This scene makes me so emotional because right after that the ocean chooses her. Moana was chosen for her kindness, compassion and determination to help others.
Like, Moana just did so well from a feminist perspective. Passes the Bechdel test. Literally doesn’t even mention the fact that they don’t have a romantic interest. No one questions the legitimacy of a girl training to become the next chief. All the women in her life empower her to follow her destiny. She has a more realistic physical figure. She literally battles a demon and learns advanced navigational skills which she then teaches to her entire tribe. She grabs a demi-god by the ear and tells him to fix his shit. Like, dayum. Well done Disney.
Heres some Moana fanart. The back and forth ocean gags were too funny! @auliicravalho did such a wonderful job! #disney #moana #moana #🌊🌊🌊 #theoceanismyfriend
I’m so proud of Disney’s Team of Researchers when it came to making Moana, because it made me, a proud Polynesian girl feel relatable to a Disney character. Now Polynesia consist of many islands, each with their own unique style. I thought it would be nice to share some of the elements used in Moana from my own Polynesian culture, the Maori culture, so that Moana fans can understand the significance or just something new.
Te Fiti’s Heart
This Spiral Pattern is known as a ‘Koru’ and can be found in many types of Maori Art including: Carvings, Jewellery, Tattoos and Paintings. It is inspired by a plant native to New Zealand known as ‘Ponga’ or ‘The Silver Fern’.
Her Heart is also inspired by a rock precious to our people called ‘Pounamu’ or ‘Green stone’ which is a variant of Jade. We use it mainly for Jewellery nowadays but it was also used to make weapons back in the day.
Hongi
A Hongi is a traditional greeting and farewell used by Maori people by pressing noses. It symbolises exchanging the breath of life to one another.
Moana uses the Hongi several times in the movie but her Hongi with Te Fiti seems like the most important and special to me.
Moana’s Necklace
Moana’s Necklace is made out of a Abalone Shell which we call ‘Paua’ and can be found throughout many countries around the world, however the featured shell here is a type you find in New Zealand once you polish back its nacre. The shell is used in our arts including: Carvings and Jewellery.
There are so many more elements used in this movie from the other Polynesian Islands that I cannot name but hopefully someone else can add to this post to share our beautiful and rich cultures.
There is no talk of finding Moana a husband. SHE is going to be chief of her village. No one can take that from her.
How Moana is a competent leader before she even sets out on her journey.
The village seems to have more or less a hereditary monarchy that disregards gender and the matriarchal influence is clear: Moana is mostly inspired by her grandmother and the major deity in this movie is a Mother Goddess.
“Crazy” does not mean worthy of ridicule.
The central questions: “Do you know who you are? How do you know who you are?” Those cut deep.
The sibling relationship between Moana and Maui.
The vision about the ancient wayfinders. And “Know the Way,” which makes the entire sequence a million times more emotional.
This might be a Disney Princess movie, but it is also solidly an action movie.
Moana doesn’t like being called “princess”.
The goddamn gold-plated glow-in-the-dark giant crab. Who sings well.
Forehead touches. Between a human girl and a goddess.
The fact that Heihei manages to do ONE USEFUL THING in the entire movie.
Moana is so sturdily built. She managed to clock Maui, of all people.
Nature has agency.
How Gramma Tala’s passing is quietly understated. Her last words to Moana are those of sincere encouragement and her death is not explicitly shown. But you see the huge luminous sting ray a couple minutes later and you just know.
The entire sequence at the beginning that depicts island life. And Chris Jackson’s singing. Everyone’s singing, really.
Moana gulping deep lungfuls of air the first time her canoe overturned is so realistic, I could feel myself choking on ocean water.
The coconut pirates. They are VICIOUS little fuckers.
Moana earning a place among Maui’s tattoos.
Gramma Tala’s spirit is solid enough to hug. No more “LOOK INSIDE YOURSELF SIMBA” from the clouds.
Disney smashing the fourth wall and throwing shade at their own Princess story formula.
Romance is never ever ever even hinted at. Because Moana is all of 16 years old and she has bigger things on her mind.
All the songs. ALL OF THEM. They hit just the right emotional cues.
How culturally rich Disney managed to make this movie.
The sheer vividness of the animation. The wealth of expression on the faces of these characters. The colors.
