Moana 2 celebrates heritage through music and storytelling

Moana 2 has become a huge success since its release on Disney+. The film tells the story of Moana, who becomes a demigod after a brave act to save her people. At the end of the movie, she dives into the ocean facing great danger. In a touching moment, Moana is struck by lightning, appearing to die. Maui, played by Dwayne Johnson, fears he has lost his friend. The directors, Jason Hand and David Derrick Jr, discussed how emotional it was to record this scene with Johnson. They praised Johnson's ability to convey deep emotions through his voice. They noted that his character Maui is stripped of his powers and feels lost in that moment. The song he sings to call for help, “Manu Vavau,” becomes very powerful. The song was written by Opetaia Foa’i, who wanted Maui's character to sing in Samoan to honor his culture. This connection was particularly meaningful for Johnson, allowing him to express his heritage through music. The scene is a highlight of the film and adds emotional depth. In addition to the dramatic storyline, the soundtrack features Samoan songs that celebrate Moana's roots. This aspect of the film helps expose global audiences to Samoan culture and language.