An amazing artbook, kept me looking through every image scrutinizing the color and the lines and occupied me more than I originally thought it would. Although I suspected it, I never realized the amount of research and the long trips required to be done beforehand. The transformation the art team has been through, by the interaction with the Polynesian people, is apparent on their art and makes you believe the movie is alive and true, as it has kept its authenticity.

The traditions that are portrayed, they are still held or some of them were held in the past ages in Fiji and other nearby Islands. I didn't think that this book would awaken my interest so much that I would later look up more about the tattoo traditions, the navigation ships and the British explorer Cook, his findings and his death. As an art-sensitive person myself, I was absolutely astonished by the character designs and the thought process that led to the final 3d sculptures. I also found the narrative much more informative than a couple of other artbooks I've checked on. Maybe it's only because it is an animated movie, but this book gives you an almost complete view of the "making of", the obstacles, and the achievements. (I say almost, meaning the music, which is the other memorable part of the movie, apart from the art, which cannot be explained in a book)

I paid specific attention to the details that were initially to be done differently in the movie, like the character design of Maui, that was to be drawn smaller or with no hair. Some of those details and more, gave me another perspective on the movie and I got a taste on what could/would be done differently and why.

My favourite part I think is the character design of Te Ka, the lava monster and Te fiti, because the consept art and mechanisms (of Te Ka's fighting for example) touched my artistic heart (and the teary eyes of Te Fiti could easily bring me to tears as well).

Summarizing my review, I want to suggest this book to ANY person who loves character art and location art, and especially someone who is fascinating by disney artists and animation and wants to expand their artistic palette. Also to anyone who likes the movie and wants to learn more of its roots and creation process. ( )