Moana 2: The Best Animation for Modern Citizens to "Sea" in 2024.

Last weekend, my wife and I saw Moana 2 at the cinema. Though we don't have children yet, we're planning to, and throughout the movie, we found ourselves thinking, "How wonderful would it be to watch this with our future child!"

The movie captivated us not only because of our parental dreams but because it was genuinely excellent. The stunning visuals and seamlessly integrated music enhanced the storyline beautifully. That same morning, I had watched Wicked alone—a 161-minute nightmare, where only 30 min of its runtime felt worthwhile. In contrast, Moana 2 was a breath of fresh air, delivering 100 minutes of pure joy. It transported me from our hectic urban life to the liberating embrace of ocean breezes.

If you haven't seen the ocean lately—or ever—Moana 2 will inspire you to plan your next seaside adventure.

PS: Neither my wife nor I had seen Moana before watching the sequel, yet we thoroughly enjoyed Moana 2. After viewing the first installment today before writing this review, I can confidently say the sequel surpasses its predecessor.

Coconut water is one of my favorite beverages. I also enjoy other coconut-based drinks, like coconut milk and coconut latte. Aside from drinks, I like coconut-flavored desserts as well—coconut pie, coconut cake, and coconut candy. Yet despite all these processed treats, my favorite way to enjoy coconut is to have it in its most natural form: cracking open the rock-hard shell, sipping the fresh juice through a straw, then scooping out the tender white flesh with a spoon. The refreshing coconut flavor, paired with the tang of briny ocean air, creates a magical sensation that touches the soul.

In Moana 2, the inedible coconut shells serve as Kakamora's armor. And I must declare that the Kakamora have completely won my heart; they're even more adorable than Minions!

The Kakamora don't speak; instead, they communicate by hammering their armor and using simple gestures. Though smaller than coconuts, they are nimbler than ninjas. These little warriors might initially startle you with their fierce-looking painted faces, complete with sharp teeth and menacing mouths. But don't worry, it's all just for show. They wouldn't hurt a fly. Actually, given my love for coconuts, I might be the real threat to them!

As we left the theater, my wife and I felt a sense of lightness.

Moana is a girl favored by the ocean. In the film, the vast ocean isn't portrayed as a deity, but rather as a companion. Some rational viewers might question this as a plot hole—after all, if the ocean is Moana's ally, how could she face any real danger at sea?

Yet for those who have experienced sea voyages, the Moana series' interpretation of the ocean rings true. When we're amid the vast expanse of the sea, its distant reaches remain mysterious and unknowable. We can only experience the immediate interactions—waves lapping against the boat, the wake trailing behind, our hair and clothes dancing in the sea breeze. That's why when the ocean interacts with Moana through its waves, it feels genuine to me. This authenticity frees me from pure, rational thinking—while modern urban civilization is built on rationality, reality encompasses so much more.

Isn't Moana riding the waves of the sea a reflection of all of us navigating through life?