Moana came out in 2016 – ages ago, I know. So why bring it up now? Because it is my latest favorite Disney movie, and so few people know about it or love it as much as I do, especially compared to films such as Frozen. Here is my reasoning for why Moana calls me and everyone should watch it at least once (or ten times).
Image courtesy of pixabay.com
1. Disney actually worked very closely with the people of Polynesia, whose culture the movie is based on.
They worked together on all aspects of the film: songs, design, legends, history of the people, culture, and language. Disney wanted to do Moana right. They did their research. The art and symbols that adorned tapestries, Maui’s fishhook, and the tattoos of the characters were all accurate. Even the clothing was carefully chosen, using the materials and techniques of the indigenous people.
Another example: Disney originally wanted Maui to be bald, but the people said he had to have hair because hair symbolizes power. Because of the importance of this particular feature, Disney created an entirely new program just for hair animation. Perhaps most importantly, especially given Disney’s casting history, stereotyping, and appropriation, the actors were native to the Pacific Islands or were part of that culture, such as Auli’i Cravalho, who voices Moana, Dwayne Johnson, who voices Maui, and the ensemble singers.
2. Auli’i Cravalho.
Auli’i Cravalho deserves her own spot on this list, because she really makes the film. Moana was her debut performance. Her voice acting is wonderful, but then she starts singing and it’s as if the world falls away and I’m just living in that moment, wrapped in her voice.
Image courtesy of Melissa Hillier
3. The music is beautiful and captivating.
The song that accompanies the opening credits, before the movie even begins, is an indicator of the mastery that is to come. The rise and fall of voices truly is remarkable. The lyrics are dangerously catchy, so be warned that you will be singing the songs for days on end. The songs are fun, unique, and genuinely representative of the film’s aspirations. There is a great balance of upbeat, fun tunes and more serious, yet still captivating ones. The music is woven expertly throughout the film, moving the story along seamlessly.
4. There is no love interest.
The main male character is not a prince or chief or boy from the village, but Maui, shape-shifter and demigod of the wind and sea, hero to all. The two protagonists dislike each other in the beginning, until Maui begins to respect Moana and she in turn learns that there is more to Maui than the hard outer shell he projects. In the end they are close friends, working together and finally parting paths. There is certainly a strong bond between the two main characters, but romance is never even mentioned during the movie.
Image courtesy of TheBetterDay
5. Gender is not an issue, despite the subtle theme of female empowerment.
Rather than having a storyline where the main female character must prove herself to be equal to or better than the male characters, Moana is already accepted as the future chief of her village. She is already recognized as a competent, strong human regardless of her gender. Instead, Moana is proving herself…to herself. There is no gender contest, but rather a quest in which Moana showcases her capabilities and spirit. I should also say: Moana is much more than a female-empowering film alone. Family is a huge theme, as is trust, appearances not always being what they seem, and following your heart and pursuing your passions. There doesn’t need to be some big emphasis on gender differences every time the topic of female power arises; and anyway, there are more similarities than differences to begin with. We’re all just human.
6. Following your heart is central to the movie.
As I just mentioned, following your heart is a huge theme, and demonstrates self-confidence, independence, and passion. What better message than encouraging people to believe in themselves and follow their dreams? Moana must overcome numerous obstacles throughout the film, the first being her own father. Despite all this, however, Moana hardly falters in her pursuit to discover who she is and travel as far as it takes to be who she is meant to be. Not to mention, she must figure out who she is while executing a selfless quest to save her people.
Image courtesy of Ingo Joseph
7. The animation is stunning.
This is some of the best animation I’ve seen in awhile; there is such attention to detail, such as the hair, as I mentioned above. The range of facial expressions and motion fluidity brings characters to life, while the colors, light, and shadows enliven the setting. Those who worked on the film spared no efforts in making each scene pop and come to life.
After writing this list, I wonder: why was there so much less attention on this Disney movie, as opposed to Frozen, as I mentioned in the beginning? Moana had a great turn out, almost as big as Frozen, but the conversation seemed to stop there. Of course, I might be missing something, but it reminded me of The Princess and the Frog, and even Brave. They’re less traditional. They’re not the typical princess-romance story. But movies like Moana should receive more attention, I think, because not only are there important values and lessons, they show you can be more than just a princess, and do more then obtain a handsome partner.
*And in case anyone was unsure, Moana is pronounced “moe-ah-nah.” That’s “ah” as in autograph or awning. You’re welcome.