Moana Waialiki, the daughter of a chief on a Polynesian island, had always been curious about the vastness of the ocean beyond the reef. She was known for her strong will and determination, but the young girl lacked emotional maturity and personal growth. Unlike her grandmother, Tala, who was wise and spiritual. Tala had a special relationship with the ocean and taught Moana about how the sea is both dangerous and alluring.
One day, Moana discovered that her island was facing devastation, and the only way to save it was to seek out the demigod Maui and return the stolen heart of Te Fiti, a goddess who created all life in the ocean. Moana set out to find Maui, who was once a hero but became selfish and greedy.
She eventually found Maui on an abandoned island and convinced him to join her quest. Together, they faced a series of challenges, including facing the Kakamora and a giant lava monster, Te Ka. During their journey, Moana struggled to control her emotions, often allowing fear and frustration to cloud her judgment. She was still very much a young girl, unsure of herself and what her role was in life. Maui was a master at deflecting Moana’s questions and concerns, often avoiding emotional conversations by using humor or trying to point out something shiny.
But as they journeyed, Moana met a slew of Disney characters that helped her grow emotionally and move beyond her fears and insecurities. They helped her realize that she was more than just a curious girl on a journey, but she was destined to lead her people as a chief. The characters included Genie, from Aladdin, Lumiere, from Beauty and the Beast, and Jiminy Cricket, from Pinocchio.
Genie, the magical blue spirit who once granted wishes to Aladdin, taught Moana about the power of self-belief and that she mustn’t be afraid to ask for help. “You are a young lady, very much so filled with courage and determination. You are strong, but not without vulnerabilities. That is what makes you special. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; that is what friends are for,” the Genie said to Moana.
Lumiere, the candlelight in Beauty and the Beast, taught her about leadership and that being a chief wasn’t just about making decisions, but also about inspiring people. “Mademoiselle Moana, you don’t inspire your people because you are infallible, but because you are honest, humble, and willing to admit your mistakes. You light the way, like my flames. I light up the castle, but it is the people inside that make it a home,” Lumiere enlightened her.
Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio’s conscience and friend, taught Moana about emotional resilience, that sometimes life can be tough, but it is essential to remain optimistic. “Life is like an ocean, sometimes calm and sometimes angry. But it’s not about the storm, it’s about how you navigate it. Keep a positive attitude, and you’ll go far,” advised Jiminy Cricket.
Moana’s bond with Maui also evolved from being just uneasy partners to becoming reluctant friends who grew to love and respect each other. Maui showed his vulnerable side and opened up to Moana when he shared the story of how his parents abandoned him as a baby, causing him to feel unworthy of love and affection. Moana comforted him and helped him realize that he wasn’t alone and that he was loved.
Their journey culminated in a climactic battle with Te Ka, who was revealed to be Te Fiti without her heart. Moana discovered that the heart of Te Fiti wasn’t a physical object, but rather the connection between living creatures and the islands. Moana wears the heart inside her, sees the power of love and uses it to empathize with and understand Te Ka. She then restores the heart, and Te Fiti transforms the lava monster back into the beautiful goddess she once was.
Moana returned to her island, where she inspired her people with her leadership and imagination, and guided them to discover new horizons. She had two significant developments throughout her journey, gaining emotional maturity and personal growth, and learning that it’s not always about falling, rather picking yourself up.
Moana sets out on a journey to save her island from devastation by seeking out Maui and returning the stolen heart of Te Fiti. Along the way, she learns about self-belief, leadership, and emotional resilience from Disney characters and grows emotionally, becoming a strong and inspiring leader for her people.
“Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one.” – Grandmother Tala, Moana.