“Did You See It?” is a review column where we watch trending movies firsthand and share honest impressions and key highlights. <Editor’s Note>
[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] Disney has finally delivered a live-action film that hits all the right notes. While preserving the emotional impact of the original, it adds the overwhelming scale and vibrancy unique to live-action, creating this summer’s most refreshing ocean adventure. From eye-catching visuals to captivating music and characters that stay true to the source material, it checks all the boxes for a “well-made live-action adaptation.”

Released on the 8th, “Moana” depicts an ocean adventure in which Moana, a girl chosen by the sea, sets sail into uncharted waters alongside the legendary hero Maui to save a cursed island. Though the story is familiar, it feels completely different once brought to life in live-action.
Above all, what first captures the viewer’s attention is the overwhelming visual beauty. The endless expanse of the Pacific, the emerald-green waters, the massive waves, and the mysterious islands create the illusion of actually standing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The texture of the waves—which was difficult to convey in animation—combined with the wind, sunlight, and a sense of space, creates an even more vivid and immersive experience. The refreshing sensation—as if a cool ocean breeze were blowing toward the audience from within the sweltering summer theater—is also impressive.
Catherine Lagia, who plays Moana, makes it immediately clear why she was chosen for the lead role despite a competition ratio of 32,000 to 1. She breathes life into the character by naturally expressing not only her physical resemblance but also her unique, bold, and enterprising charm. The scene where she powerfully performs the theme song “How Far I’ll Go” is one of the film’s highlights.

Dwayne Johnson also makes you think, “Maui is definitely Dwayne Johnson.” Having provided the voice for the character in the animated film, he has perfectly made Maui his own in this live-action adaptation as well. Not only does he bring his signature cheerfulness and overwhelming presence to the role, but even the animated tattoos are rendered so naturally that fans of the original can immerse themselves in the film without feeling any disconnect. The chemistry between the two actors is also a major highlight of the film.
In particular, this film impresses with its respectful approach to the source material. Unlike Disney’s recent live-action adaptations of *The Little Mermaid* and *Snow White*, which divided audiences due to their divergence from the originals, *Moana* faithfully preserves the characters, world-building, and emotional tone. It deserves high praise not just for simply replacing animated characters with live-action actors, but for naturally expanding the original’s charm through the medium of live-action.

Of course, there are some drawbacks. Because it follows the original so faithfully, audiences who have already seen the animated version may find it somewhat lacking in freshness. Some scenes feel rushed, leaving the impression that the pacing is disjointed. If the film had incorporated bolder reinterpretations or new narrative elements, the unique qualities of the live-action adaptation would have stood out even more.
Nevertheless, “Moana” is a film that precisely understands what a live-action adaptation should deliver. It retains the original’s emotional impact while adding new charm through its overwhelming scale, dazzling visuals, and the actors’ high level of synchronization with their animated counterparts. It’s no exaggeration to say this is the closest thing to a model answer for “how a live-action film should be made.” Directed by Thomas Kail. Runtime: 115 minutes. Opens July 8.