Currently screening at Grand Cinemas Lebanon.
Mel-Christ Hachem
Moana brings Disney’s beloved story to life in a live-action adaptation that transforms a timeless adventure into a visually immersive journey of identity, heritage and self-discovery.
Directed by Thomas Kail, Moana revisits the story of a young woman whose journey across the Pacific Ocean becomes more than a mission of survival; it becomes a personal search for purpose, belonging and the strength to embrace the responsibility of leading her people.
The film follows Moana, the daughter of Chief Tui of Motunui, who answers the mysterious call of the ocean when her people face an uncertain future. Joined by the legendary demigod Maui, she embarks on a perilous voyage that challenges her courage while revealing the true meaning of leadership, belonging and personal destiny.
A New Vision of a Heroine Searching for Her PlaceAt the centre of the film is Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana, bringing a fresh presence to a character whose strength comes not from perfection, but from curiosity, determination and emotional growth.
Moana remains one of Disney’s most contemporary heroines because her journey is not defined by romance or the search for external approval. Her greatest challenge is understanding who she is and how she can honour her heritage while choosing her own path.
Dwayne Johnson brings charisma, confidence and commanding screen presence to Maui, creating a compelling counterpart to Moana. His performance balances humour with emotional depth, making the legendary demigod both entertaining and relatable.
The supporting cast, including John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, strengthens the emotional foundation of the story by highlighting the importance of family, ancestry and cultural identity.
Between spectacle and emotional storytelling the challenge of adapting Moana into a live-action experience lies not only in recreating its visual world, but in preserving the emotional and cultural elements that gave the original story its lasting appeal.With Thomas Kail at the helm, the film approaches the ocean not simply as a setting, but as a symbolic force within the narrative. The sea represents uncertainty, discovery and the endless possibilities that emerge when someone dares to move beyond the limits imposed upon them.The live-action adaptation seeks to reinterpret the world of Motunui through a more tangible cinematic language, emphasising landscapes, traditions and the relationship between humanity and nature. The islands and the ocean become essential parts of the storytelling, reflecting the characters’ emotional journeys as much as their physical voyage.
More than an adventure, Moana explores the delicate balance between honouring one’s heritage and forging one’s own path. Through its themes of courage, identity and belonging, the film offers a timeless reminder that the greatest journeys are often those that lead us to discover who we truly are.
Moana is currently screening at Grand Cinemas Lebanon.