If I’m being honest, I wasn’t too excited for the Walt Disney movie "Moana" to come out. Whenever I saw commercials for it with Maui’s giant face on the screen, it didn’t make me think, “Wow, I really need to see that!” So, when I finally did watch it, I was blown away by the characters and music, but most importantly, the underlying message which seeped through the entire movie.
For starters, Moana being a Hawaiian daughter of the chief, and not a white princess, made this movie just that much better. This alone makes it an entirely different type of Disney experience, with the culture playing a role in the catchy-music and the theme throughout the movie.
Although there are many factors making this movie charming, I think we need to acknowledge what an incredible character Moana is. Moana is born into this world of consistency and stability. She can’t go past the reef or leave the island but has to stay and deal with obligations like teaching people how to hula dance. However, this doesn’t stop her from doing what she knows she must do for herself, her family, and the health of her island. Independently, Moana goes out seeking Maui to restore the heart of Te Fiti. Isn’t it a great twist though that Moana didn’t even need him at all? Moana actually saved Maui from that island which he was stuck on and restored the heart all by herself, while incorporating a song that could make you tear up.
Moana shows young girls watching this movie that your life actually doesn’t revolve around a man (weird, I know). Above this, Moana shows that your true obligation is first and foremost to yourself.
If you haven’t seen this movie, I highly recommend you do. But do so with caution, because you just might find yourself listening to the "Moana" playlist every day.
