I have always been enamored by the ocean. I love the consistency of the pounding waves. I feel energized by the spraying mist as it splashes across my body. I giggle and usually shriek with joy when my toes are embedded in the sand as the waters rush back and forth. My inner strength doubles in size whenever I am sitting or standing along a beach shoreline. The heat of the sun warming my hair fills my soul with strength and courage to face the unknown. I am in total awe of the enormity of it all. My daily struggles and perceived problems melt away. I become rejuvenated and re-energized instantaneously. It is for me, heaven on earth, but let me be clear: I will never jump in the water. I have been there, and it was not a pretty sight. Almost drowning leaves unseen scars that are difficult to erase. They are deep within my memory box.

I have never been a strong swimmer. I have taken swim lessons when I was a child, which led to terrible results, and another story to be shared at another time. I have great respect for those who can swim and dive. I see myself as more of a participant from afar where it is safe, but there was one time in my younger girl dating days that I wanted to impress a guy who invited me to go on a first date at Big Surf in Tempe. Arizona obviously does not have access to the ocean, so years ago, a corporation developed a carbon copy of an ocean shoreline where waves were artificially and mechanically produced faster and with much more power. I never told this boy I was not a good swimmer. This, in my mind, would not be something revealed…especially at Big Surf. I remember trying to keep up with him. He was in the deepest, most advanced area of the park. Waves were created quickly, and it was imperative to swim to another area to get out of the way. If a person didn’t, then they would be constantly shoved under by the man-made rip tides. There was no break in timing like Mother Nature can provide.

I should not have been in those deep, dangerous waters, but I was. I could not catch up to my date, nor could I catch my breath as wave after wave pounded me under. He was oblivious. He hadn’t turned around to see me going down so many times. I started to panic. I was gasping for air. There wasn’t enough time for me to reach the platform. I knew I was drowning. This went on for what felt like forever until I started to shout out in a raspy voice, “Help me!” No one paid any attention. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. Everyone around me was teenagers, oblivious and immortal. I went under longer and longer each time. Finally, an older man, probably in his 20s, noticed me and I heard the words, “She’s drowning.” Arms and hands came out of nowhere and pulled me over to safety. I could not catch my breath. A lifeguard came to help. I was carried to the make-believe beach and laid on the sand. Later I called my parents to come get me, and I never saw that boy again. I was told I was lucky. I believed this was true. It’s funny, though, that this near-death experience did not alter my love for being at the beach. I just never would venture into the water.

I do, however, hold a special place in my heart for the ocean. It doesn’t make me scared since I am on dry land. I am, I believe, a little wistful of anyone, real or animated, who can swim and conquer vast waterways. My daughter turned me on to THE LITTLE MERMAID in 1989. It was one of her all-time favorites. Sad to say, Ilisa Rae was not alive in 2016, when the Disney Studios premiered the stunning ocean tale of MOANA. We would have enjoyed that film together. She loved princess stories, and with Disney, “if you are wearing a dress and have a sidekick, then you are a princess.” She was my princess and a very strong swimmer. Those waves beckoned her just like MOANA.

MOANA was the third (TANGLED, FROZEN) feature film that was computer-generated, not CGI. It was the first to showcase almost an entire Polynesian cast. MOANA literally means ocean and blue in Polynesian. Its budget was approximately $175 million and grossed $ 650 million worldwide. It did not win any Oscars, but was nominated for Best Animated Film, and Best Original Song (HOW FAR I’LL GO).

MOANA was directed by John Musker (ALADDIN, THE LITTLE MERMAID) and Ron Clements (THE LITTLE MERMAID, ALADDIN), who immersed themselves in the Polynesian culture months before filming began to make sure they were respectful to the country’s heritage, customs, and mythology. Originally, they wanted to focus on the legends surrounding Maui and venture away from the Disney Princess formula for storytelling, but after their trip, it was clear the movie had to go in another direction with MOANA leading and guiding the plot forward. Lin-Manuel Miranda (HAMILTON) signed on to write the songs, and the rest is history. Manuel’s child was the first baby born during this production. He named him Sebastian after the character in THE LITTLE MERMAID. The name was used again in MOANA.

In order to find the voice of MOANA, a worldwide internet search was put into place. Thousands of young girls auditioned until the directors heard the incredible Auli’i Cravalho (RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET, MEAN GIRLS). She was only fourteen years old when she became MOANA, but she handled the enormous pressure like a seasoned pro. Her innocence and wonder were evident in every note she sang or spoke. She was able to convey true grit and determination that would inspire millions of little girls to never let go of their dreams. What I loved the most was how the movie showcased friendship and loyalty, not romance. Cravalho was the perfect, modern princess.

MOANA was Dwayne Johnson’s (JUMANJI) first voiceover animated film. In the beginning, it was very difficult for him. He wasn’t sure he was creating the lines and song, YOU’RE WELCOME, properly and with enough pizzazz. Silly man. He was amazing in the role of Maui. The illustrators decided to hand-draw all of his body tattoos and model them after Johnson’s real tats across his body. They even included Johnson’s long eyebrows as a gimmick for Maui on screen, much like Johnson used to do back in his professional wrestling days. Johnson portrayed the larger-than-life Demi-God with panache and gutsy bravado. Even though the character was full of himself, Johnson was able to imbue bucket loads of empathy and self-doubt. It was a fully developed, authentic performance that captured and created great comic relief during intense scenes. Johnson has always been one of my faves on screen. It seems like what you see is what you get. I hope so as a true fan.

I was also totally enamored with the Gramma played by Rachel House. Her spunk and zest for life were evident in every frame we were privy to see. Her character gave MOANA her backbone to believe in herself and help her people. She was a riot to watch. Her spirit and undying love for her granddaughter were palpable throughout the entire film. Kudos to House for giving audiences such an unforgettable role model.

The beauty and spectacular production scenes made the ocean come alive as an additional character in the film. The ocean had a mind of its own, teaching MOANA how to find her own power and strength. It was exciting, exhilarating, and thoroughly entertaining. The water scenes allowed me to forget my fears and believe in the majestic splendor that covers most of our planet. It was all breathtaking.

The music also drove the film into new and undiscovered heights. The bright colors, beautiful illustrations, and fantastic folklore made MOANA memorable. It was one of the best Disney movies created for family viewing. It was a visually stunning, quest-driven, adventure classic. It even almost planted a seed in my brain that it was time for me to venture back into the ocean. Hmmm. Maybe not, but one can dream. I think I would rather imagine my daughter, Ilisa Rae, swimming alongside MOANA in my heart forever. It makes me smile watching two princesses together.

MOANA is available on Disney+.