I'm a freshman in college and my best friend is a sophomore. So when she insisted that we venture to the movie theatre to see the latest Disney animated movie, Moana, I definitely laughed a little. Don't get me wrong, I love a good Disney movie, but of all the movies in the theatre, were we really going to spend an absurd amount of money on an AMC movie ticket to see... Moana? Well, we did. It was my friend's second visit to see the film and she was right. It was incredible. Here's why you need to get out and see it.
1. Moana is not a princess.
Contrary to popular belief, Moana is not a princess. She is the daughter of the chief of the island of Motunui. There's a difference. No frills or gold crowns here.
2. Moana is a strong, independent woman that don't need no man.
Unlike almost every Disney movie ever, Moana does not have a love interest throughout the entire movie. I personally expected her to fall in love with the main male character, because that's what Disney films have taught us to conclude. But nope, this badass girl is single and independent through and through.
3. The directors of Moana shaped the movie around real mythology, history, and culture.
While other Disney films may be based on classic stories, Moana is based on historical Polynesian mythology. The writers of the movie went on actual research trips to the South Pacific to meet the people and see their culture. Throughout production, the crew consulted South Pacific Islanders to ensure that the film properly captured the mythology with cultural sensitivity. Talk about good work.
4. Tunes by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Unreal.
If you don't know this man, you've been missing out. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote and starred in his own Broadway play. You've might've heard of it: Hamilton. Well, Miranda's latest move was also writing the music for Disney's Moana. I guarantee you will be tapping your foot, if not singing along to these tunes the entire time. Or if you're like us, you'll download the playlist to your Spotify favorites...
5. The important theme of family.
When I was a kid, I always complained to my mom that Disney chose to present a broken family or some other kind of family tragedy. But there are no deceased or abandoned family members in this movie! In fact, Moana shows the importance of family through Moana's relationships with her mother, father, and grandmother. After the movie, I texted my grandma a quote from Moana and made her cry. That's true love.
6. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Firstly, who knew this man could sing? He can, and he does it well. The Rock plays Maui, the demigod of the South Pacific. He portrays the character perfectly with his voice and attitude and will definitely keep you laughing throughout.
7. Moana lives in a nonmaterialistic, natural world.
No castles, no gowns. Moana is constantly at one with the environment. From the beginning, Moana has an intimate relationship with the ocean, her island, and animals. The animations are beautiful and Moana shows upmost respect for nature.
8. Moana's body is natural. ![]()
Not only is Moana's home completely natural, but so is her body. The producers of the film clearly made sure to give her a little *umph*. Body image has been of growing concern for young girls. There's nothing wrong with a little bit of curve and Moana's body shows that.
9. Auli'i Carvalho: voice of an angel.
At just 16 years old, this stud starred in her first film. Carvalho is a Hawaiian native, so it's perfect that she had the opportunity to voice Moana. Carvalho brings youth and a beautiful voice to the film, truly bringing it to life. Great call on the casting crew's part.
10. A beautiful Disney heroine of color.
There's Mulan, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Tiana, and now Moana. Disney nailed it yet again by putting forth a POC (princess of color). Once upon a time, fairness in skin and hair color were the keys to beauty, but Moana shows that that is a concept of the past. Her wholesome beauty and elegance speak for themselves.
