By Marrissa Ballard | Co-Editor-in-Chief
It goes without saying that Disney and Pixar films are treasures that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In recent years, with the joining of the two studios, Disney has seemed committed to reinventing its idea of a princess, and this progress culminates in Moana.
Unlike princesses of the past, Moana drives her own story and it has nothing to do with romance. As she leaps, sails, runs, and fights her way across the ocean, it is clear that Moana has agency in all of her adventures. The entire story is also informed by Polynesian culture and myths, making it a rich landscape for any viewer. While the film was still blasted for various missteps in representing Pacific Islanders, I think it still shows at least a little progress in presenting more diversity in princess films.
The film starts with the title character, Moana, as an adorable child, pattering away at the ocean’s edge. This scene sets up yet another important fact about her character: Moana has been chosen by a mystical, anthropomorphic ocean to save her island. This is no small task, as she will have to locate a demigod named Maui and convince him to join her quest. Together, the two of them must take the “heart,” a green, spiraled pounamu stone, and place it on the island of Te Fiti. This island is also home to an island goddess who created all of the life on Earth.
Of course, Moana faces many obstacles. Her father is the chief of the island and does not allow anyone to sail out past the reef that separates the ocean currents from calm waters. This is also one of the main sources of tension in the film, as her father is unwilling to let her go.
Though her parents try to keep her island-bound, Moana’s grandmother is committed to doing just the opposite. Known as the “village crazy lady,” Grandma realizes that Moana has a destiny bigger than the island, and teaches her about the true history of her people. Grandma has also been holding on to the heart of Te Fiti for years, waiting for the perfect moment to send Moana on her way.
This moment comes, in part, when Moana’s island begins to die. The plants all begin to wilt, coconuts become rotten, and there are no more fish in the island waters. In the end, to save her people, she decides to go out on the water on her own despite her father’s wishes. Though she doesn’t know how to sail, Moana trusts that the ocean has chosen her for a reason. This certainty resonates in several of the songs in the movie, most poignantly in “How Far I’ll Go.”
Eventually, Moana is able to locate Maui on a small, rocky island, but he lacks his magic powers. Their encounter contains yet another hit from the film, sung by Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, called “You’re Welcome.” It’s important to note that the music in this film was crafted by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the mind behind the critically acclaimed musical Hamilton. Miranda’s lyrical talents shine particularly in this song.
This scene also reveals Maui to be a questionable character and partner for Moana’s journey. Maui describes her simply as a princess, but Moana is quick to deny the moniker. Despite their differences, the two sail forward to find Maui’s magic hook and the island of Te Fiti. Throughout her journey, Moana becomes an expert sailor and questions her role as the “chosen one.”
Though Moana is unsure of her qualifications as a hero, the film is not. My favorite part about watching her adventure is how strong and empowered she is. Moana fights hard and succeeds, with or without the help of other characters. Not only does she save Maui several times, but she also continues her journey even when she’s on her own. One of my favorite moments in the film is when she realizes her potential and sings triumphantly, “I Am Moana.” She also succeeds in changing the perceptions of Maui and her father, both of whom come to understand how powerful she is.
Moana also has a lot to say about the environment. With a dying island, over-fishing, and an island goddess who has had her heart stolen, the creators of Moana make their commentary pretty clear. In particular, it was easy to read the film in an ecofeminist lens, as women are most directly connected to the environment and are also the ones who work most to protect it. Overall, it is clear that the film wants to impart some lesson about cherishing and respecting the environment. This is a poignant message to invoke now, as our planet suffers from environmental degradation and injustices.
Overall, Moana is an animated screen experience that you don’t want to miss. With beautiful settings, catchy music, and a meaningful story, it’s bound to become a new Disney classic.
