Some people say "All great stories are romances". I actually don't think this is true. Great stories have meaningful, central relationships that develop between characters, but these relationships don't have to be romantic. In this case, it was a friendship. If a love interest had been introduced it would have felt like an add-on. We already had the central friendship, so why bring in a love interest as well? I'm glad they didn't.
shareThis was about the love of a granddaughter and grandmother. Also hardcore Polynesian nationalism
shareThere are countless great stories that are not romances. Romances are their own genre. I don't know who is saying that, but they are wrong, plain and simple. To name a few "great stories" that are not romances: To Kill a Mockingbird, It's a Wonderful Life, Citizen Kane, Back to the Future, Shawshank Redemption, The Wizard of Oz. To name a few great stories that are animated that are not romances: Wall-E, The Incredibles, The Lion King, Toy Story, The Iron Giant.
shareRomance can also be traditional medieval stories of hero's in a fantasy land, such as King Arthur.
Yes, there is that definition and the Romantic movement in literature, music, and art. When people talk about romance stories, they seem to be referring to tales that involve a love that overcomes a trial.
shareTo be fair, there really aren't that many complaining about the lack of a romance here, at least not many you could take seriously. If anything, I see more people pointing out it's lack of romance as a good thing and overpraising that aspect just a little bit. I've always been a proponent of the writing coming first and that no decisions in a film should ever be forced either way. However, I am a little tired of whether there's a romance or not being such a big discussion point in films. Moana is a really good film with plenty to compliment. However, it's lack of romance is not one of those things, it's not an achievement of the film, just something that happens to be true and is irrelevant to bring up.
"If life is getting you down and needs uplifting, then please come dance with me!"
The lack of any hint of romance could be one of the things that is hurting it's box office. Just a thought.
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