MovieChat Forums > Moana (2016) Discussion > Accents

Accents

posted 8 years ago by jpeg00
30 replies | jump to latest

I really liked the movie, and unless I am wrong, the accents were not authentic for the most part. Dwayne Johnson played the father I believe? He sounded almost English at times, unless that is how their accent is (which I sort of doubt).

Why white wash it?

Other than that it was quite enjoyable, only cried twice haha, was hoping for more environmental play in it but on the flip side it was nice they kept it neutral without political agenda and to the story and the people. Loved that there was no princess/prince arc and they never said she couldn't do something because she was a girl but because she was human not a demi-god (lol).

[–] Zaphenzo 8 years ago

Dwayne Johnson was Maui, not the father. And they didn't white wash it. The girl who played Moana is Hawaiian, and Dwayne Johnson is of Samoan heritage on his mother's side. Rachel House (Gramma Tala) is from New Zealand, as is Temuera Morrison, who played the father. So they didn't white wash at all. They actually cast almost all Polynesian actors and actresses.

[–] jpeg00 8 years ago

ah thanks for the clarification I did see the main character's name and her origins but didn't know that about Dwayne Johnson!

I would figure Disney wouldn't overlook details, they are quite good with their research and overall accuracy.

But the accents though, they were off no? Some of them sounding more English sounding? Like I said, unless that is similar to the accent. I'm asking.

[–] Zaphenzo 8 years ago

That, I can't really answer for you, as I don't really know. The accents never took me out of the movie, but I also don't exactly have a cultural ear for Polynesia. I don't know whether their accents are similar to English or completely different. But from what I've read from Polynesian reviewers and critics, its cultural sensitivity was apparently spot on, so I assume (again, I'm not confirming, as I don't know) that the accents were appropriate.

[–] UnvoicedApollo1 8 years ago

Most areas I think learn English that is more British than American, so you tend to get more of a British type accent, though it's never quite the same due to dialects reflecting local pronounciations (my Filipino mom pronounces "beach" in a way that can be easily misunderstood for another word because of this).

It's also why you see so many non-English, non-American English speakers use "colour" instead of "color".

[–] jpeg00 8 years ago

That would make sense, although is this set in modern times where yes they would have learned English (through British system or not)? I guess if they didn't learn English though it would be hard to see what accent they'd actually have lol

[–] Zaphenzo 8 years ago

Well, I believe this was set in ancient Polynesia, so technically, English might not have even been a language at the time of this film, unless it was old English.

[–] carrot_handvo 8 years ago

MIGHT not?? Lmao
Of course it wouldn't be. They wouldn't speak English in Hunchback of Noterdam either

[–] Zaphenzo 8 years ago

Of course they wouldn't speak English. I was referring just to the time period. It's left obscure, but it seems like it might have been well before English even existed.

[–] UnvoicedApollo1 8 years ago

There are limitations to a family movie in order to make it digestible to everyone. Kids aren't going to want to read subtitles.

[–] carrot_handvo 8 years ago

Has nothing to do with age. Most adult Americans hate reading subtitles.
I read subtitles as a youngling and loved it. Subs > Dubs

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] carrot_handvo 8 years ago

They wouldn't be speaking English at all lol