Moana is the latest film in Disney illustrious filmography, and this time they have travelled to New South Pacific to give us a story with a Polynesian twist.

Moana is the tale of a Chief’s daughter (not a princess!) who follows her dream of sailing the oceans whilst saving the world with Maori character Maui. The themes revolve around female empowerment and environmental responsibility. Both of which is delicately handled by a maturing Disney animation studio.

Disney Animation Chief John Lasseter made sure that care was taken, and time was spent, on making sure they don’t misrepresent the culture from the south pacific. He sent the directors on a fact finding mission to Polynesian nations. Using anthropologists, historians, linguists and choreographers from various Pacific nations Disney tried to get an authentic canvas on which to paint.

New Zealand’s Taika Waititi was brought on to write the first draft for what eventually became Moana. Despite having to leave to make ‘What we do in the Shadows’ and direct the new Thor film, he often returned to help with script development.

The involvement of people with Polynesian backgrounds in the cast was also an important element for Disney. New Zealand comedian/musician Jemaine Clement and famed wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson voicing main characters.

The film is not without controversy however. Critics have pointed to the depiction of Polynesian males as overweight as a stereotype. Though I would argue Maui looks like an Olympic athlete caught doping rather than obese, he has such an intimidating physique. The Polynesian actors were wary at the start to be in a Disney film about their culture. Auli’I Cravahlo who plays titular character Moana said “I was wary,” she admits. “I think that everyone can say they might be a little afraid of it, because when we have a film that is inspired by a culture we want to feel good about it.” She signed when she felt confident they were doing it the right way.

None of this has taken away from the triumph that is Moana. It is not only another entertaining Disney adventure, but succeeds in toeing the line of creating an authentic world, whilst also playing with the format. Moana is a strong willed young girl with no ulterior motive or love interest to distract her. Disney have avoided the common trappings by making a Female character not only the main character, but with an unshakeable goal too.

Props must also go to the animation teams who had an entire group dedicated to the water, which is a character in itself in the film. The sea sparkles and flows with such natural probability, it is hard to believe that it was animated. The songs which are such a key element, and were a winner for Frozen, were also a success. This shouldn’t be a surprise however as the composer is Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame. Pacific based folk singers also provide songs sung in the Tokelau language.

Moana is sure to be a commercial success, and thanks to the contributions from Polynesian talent, it will be one of Disney’s biggest successes in representing a culture fairly too.