In Disney’s hit movie Moana, we see a young girl who defies the confines of her island and sets out on a perilous journey to save her people. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, she perseveres with the help of her faithful friend, Maui, and ultimately achieves her goal. But what lessons can we learn from Moana’s journey, and how do the struggles she faced relate to our own experiences?
One theme that stands out in Moana is the idea that maturity can help us to overcome adversity. Throughout the movie, we see Moana grow and develop both as a person and as a leader. She faces setbacks and challenges, but each time she comes back stronger and more determined to succeed. This process of growth and maturation is evident in many of the movie’s characters, each of whom presents a different perspective on overcoming adversity.
Maui, for example, is initially portrayed as a cocky and arrogant demigod. He boasts about his accomplishments and doesn’t take Moana seriously when she first asks for his help. However, as the journey progresses, we see Maui’s character evolve and mature. He learns to value Moana’s insights and contributions, and eventually humbles himself enough to work together with her. In one powerful scene, Maui even recognizes his own limitations and admits that he needs Moana’s guidance: “You’re the one you’ve been waiting for,” he tells her.
Another character who demonstrates the importance of maturity in adversity is Moana’s grandmother, Tala. Initially, Tala appears to be a quirky and forgetful old woman, but as the movie progresses, we see her wisdom and strength. She encourages Moana to go on her journey, even when others try to dissuade her. And when Moana starts to lose hope, it is Tala who reminds her of her purpose and her connection to her ancestors: “The ocean chose you for a reason,” Tala says. “Don’t forget who you are.”
Of course, Moana herself is the ultimate example of how maturity can help us overcome adversity. At the beginning of the movie, she is impulsive and naive, but as she faces each challenge, she learns from her mistakes and grows in confidence. When Maui initially abandons her, she doesn’t give up – instead, she uses her own resourcefulness to continue the journey. And when her ship is destroyed in a storm, she doesn’t despair: “We’re voyagers, we can improvise,” she declares.
Throughout Moana’s journey, there are numerous scenes that showcase the movie’s central theme of maturity in adversity. One of the most powerful examples comes when Moana and Maui encounter the demon Te Ka, who is blocking their way to the island they need to save. At first, Maui tries to fight Te Ka with brute force, but Moana urges him to take a more compassionate approach. “Maybe we should try talking to it,” she suggests.
Maui scoffs at the idea, but Moana persists: “We have to try everything first,” she says. Eventually, Maui relents, and they approach Te Ka with open hearts. It is then that Moana realizes the true nature of the demon – that it is not a monster, but a wounded spirit in need of healing. By approaching the problem with maturity and compassion, Moana and Maui are able to overcome Te Ka and save the island.
Overall, the lesson of Moana is that adversity can ultimately be overcome through growth and maturity. Each of the movie’s characters – from Moana herself to Maui and Tala – demonstrates the importance of facing challenges with a mature perspective. By recognizing our own limitations, learning from our mistakes, and working with others in a spirit of compassion, we too can sail through the storms of life and achieve our goals.
The lesson of Disney’s Moana is that maturity can help us overcome adversity, as Moana grows and develops both as a person and a leader. Characters like Maui and Tala also demonstrate this lesson. By facing challenges with a mature perspective and working with others in a spirit of compassion, we can achieve our goals.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Nelson Mandela
