Moana (2016) is an animated feature film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios that quickly became a fan favorite upon its release. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the movie captures the spirit of adventure, self-discovery, and the celebration of culture in a way that resonates with audiences across ages. At its core, Moana tells the story of a young girl’s journey to save her people and find her true identity, while paying homage to the rich Polynesian culture that underpins its narrative.
Set in the Pacific Islands, the film opens with the legend of Te Fiti, a goddess who created all life. However, Te Fiti’s heart, a magical stone with life-giving properties, was stolen by the demigod Maui. His theft sets off a chain of events that leads to a curse plaguing the islands. Moana, a young girl who has always been drawn to the ocean despite her father’s insistence that she stay within the safety of their village, ultimately feels the call to embark on a perilous journey to restore Te Fiti’s heart and save her people.
From a narrative standpoint, Moana fits comfortably within the classic hero’s journey framework. Moana’s arc mirrors the steps of countless heroes before her, from Luke Skywalker to Simba. She is chosen by fate, reluctantly accepts her destiny, embarks on a transformative quest, and returns home changed, with newfound wisdom. But what makes Moana’s story stand out is the way in which it navigates familiar tropes while also breaking free of some typical Disney conventions. For one, there is no love interest driving Moana’s journey. Her story is purely about her own self-realization and her dedication to her community. This lack of romance makes room for a focus on her personal growth, her connection to her ancestors, and the deepening of her relationship with the ocean and the island environment around her.
The character of Moana is a breath of fresh air in the Disney canon. Voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, she is headstrong, brave, and independent without being perfect. Her flaws—her impulsiveness and self-doubt—make her a more realistic and relatable character. Moana feels a pull toward the ocean and a sense of responsibility to her people, but she struggles with reconciling the two. This tension makes her journey all the more compelling because it isn’t just about saving the world, it’s also about figuring out who she is and where she belongs.
Maui, voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, serves as a foil to Moana. The demigod who once stole the heart of Te Fiti is charismatic and brimming with self-confidence, in stark contrast to Moana’s self-doubt. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Maui is wrestling with his own insecurities. He feels abandoned by the gods and unworthy of love and admiration unless he proves himself through grand acts of heroism. Maui’s own journey toward self-acceptance complements Moana’s quest for identity, adding emotional depth to their partnership. Their banter and growing friendship add much-needed humor to the film, balancing the darker and more serious elements of the narrative.
The animation in Moana is nothing short of breathtaking. The film’s depiction of the ocean is particularly stunning. The water isn’t just a setting but a character in its own right, with its own personality and agency. The animators manage to make the ocean feel alive, from the way it gently nudges Moana along on her journey to the way it rises up to protect her in moments of danger. The lush tropical landscapes, teeming with life, further immerse the viewer in the world of the film. The attention to detail in the rendering of the islands, the vegetation, and the clothing of the characters is a testament to the animators’ commitment to authenticity and respect for Polynesian culture.
Music plays a crucial role in Moana, with the soundtrack becoming one of the defining aspects of the film. The score, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foa’i, blends traditional Polynesian sounds with contemporary music, creating a soundtrack that feels both ancient and modern. Songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “We Know the Way” are not only catchy but also deeply connected to the themes of the film. “How Far I’ll Go” is a perfect encapsulation of Moana’s inner conflict—her longing to explore the ocean versus her duty to her people. The song’s reprise later in the film serves as a powerful moment of resolution, as Moana finally accepts her role as a wayfinder. Meanwhile, “We Know the Way” celebrates the Polynesian tradition of exploration and wayfinding, underscoring the cultural pride that is at the heart of the film.
The theme of self-discovery is central to Moana. Throughout the movie, Moana grapples with who she is versus who she is expected to be. Her father, Chief Tui, insists that she remain in the village and prepare to take over his role as chief. But Moana feels an undeniable connection to the ocean and an urge to venture beyond the reef. This internal struggle between tradition and personal destiny is a relatable one, especially for young audiences. Moana’s journey reflects the experience of growing up and coming into one’s own identity, a process that often involves pushing back against societal expectations and finding the courage to chart one’s own course.
This film also explores the theme of environmental stewardship and the balance between humanity and nature. The curse that plagues Moana’s island is a direct result of Maui’s theft of Te Fiti’s heart, which symbolizes the destruction caused when humanity takes without consideration for the natural world. Moana’s mission to restore the heart of Te Fiti becomes a metaphor for repairing the damage humans have done to the environment. The film serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the responsibility we have to protect the world we live in.
Another significant aspect of Moana is its cultural representation. From the outset, the filmmakers made it clear that they wanted to honor and celebrate Polynesian culture, rather than appropriate or exploit it. To that end, they consulted with cultural experts and formed what they called the “Oceanic Story Trust” to ensure that the film was respectful and accurate in its portrayal of the culture, mythology, and history of the Pacific Islands. The film’s attention to detail, from the traditional Polynesian tattoos on Maui’s body to the use of authentic navigation techniques, speaks to this effort. While no film is perfect in its representation, Moana stands out as a positive example of how mainstream media can approach cultural storytelling with care and respect.
In terms of pacing and structure, Moana is largely successful. The film wastes little time in setting up the stakes and thrusting Moana into her adventure. The middle portion of the film, which focuses on Moana’s training as a wayfinder and her dynamic with Maui, provides plenty of action and character development. The climax, in which Moana confronts the lava monster Te Kā, is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, as it ties together the film’s themes of identity and environmental balance. However, some critics have noted that the film’s third act feels somewhat rushed, particularly the resolution with Te Fiti, which happens quickly and somewhat predictably. Nonetheless, the emotional weight of Moana’s realization—that Te Kā is actually a corrupted version of Te Fiti, whose heart was stolen—adds depth to the conclusion and reinforces the film’s message of restoration and healing.
While Moana is primarily an adventure story, it also contains moments of introspection and emotional vulnerability that elevate it above a typical animated film. The scene in which Moana is visited by the spirit of her grandmother, Tala, is particularly poignant. Tala serves as a spiritual guide for Moana, encouraging her to listen to her inner voice and embrace her role as a wayfinder. This scene, combined with the reprise of “How Far I’ll Go,” provides one of the film’s most emotionally charged moments, as Moana finally comes to terms with who she is and what she must do.
