Moana Family Discussion Guide
Film Review
To save her dying island the venturesome daughter of a village chief, Moana Waialiki, must brave the vast ocean and convince the fabled demigod Maui to return the heart stone he once stole from the island goddess Te Fiti. Along the way the quarrelsome duo battles a gaggle of Kakamora (fearsome pygmy coconut pirates), a wicked crab monster, and the terrifying fire demon Te Ka.
Moana offers plenty of quality family entertainment. Between the wonderful animation, catchy music, and exciting adventure plot it’s sure to keep your and your child’s attention. The music in particular is pretty great. Seriously: Hollywood is on fire with the animated children’s musical fare in 2016. Just like Trolls earlier in the year, the musical pieces of Moana emerge organically from the story and characters. They never seemed forced or slapdash. I suppose it doesn’t hurt that all original songs are co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. In addition, the dynamics between the brash Maui and the inexperienced, hesitant heroism of Moana provoke some genuine moments of hilarity.
Disney gets it done again.
For Family Discussion
- Moana’s father forbids her from ever traveling beyond the reef but Moana feels an irresistible desire to explore the ocean. What is the proper duty of children towards their parents? Must children always obey their parents? Why? Why not?
- What characters in Moana are risk-takers? How does this character trait help or hinder them in the story? What would happen if they didn’t take the risks they did?
- Friendship is a major theme in Moana. In what ways does Maui act as a friend? In what ways does he not act as a friend?
- How does Moana display bravery? What is the bravest action she takes?
- Maui tells Moana that his intricate tattoos appear whenever he completes an adventure. Why is it important that Maui must earn his tattoos rather that be simply given them? Does earning them make them more precious?
