As a movie reviewer with a soft spot for heartwarming stories of triumph and resilience, I must say that “Moana 2” is an absolute delight. But more than that, it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of its voice actor, Auli’i Cravalho.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel a swell of admiration when I think about Auli’i Cravalho, the incredible actress who brings Moana to life in Disney’s beloved animated series. In an inspiring interview with People magazine, she shared that the earnings from the original 2016 film allowed her to purchase a home for her mother – a truly remarkable accomplishment considering her humble beginnings of growing up on food stamps. Now, she’s back as Moana in the sensational sequel, continuing to inspire us all with her talent and heart.

The 24-year-old Cravalho expressed to People how amazing it is to reflect on the significant growth she’s experienced since being cast for ‘Moana’ almost a whole decade ago, reminiscing about the time when she and her mother resided in a one-bedroom apartment in Mililani.

“I slept in the bedroom, my mom slept on the couch. She gave me everything,” the actor added.

Initially, “Moana” achieved a level of success that Cravalho could hardly have foreseen. The film became a blockbuster upon its debut, earning $687 million globally, but its fame soared in the ensuing years due to PVOD platforms and Disney+ streaming service. By 2023, seven years after its release, “Moana” was the most-streamed movie on Disney+.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d like to share how the triumph of Moana has reshaped my life in an extraordinary way. The success allowed me to repay a debt that can never truly be settled – the immeasurable love and support my parents have bestowed upon me throughout my journey. You see, children often feel a sense of obligation towards their parents due to their countless sacrifices. But what overwhelms us is not the feeling of indebtedness, but rather an immense gratitude for their unwavering dedication. So, I took this opportunity to provide them with a home, a place where they can retire peacefully and happily, enjoying the fruits of their labor.

She recalled her parents saying, ‘If [Moana] doesn’t take off, you must complete high school, do your chores, and make your bed neatly. Avoid letting fame get the best of you,’ when she landed the Disney hero role. When she started misbehaving at home or acting mischievously, her parents would bring her back to reality.

Occasionally, people refer to themselves as Disney kids, meaning they pour every ounce of their effort into a task without saving any for themselves. For me, my mother swiftly halted this pattern. She was the one who enforced boundaries and she was the one who provided immediate support during those trying times… That kind of parenting required strength to help me mature as an individual, but it also involved looking me straight in the eye and saying, “You must be considerate and you must be respectful towards me.” It was at these instances that I understood, “I can’t give all of myself.

Cravalho continued to shine in productions such as the musical adaptation of “Mean Girls” and is currently gracing Broadway’s stage in “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.” However, she acknowledges that “Moana” may well remain her most successful film, given the phenomenal opening of its sequel at the box office. Now showing in cinemas across the country, “Moana 2” has already broken records.

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2024-12-02 19:16