Introduction
Culture is an integral part of our lives. It shapes our beliefs, values, and behavior, and it influences our relationships with others and our understanding of the world. In recent years, Disney has taken a more conscious approach to depicting cultures from around the world in its films. One of the most notable examples of this is its 2016 animated feature, Moana.
Moana follows the story of a young Polynesian girl who embarks on a quest to save her people. Along the way, she discovers her true identity and learns about her culture, heritage, and history. The film celebrates the beauty and power of Polynesian culture while also exploring the deeper meanings behind its symbols and traditions.
Exploring the Cultural Influences Behind Disney’s Moana
Disney’s Moana is a celebration of Polynesian culture. From the characters to the music and language, the film draws heavily from Polynesian culture and traditions. The filmmakers worked closely with cultural advisors and anthropologists to ensure that the film was respectful and authentic. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways Disney embraced Polynesian culture in Moana.
Analysis of Polynesian Culture in Moana
The characters in Moana are based on real-life Polynesian figures. The main character, Moana, is based on the historical figure Te Fiti, a Polynesian goddess of life. Other characters include Maui, a demigod based on Polynesian mythology, and Heihei, a rooster based on the native birds of the Pacific Islands. All of these characters are portrayed with respect and reverence for their cultures and histories.
The music and language of Moana also draw heavily from Polynesian culture. Many of the songs in the film are sung in the Māori language, which is spoken by the indigenous people of New Zealand. This includes the iconic song “We Know the Way,” which is sung in both English and Māori. The music also incorporates traditional Polynesian instruments such as the ukulele and the nose flute.
How Disney Embraced Polynesian Culture in Moana
In addition to the characters and music, Disney took great care to honor Polynesian culture in other aspects of the film. For example, the costumes and sets were designed to accurately reflect the clothing and architecture of the Pacific Islands. The filmmakers also consulted with cultural advisors to make sure that the film was respectful and authentic.
In addition, the filmmakers used computer animation to create a realistic and detailed world. This allowed them to capture the beauty of the islands and the culture of the people. The result is a vibrant and stunningly beautiful film that truly celebrates Polynesian culture.
Examining the Symbolic Meanings in Moana
Moana is filled with symbolism that reflects the values and beliefs of Polynesian culture. For example, the tattoos worn by many of the characters represent their connection to their ancestors and the land. The tattoos also serve as a reminder of the importance of honoring one’s heritage and respecting the past.
The Music and Language of Moana
The music and language of Moana also carry symbolic meaning. As mentioned earlier, many of the songs in the film are sung in the Māori language, which is spoken by the indigenous people of New Zealand. This is significant because it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating one’s culture and heritage.
Celebrating Polynesian Heritage
Finally, Moana celebrates the history and culture of Polynesian peoples. The film tells the story of a young girl who embarks on a quest to save her people. Along the way, she learns about her culture, heritage, and history, and ultimately discovers her true identity. By telling this story, Disney honors the culture and history of Polynesian peoples.
Conclusion
Disney’s Moana is a celebration of Polynesian culture. From the characters to the music and language, the film draws heavily from Polynesian culture and traditions. The filmmakers worked closely with cultural advisors and anthropologists to ensure that the film was respectful and authentic. The film also carries symbolic meaning that reflects the values and beliefs of Polynesian culture. Ultimately, the film serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring one’s culture and heritage.
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