Moana is a 2016 Disney animated film that tells the story of Moana, the strong-willed daughter of a Polynesian chief, who is chosen by the ocean to reunite a mystical relic with the goddess Te Fiti. The film has been praised for its portrayal of a courageous, adventurous female lead and for emphasizing themes of female empowerment. But is Moana truly a feminist role model? Here are some key points to consider:
Quick Answers
– Moana rejects stereotypical gender roles and expectations, seeking adventure instead of conforming to her prescribed domestic duties. This demonstrates her independence and determination.
– Moana accomplishes tasks and goals through her own skill, intellect and perseverance without needing to rely on a love interest or male hero to save or validate her.
– The film avoids tropes of hyper-sexualization and objectification of female characters that are common in many Disney and Pixar movies.
– Moana faces challenges, obstacles and self-doubt throughout her journey but ultimately achieves her goal of saving her island through courage, empathy and connection with her ancestry and identity. Her strength comes from within.
Moana Challenges Gender Stereotypes
Throughout the film, Moana repeatedly rebels against the expectation that she should conform to traditional gender roles for women by abandoning her duties as future chief and venturing beyond the safety of her reef. Some specific examples include:
Rejects Domestic Duties
– As a toddler, crawls past woven baskets representing domestic arts to play with oars and navigator tools instead. This foreshadows her future pursuit of ocean wayfinding over traditional “women’s work.”
– Ignores her parents telling her she will be satisfied staying on the island to fulfill her domestic obligations as future chief. Sneaks away to take her ancestors’ boats into the ocean.
Seeks Adventure & Exploration
– Disregards rules and prohibitions to follow her curiosity and love for the ocean. Ventures beyond the reef repeatedly as a young girl despite being told it’s forbidden.
– Insists on joining Maui on his mission to return the heart of Te Fiti even after he discourages her from coming along on the dangerous quest. Rejects expectations that she should remain safe on land.
Embraces Hero’s Journey
– Leaves behind parents, island and familiar life to bravely journey into unknown territory to save her people – a classic hero’s coming of age quest.
– Her story arc follows the archetypal hero’s journey rather than a more conventional narrative for Disney princesses at the time focused on romance.
Accomplishes Goals Through Own Abilities
Unlike many female characters in animation, Moana persists through challenges and accomplishes goals through her own abilities, intelligence and determination – not with the help of a love interest or male hero:
Solves Problems Independently
– Navigates difficult obstacles like wild seas, coconut pirates and Tamatoa’s lair using her quick thinking and ingenious strategies. Relies on her own courage, skills and decisiveness to overcome challenges.
– Escapes the Kakamora by tricking them with a decoy boat instead of needing to be rescued.
Outsmarts Demigod Maui
– Proves herself as master wayfinder by successfully navigating treacherous ocean and guiding reluctant Maui even though he doubts her at first.
– Tricks egotistical Maui into teaching her how to sail by flattering his vanity over his demigod accomplishments.
– Wins over Maui as an ally through her persistence, intelligence and skills – not feminine charm. Their relationship remains platonic without romantic subplot.
Defeats Te Ka
– Ultimately saves her island and restores Te Fiti’s heart through her own heroic actions, empathy and connection with ocean and ancestry. Maui initially fails and needs Moana’s intervention to win.
Avoids Objectification and Hyper-Sexualization
Unlike some past Disney films, Moana avoids sexualizing or objectifying its female lead character:
Emphasis on Personality & Ability vs Appearance
– Moana is portrayed as capable, determined and quick-thinking. The focus is on her skills, intelligence and character development rather than her beauty or appearance.
Age-Appropriate Outfit
– Moana wears a practical outfit suited for seafaring and adventuring rather than dressing in skimpy, revealing clothing sometimes seen in animation.
No Love Interest or Romantic Subplot
– Unlike most Disney films, romance is not part of Moana’s narrative. Her journey focuses on self-discovery and service to her people’s needs vs pursuing a love interest.
Body Diversity
– Female characters are drawn with more realistic body proportions vs exaggerated hourglass figures. Emphasizes natural beauty and diversity over conformity to idealized standards.
Portrays Struggle and Self-Doubt
While brave and capable, Moana also struggles with moments of fear, doubt and crisis of confidence throughout her journey:
Struggles with Self-Doubt
– Doubts herself when initial voyage goes wrong and Maui calls her unsuited for the mission. Momentarily loses confidence in her wayfinding skills.
Afraid to Disappoint her People
– Carries pressure of family legacy and expectations as future chief. Fears leaving her people vulnerable when she embarks on mission.
Terrified in the Face of Danger
– When confronted by extreme peril like Te Ka or Tamatoa, reacts with visceral fear and panic before regaining composure and courage to overcome threats. Shows natural human reactions vs unrealistic stoicism.
Identity Crisis
– Near end questions who she is and if she is worthy when seemingly unable to fulfill quest. Regains purpose through grandmother’s encouragement and connecting with ancestors.
Embraces Communal Values
While independent, Moana’s ultimate motivation is service to her family and people. She embraces communal Polynesian values:
Devotion to Community
– Willing to sacrifice personal goals and desires for good of island community. Agrees to take over chief responsibilities when fisheries and coconuts start dying.
Connection with Ancestry
– Draws strength and purpose from communicating with ancestors, interpreting their guidance and honoring sacred customs and traditions.
Responsibility Not Recklessness
– Balances courage with accountability. Takes measured risks but not recklessly. Feels duty-bound to correct her mistake of taking the heart of Te Fiti.
Conclusion
In summary, Moana subverts many gender stereotypes seen in previous Disney films by emphasizing the heroine’s independence, abilities, intelligence and determination over her beauty or sexual appeal. She struggles with and overcomes self-doubt through perseverance and skill rather than relying on a male hero’s intervention. And she balances strength and individualism with caring for the collective good. For these reasons, Moana represents a more well-rounded and positive role model of feminine empowerment than many depictions in past Disney and Pixar films aimed at children. While not flawless, Moana symbolizes progress towards promoting diverse, capable and whole-hearted portrayals of women in mainstream animated stories.