Yes the island of Motonui and Moana the character are both Fictional, its a Disney Princess Movie. But unlike Aladdin and i'll add another Movie Mulan they carefully researched the Polynesian culture, Disney wanted a movie that was true and respectful to our people. That meant keeping the movie historically correct as well as culturally.
If you watch the Moana Featurette it actually tells you which islands they used to research for Moana, which were Samoa, Fiji and Tahiti. You can view it here https://youtu.be/xBnMBU1DhFU
The reason they researched these islands is because they represent the origins of Polynesian/Melanesian race and culture. I am full Samoan myself and i can tell you the languages used in the songs are a combination of Samoan/Tokelaun/Tuvaluan. The majority of island words that are spoken in the Movie are Samoan including the "CHEEHUUUU" Maui does when he jumps thru the entrance to the "land of monsters". The clothing used, seems to be a mix of Tongan, Samoan, Tahitian and Fijian. The canoes designs i believe are uniquely Fijian.
With regards to Hawaiian and NZ/Aotearoa i really don't see any representation, no Hula (Hawaiian version), Waiatas, Kapahaka, Koru designs, flax/bamboo skirts, poipois, Ta Moko, none of these things are displayed in the movie which are part of Maori/Hawaiian culture.
Lastly i want to say that Moana is a Pacific Princess that represents all of the Pacific Islands, Polynesians, Melanesians and Microsesians. We are one big family, that have a ancients and proud history together. Thank you Disney for making such a beautiful Movie that we can all be proud of :)
reply
share
Boricanator (1440)
2 years ago
Disney wanted a movie that was true and respectful to our people. That meant keeping the movie historically correct as well as culturally.
This makes me happy. I am always hearing how Hollywood is always misrepresenting other cultures.
That someone from that culture gives this film the seal of approval is really encouraging.
reply
share