‘The Art of Disney Moana 2’
Category: Books and Music
Continuing with “The Art Of” books highlighting Disney animated films, “The Art of Moana 2” is a colorful and educational deep dive into the story, the animation, and everything it took to bring the story of Moana back to the screen.
Artwork, storyboards, designs of characters, scenery and wardrobe combine with commentary from those connected with the project. Even for those fans of the island princess who have yet to see the film, this book will not fail to disappoint as it gives plenty of backstory to the scenes and the various characters.
In the movie Moana is three years older than in the first film as are her parents. And now she has a three and a half year old sister, Simea, who will undoubtedly steal the show. She is adorable and a mini-Moana. The age difference between them coincides with the age difference between one of the filmmaker’s own children, and little Simea was modeled after the little girl. Her teeth are described as her iconic feature.
In this sequel, Moana goes from simply being “Moana of Motunui” to Moana of the entire ocean as she sets out on a more involved adventure to look for other island civilizations. If she does not find any then Motunui will remain isolated, however if she does find other people this will be a blessing for everyone to band together and become a South Seas community.
The story, scenery, objects, and characters were designed after those in many of the Polynesian islands. Taking their cue from different islands in Polynesia, the filmmakers created a realistic look at life through the eyes of Moana and her friends and family.
Besides Moana taking this dangerous journey, there are several wayfinders who join her, and yes, little Pua finally gets to come along. Each of the characters are described in the book and their wardrobes were created to reflect various personalities and islands of the South Pacific.
In the story the ocean does not divide the islands, it connects them. That is a theme of Moana 2.
In the “Preface” Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Executive Producer Jennifer Lee states, “Reigniting the magic of Moana has been a great privilege and joy for all of us at Disney Animation.”
As the animators dedicated their work to design realistic canoes from the islands, they worked tirelessly to create a story that reflects not only the spirit of Moana but also the legacy of the islands.
In the film loved ones who have passed return as animals, and there are some pretty amazing animals in the story. Some of the history of various animals and island traits are described. Some of them never made it into the film but many did and the images in the book along with the descriptions take readers right into the story, the legends, and the history.
The Art of Disney Moana 2 is a beautiful addition to the series of books dedicated to the filmmakers who have brought fans many hours of enjoyment. Flipping through the pages is mesmerizing, and reading why and how the filmmakers came up with the people, places, and things provides a deep insight into the world of Moana.
THE ART OF MOANA 2
- Chronicle Books
- By Kalikolehua Hurley, Jennifer Lee (Preface), David Derrick Jr. (Foreword), Jason Hand (Foreword), Dana Ledoux Miller (Foreword)
11 x 9 in, 160 pp • Hardcover, jacketed - ISBN: 978-1797232713 • $45.00
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and all aspects of entertainment and has done so for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.
Photos courtesy Chronicle Books