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Why Moana Is The Movie Of 2016 To Remember

It is, for sure, one of the highlights of 2016

Liz Brinks

Dec 05, 2016

University of Wisconsin Green Bay

Why Moana Is The Movie Of 2016 To Remember

Coming Soon

I have to admit, I've been waiting for this movie for just about a year now. It was one of those things, Facebook prompted me to like the page and after reading through a few descriptions I realized this is something I would definitely be spending money on to enjoy when it came to theaters.

This past Thanksgiving weekend a ground breaking film, "Moana", with music by Lin-Manual Miranda, and Opetaia Foa'i, came to theaters. The movie gave me chills, brought tears to my eyes, and educated me on something I, in the words of Lilly Singh (Famous Youtuber "SuperWoman"), "...admittedly did not know much about". The incredible Polynesian culture! Moana is deeply rooted in the traditional Polynesian way of life, and to my knowledge, appropriately represents of the culture.

Already, children around the world are finding confidence in the representation of their Polynesian ancestry in a film that shows incredible character development. There is no mockery of traditional dress or customs, and I believe this will only encourage those who see Moana to educate themselves on the beautiful histories of these incredible people.

I need to take a moment here to talk about the score of the movie. Lin-Manuel has headlined quite a few times this year, for empowering speeches, the beloved "Hamilton" musical and now for his diligent work on the musical composition of this movie. The songs display the traditional elements of the islands, including common instruments and rythms. I personally find the lyric choice fascinating, with a deeply rooted sense of unity, the music often includes a cheerful throaty chorus of voices affirming each character's identity and what they are called to be.

For many, 2016 has been an eventful year, and a negative one. I, personally, will look back on this year and see Moana, and all it represents, as one of the few and precious highlights. The story of a beautiful Polynesian princess realizing what was thought to be her greatest weakness is, in reality, the strength that makes her a true chief.

Please take time to enjoy this movie in theatres, or if you've alrady seen Moana-share your thoughts below!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Why Moana Is The Movie Of 2016 To Remember

It is, for sure, one of the highlights of 2016

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

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