana to a bigger mystery to solve and this time, she is not alone. People from her village, Loto (Rose Matafeo), Moni (Hualalai Chung), and Kele (David Fane) help Moana on this mission to find and reconnect the people of the sea. These new characters give the film a new look since the first movie. 

“It’s a nice follow up story and it goes more in depth into showing Moana’s ancestry and the natural courage that has been passed down to her, I think the culture that is portrayed in this film are slowly getting smaller, but even though they are getting smaller, they are also getting stronger, ” said DBHS senior Julianah Pit.

Moana’s people follow cultural practices shown in the films, embracing the Polynesian heritage and history. Members of the same culture who watched the movie feel appreciated and noticed. Moana holds a strong and resilient character while also being vulnerable and empathetic. 

Director David Derrick Jr. Said, “She has a little sister now, so things have changed for Moana, but her goal is still the same. She’s looking for connection.”

The character development of the people in this film is impressive. In the first film, Moana opened her people to the sea after staying behind it, now she is finding and uniting other islands to who they are meant to be.

This film achieved a big success and competed with Wicked since they were both released in the same week.

Written by Janna Margar Pit | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit

Published December 5, 2024 | ePathfinder | Entertainment