The first time a movie’s soundtrack affected me in a lasting and noticeable way was when I saw Beauty and the Beast. I was 8, and there was something about Paige O’Hara’s Belle that initially captivated me. Alan Menken’s score held my attention in a way that no other instrumental work ever had before, and Howard Ashman’s lyrics stood out in my mind. The soundtrack worked its way into my brain and never truly left. I eager learned as many songs as I could on the recorder, and later as I began playing the flute and the piano, I ensured those were among the first pieces I practiced. I never tired of Belle’s narration of her unfulfilling everyday life in an uneducated town, and could listen to the simple yet beautiful strains of the movie’s main theme on an endless loop.
In fact, I give that soundtrack a lot of credit. It was because of the way the flutes come in on a number of different songs that I opted to pick up that instrument in grade seven. That was an amazing year, and my love for the instrument lead to confidence in my skills. Learning how to express myself through music, even through an instrument like the flute, was a fantastic experience. It felt oddly powerful, to put my emotions into something I created. Becoming a musician was never going to be a reality for me, but this experience did teach me the value of the creative arts.
More specifically to the movie, the portrayal of Belle as an independent woman, more interested in her books than the town hunk also made a lasting impression. To my young eyes she was very much a Disney Princess without having any type of princess mentality. She as a woman more content with a library filled with books than any other luxury that castle could offer, and I could relate. I hadn’t encountered another movie since that made me feel quite the same way. Beauty and the Beast appealed to me in layers; I genuinely liked the heroine, the story was interesting and engaging, and the music left me breathless. Or at least I hadn’t until I saw Moana.
With Moana Disney has created something truly amazing – a captivating story featuring interesting characters supported by a soundtrack that will take your breath away. The film is essentially about the daughter of a chief, next in line to lead her people, who longs to explore the seas. Mysterious events begin to occur, potentially destroying her home, and Moana must seek a solution beyond the reef. Throughout it all there are themes of family, maintaining a connection to your culture, the importance of empathy, and discovering your own inner strength. Moana focuses on the those story themes, without the distraction of a romantic subplot. Moana’s bravery, kindness, and determination are so central to the film’s progression that it’s almost impossible to watch the film without feeling inspired to take action in your own life.
Composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton acclaim), Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, the film’s score is incredibly powerful. It supports the themes of the film, with key songs like newcomer Auli’i Cravalho’s “How Far I’ll Go” and “I Am Moana” stealing the show. Other amazing songs are peppered consistently throughout the film, driving home its emotional impact. Songs like “Where You Are”, with Hamilton’s Christopher Jackson and pop singer Nicole Scherzinger, and “We Know The Way”, featuring vocals my Miranda himself, highlight the importance of family, heritage, and culture. Other songs, like Dwayne Johnson’s “You’re Welcome” and Jermaine Clement’s “Shiney” bring humor and levity, making the film as entertaining as it is emotive.
There is a ton of Moana-related merchandise available for children (and adults) of all ages. With Christmas jut around the corner, it’s a great way to find something you can be sure the child in your life will love. As a parent, writer, and former English-major nerd, I will always advocate for books. Disney, like with most of their properties, has released a number of different books suited to a range of different reading levels. There are also activity and coloring books, and a range of toys and action figures.
Golden Books are a great way to introduce younger children to beloved Disney characters. They may lack the attention span needed to sit through an entire movie, but they will love hearing the story read by caregivers and family members.
Older children may still be eager to reread the story, joining Moana on her adventure. The junior novelization is perfect for children reading on their own at a grade four or above reading level, or for those who love reading longer novels to their kids.
Adult colouring books have become incredibly popular in the past few years, reaching almost unthought of popularity. You and your child can both get in on the soothing colouring action with this all-ages Moana colouring book.
So this holiday season, go out and indulge the Moana craze – look for the junior novellas and activity sets and coloring books, but be sure to invest in the soundtrack as well. Not only will it appeal to your Moana-loving child, it will speak to you too, and it stands up to repeat listens. Just like with me, so many years ago, it could be the gateway to something magical for you or your child.
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