A Deep Dive Into Moana 

Rating: ★★★★☆

Moana is a movie that has resonated with many of us since childhood. It is the pinnacle of a Disney storyline, revolving around a classic hero’s journey that explores themes of identity, cultural heritage and environmental protection. This is portrayed through the overall character arc of Moana: a strong, independent protagonist who is not afraid to show courage and perseverance, especially when it means saving the people and land she loves. She teaches many young individuals today what it means to be a leader and, most importantly, how to find the courage to make waves even when times are tough.

Making waves comes in different shapes and sizes, from the small actions we take within our homes to the huge impacts we create through volunteering and helping our communities in various ways. At the end of the day, all of it contributes to making our world a better place. In Moana, we see both of these in action.

In terms of small actions, Moana willingly helps her fellow villagers in Motunui every day with whatever they need, all of which contributes to making Motunui a safe and fruitful island to live on. However, in terms of bigger impacts, Moana takes charge and reaches beyond the horizon to discover what is damaging their island, even when she is expected to lead her people by staying within the reef. Her choice to face the obstacles of the ocean and sail into the unknown to meet Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti shows us that “making waves” is not a piece of cake. It takes guts and perseverance to say yes to the call, because if we want to make a difference in the world, it is vital for us to take that first step and follow through with our commitments no matter what.

Moana is the perfect movie for young individuals like us to understand the importance of honoring one’s ancestors and traditions while embracing the future, and working towards building a better future for future generations is what it means to be a true leader. I would rate this movie a ⅘, because although it demonstrates the characteristics of a strong female lead, one could argue that Moana is portrayed as almost too perfect, with few real weaknesses, which can make her character feel less relatable. We are all human, after all, so it is important to remember that there will be times when we feel out of place or imperfect as we try to answer our own call to make the world a better place. But what matters most is that we never give up and that we always try. Remember to always try stepping outside your comfort zone and try something new, because who knows? It could turn out to be the best thing that ever happens to you, just like it was for Moana.