Moana is a 2016 animated musical adventure film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. The film tells the story of a young girl named Moana who embarks on a quest to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, thus saving her people from a curse. Moana was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $690 million worldwide and receiving numerous accolades, including two Academy Award nominations. The film was praised for its animation, music, and depiction of Pacific Islander culture. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Moana, including its story, characters, animation, music, cultural representation, and impact.
Moana's Plot Review
Moana takes place on the fictional island of Motunui, which
is situated in the Pacific Ocean. The story centers around a young girl named
Moana, who is the daughter of the chief Tui. Moana has always been drawn to the
ocean, but her father forbids her from venturing beyond the reef. However, when
Motunui is threatened by a curse that is slowly killing the island's vegetation
and fish, Moana is chosen by the ocean itself to find the demigod Maui and
restore the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, which was stolen by Maui and lost in
the ocean.
Moana sets out on her quest with a pet rooster named Heihei
and a small boat. Along the way, she encounters various dangers, including a
group of pirates and the monstrous coconut crab Tamatoa. Eventually, she finds
Maui, a self-absorbed demigod who wields a magical fishhook that allows him to
shape-shift. Maui initially resists helping Moana but eventually agrees when he
realizes that the curse affecting Motunui was caused by his theft of the heart
of Te Fiti.
Maui and Moana set out on a perilous journey to retrieve the
heart of Te Fiti, encountering various obstacles along the way. They eventually
reach Te Fiti, but Maui's arrogance causes him to lose his magical fishhook,
and he is ultimately defeated by the lava monster Te Ka, who was once the
peaceful goddess Te Fiti but was transformed by the loss of her heart.
Moana, realizing that she must restore the heart of Te Fiti
herself, ventures into the realm of Te Ka and confronts her. Moana discovers
that Te Ka is actually a corrupted version of Te Fiti and returns the heart,
restoring the goddess to her original form. The curse is lifted, and Moana
returns to Motunui as a hero, having saved her people and restored the balance
of nature.
Characters
Moana: The film's protagonist, Moana, is a strong-willed and
adventurous young girl who is chosen by the ocean to embark on a quest to save
her people. Moana is portrayed as a capable and determined character who is not
afraid to take risks and stand up for what she believes in. She is also shown
to be a compassionate and empathetic character, particularly in her
interactions with Maui.
Maui: Maui is a self-absorbed demigod who wields a magical
fishhook that allows him to shape-shift. Maui is initially reluctant to help
Moana on her quest, but he eventually agrees when he realizes that the curse
affecting Motunui was caused by his theft of the heart of Te Fiti. Maui is
portrayed as a flawed character who learns to be more humble and compassionate
over the course of the film.
Tui: Moana's father, Tui, is the chief of Motunui and is
responsible for enforcing the island's rules and traditions. Tui is portrayed
as a stern and protective father who is initially opposed to Moana's desire to
explore beyond the reef. However, he eventually comes to understand and support
Moana's quest to save their people.
Sina: Moana's mother, Sina, is a loving and supportive
figure who encourages Moana to follow her dreams and explore the ocean. Sina is
also shown to be a wise and diplomatic character who helps to mediate conflicts
between Moana and Tui.
Heihei: Heihei is a pet rooster who accompanies Moana on her
journey. Heihei is portrayed as a dim-witted character who often gets into
trouble but ultimately proves to be a loyal companion to Moana.
Tamatoa: Tamatoa is a giant, greedy coconut crab who hoards
shiny objects. Tamatoa is depicted as a menacing and flamboyant character who
sings a song about his love for shiny objects.
Te Ka/Te Fiti: Te Ka is the film's main antagonist, a fiery
lava monster who was once the peaceful goddess Te Fiti. Te Ka was transformed
by the loss of her heart, which was stolen by Maui. Te Fiti is eventually
restored to her original form when Moana returns her heart, thus defeating Te
Ka.
Animation
Moana's animation is widely regarded as one of its strongest
aspects. The film's animation team spent years researching and studying Pacific
Islander culture, history, and art to ensure that the film's visuals were
authentic and respectful. The film's use of vibrant colors, intricate details,
and fluid movements has been praised for its beauty and realism.
The film's depiction of the ocean is particularly
noteworthy, as it is portrayed as a living entity with its own personality and
agency. The ocean is shown to have a connection to Moana, and it actively
assists her throughout her journey.
The film also features stunning visual effects, including
Maui's shape-shifting abilities, Tamatoa's glittering shell, and Te Ka's fiery
attacks. The film's visual effects team worked closely with the animation team
to ensure that the film's effects were seamlessly integrated into the
animation.
Music
Moana features a score composed by Mark Mancina, as well as
original songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, and Mancina. The
film's music has been widely praised for its catchy melodies, memorable lyrics,
and cultural authenticity.
The film's most popular song, "How Far I'll Go,"
was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song, sung by
Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana, has become a popular anthem for empowerment
and self-discovery. Other notable songs from the film include "You're
Welcome," sung by Dwayne Johnson as Maui, and "Shiny," sung by
Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa.
Cultural Representation
Moana has been widely praised for its portrayal of Pacific
Islander culture, which is often underrepresented in mainstream media. The
film's producers and animators worked closely with Pacific Islander consultants
to ensure that the film's depictions of culture, language, and history were
accurate and respectful.
The film features a predominantly Pacific Islander cast,
including Auliʻi Cravalho, who is of Native Hawaiian descent, as Moana, and
Dwayne Johnson, who is of Samoan and African American descent, as Maui. The
film's use of traditional Pacific Islander music, language, and clothing has
been praised for its authenticity and representation.
Impact
Moana has had a significant impact on popular culture and
the representation of Pacific Islander culture in mainstream media. The film
has been praised for its positive representation of strong, independent female
characters, as well as its celebration of diversity and cultural heritage.
The film's popularity has led to increased interest in
Pacific Islander culture, with many communities and organizations using the
film as a way to educate others about their history and traditions.
Moana has also had a significant economic impact, grossing
over $600 million worldwide and becoming one of Disney's highest-grossing
animated films. The film's success has led to a sequel being announced, which
is set to be released in 2023.
Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Moana's Cultural Representation
While Moana has been widely praised for its cultural
representation and positive messages, it has also faced criticism from some
quarters. Some critics have accused the film of perpetuating cultural
stereotypes, particularly in its portrayal of Maui as overweight and lazy.
Others have criticized the film for its simplification of Pacific Islander
culture, arguing that it fails to accurately represent the complexity and
diversity of the region.
Additionally, some Pacific Islander activists have
criticized the film's use of the term "demigod" to describe Maui,
arguing that it is a Eurocentric term that does not accurately reflect Pacific
Islander beliefs and traditions.
Despite these criticisms, Moana has remained a beloved film
that has had a positive impact on many people's lives. The film's message of
self-discovery, empowerment, and cultural pride has resonated with audiences of
all ages and backgrounds.
Conclusion
Moana is a groundbreaking film that has had a significant
impact on popular culture and the representation of Pacific Islander culture in
mainstream media. The film's positive messages, stunning animation, and
cultural authenticity have made it a beloved film that has inspired and
empowered many people.
While the film has faced criticism from some quarters, it
remains an important and influential work that has helped to elevate the voices
and stories of Pacific Islander communities around the world.
As we look ahead to the future of media and storytelling,
Moana serves as a reminder of the power of representation and the importance of
telling diverse and authentic stories. Through its celebration of Pacific
Islander culture and its message of empowerment, Moana has inspired a new
generation of storytellers to share their own voices and perspectives with the
world.