Although it possesses many of the hallmarks of a classic Disney adventure, the film’s real achievement is in delivering a heroine for our times – smart, brave, independent, opinionated, and one who doesn’t need a romantic interest to feel complete. In doing that, it succeeds where so many other films spectacularly fail.

Where Moana consistently hits the mark is the expanse it allows its heroine — the length and breadth of an ocean — with the film and the future of the world almost entirely resting on her shoulders.

Moana is a terrific Disney movie; vibrant, joyful, with great music and enthusiastic performances. It is steeped in tradition, both of its many legendary predecessors and the colourful culture it celebrates.

Moana is a journey you want to get on. It doesn’t take you to places you don’t know but ones you actually like. 

Moana literally means ‘the ocean’ and as the heroine conquers her namesake, she also conquers your heart. You won’t regret setting sail and voyaging with her.

‘Moana’ is traditional Disney, yet has a much more vaunted ambition of imparting life lessons -by going back in time, mining from the ancient folklore of Polynesian culture and myth, never seen before in mainstream Hollywood cinema. The film has an intriguing mythology of demons and demigods, inspiring a creation story with ancient fantasy that’s never been so wonderfully rendered.

Should you watch this? Yes. The matter-of-fact way that Moana is treated is heartening. No one doubts her because of her gender; only sometimes because of her youth.

She’s the princess Disney needed. Because it’s 2016.