Eight years after her first cinematic adventure, Disney heroine Moana is back in a sequel that takes us on a journey.
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Once upon a time: After receiving an unexpected invitation from her ancestors, Moana sets off on a journey that will take her to the dangerous waters located at the edge of the seas of the Pacific Islands. She will experience adventures like never before.
What they will love: Vaiana, little girls' favorite heroine according to a recent survey, is back in the cinema 8 years after the first film. A real success in French theaters in 2018 (France was the third territory in terms of revenue behind the United States and Japan and ahead of China and all European countries), Vaiana is back for a new adventure.
Three years have passed since Moana's maiden voyage. Now the young woman has a little sister named Simea. A funny and endearing character who already knows very well what she wants (she has someone to look after!) and who will delight young and old spectators alike.
Having become a model for her sister and for all the little girls in the village nicknamed the “Vaianettes” by Maui, Vaiana will have to “go further”, this is also the title of the credits song and the flagship title of the feature film, always performed by Cerise Calixte in French.
Now an experienced explorer, the young woman feels ready to take on all challenges, including the most dangerous. More mature and more peaceful, she knows that to succeed in this task she will have to ask for help this time, beyond that of the shapeshifting demi-God Maui.
The film's producer Yvett Merino comments in the press kit: “Connecting – in the broadest sense – the peoples of the Pacific Islands is a difficult mission of the highest interest. The value of this stake is much greater than the own lives of Moana and her crew, and the young girl is fully aware of this. She has this ability to easily create bonds, starting with her community, her crew or her little sister.”
A Disney heroine apart
The headstrong heroine of the first film has given way to a mature, self-confident young woman who thinks before acting. A development that makes Vaiana a character apart in the Disney universe.
Here no more confrontation with his father, no more family conflicts and still no love story. Moana is turned towards others and wants to understand why the people of the Ocean, once connected, are no longer connected. She then embarks on a great adventure with a colorful crew.
In addition to the demigod Maui, the young woman will ask for help from Loto, a brilliant young engineer, from Kele, a farmer of few words who doesn't really like navigation, and from Moni, a storyteller and cartoonist who is a big fan. from Maui. Without forgetting, the cute pig Pua and the hilarious rooster HeiHei.
Disney
On their journey, the crew will have to face Nalo, the God of Storms. In order to separate the different peoples of the Pacific Islands from each other, Nalo cursed the island of Motufetū and caused it to sink to the bottom of the ocean. His curse cannot be broken. Director David Derrick Jr. comments: “Nalo knows that people are stronger when they are connected. He is jealous of this bond capable of uniting humans.” Moana's quest is therefore to bring people together.
Note that the relationship between Moana and Maui has also evolved a lot. Although still boastful, the demigod now considers his human friend his equal. The two heroes therefore collaborate as equals, marking a clear break with the dynamic of master and student of the first part. This development reflects a great maturity in their relationship, where mutual respect and recognition of each other's strengths are now at the heart of their common adventure.
What may worry them: If your children liked the first film, know that this sequel is in the same vein. Vaiana and her troop will have to face Nalo, a God who controls storms. The heroes will therefore have to weather a terrible storm in an epic scene which will end with an event that could worry the youngest spectators. But reassure your children, the outcome is happy (as you suspected!). Nothing really scary in this great adventure film.
Disney
What they will keep deep inside: The impression of having experienced an incredible adventure in which mutual aid, solidarity and love for each other are at the center.
Moana 2 continues the first film while deepening themes related to exploration, legacy and responsibility. However, no repeats here. The heroine has evolved and continues to learn until a final scene in which Moana's story will take a whole new turn.
Christmas Disney expands the world of Moana, and takes us to a multitude of fantastic places to discover the richness of Polynesian culture. In particular through ceremonies, legends, dance and tattoos.
In Polynesian culture, tattoos hold great spiritual, social and aesthetic importance. They are much more than ornaments: each motif carries a specific meaning linked to the identity, personal history and social status of the tattooed person.
The fact that the feature film does not present a love story – unlike the Disney classics – shows little girls that love is not an end in itself and that it is not necessary to be a princess to succeed in achieving your dreams.
A great adventure that will enchant you!
