‘Moana’ returns in live action, opens in cinemas today
Disney’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of “Moana” is released worldwide today (July 10). The film also opens at Star Cineplex in Bangladesh.
Directed by Thomas Kail, the film brings the beloved 2016 animated classic to life. It follows Moana, a brave young woman from a Pacific island, who sets out on a dangerous sea voyage to save her people and restore prosperity to her homeland. She is joined by the powerful demigod Maui as they face mysterious creatures and challenging obstacles across the ocean.
The original “Moana” was a major box office success, earning nearly 700 million US dollars worldwide. Its sequel, “Moana 2”, released in November 2024, went on to earn more than 1 billion US dollars.
Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the animated films, reprises the role in live action. Auliʻi Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, serves as an executive producer but does not appear on screen. The title role is played by 19-year-old Australian actress Catherine Lagaʻaia, making her feature-film debut as a lead.
Early reviews from Variety and other international media have praised the film for preserving the emotion, nostalgia and music of the original. Some critics, however, have noted that its heavy use of CGI and green-screen effects occasionally overshadows the natural beauty of the ocean setting. Overall, the film has been praised for its impressive sound design and striking visuals.
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