The new Disney adventure film, Moana, has been highly anticipated around the world. Audiences everywhere were awaiting a more ethnically diverse Disney animation, but did they get it?

Moana has been a success in box offices since it’s release on November 23, but the takeaway may not be what people expected. The focal point of the movie was Moana’s self-discovery.

The movie is set on an island in Polynesia where Moana is preparing to become the next chief of her tribe, but she has always been called to the sea.

After discovering a key secret to her past, she sets sail in search of legendary demigod, Maui, to help her restore prosperity to her home island of Montuini. While Moana ventures out to find an island, she ends up finding herself.

The themes created a feel-good movie for kids and teens that prompted thoughts of fate and purpose. And yes. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson sings. The recently voted “Sexiest Man Alive” was practically the model for his character, Maui.

The Moana soundtrack is also topping charts post release. The music is co-written and sung by Hamilton star, Lin Manuel Miranda.

The highest grossing song is “How Far I’ll Go,” which is Moana’s song anticipating her adventures on the sea. It is sung by the voice of Moana, Auli’i Cravalho.

The songs not only bring an empowering aspect to the film, but they set the tone for many character relationships. The variety of inspirational songs adds to the personal growth of Moana throughout the movie.

During the movie Moana’s grandmother told some of their culture’s ancient stories and performed dances and songs meant to honor the sea and the island. She encouraged Moana to accept her calling to the sea.

The mysticism of the film was inspiring instead of unnecessary. Even though I found the movie enjoyable, viewers will have to decide for themselves whether Moana contained some extreme portrayals of the Polynesian culture.