1. There’s not a sniff of romance

It’s a good old fashioned adventure story, with a girl as the main protagonist – and without a love interest in sight.

It’s almost as if people can find meaning in life and relationships beyond romantic love! Imagine!

  1. It’s a feminist utopia – in both the film and the village of Motunui

Not only is the main character female, but she never has to pretend not to be (or indeed pretend to be anything she’s not). Neither is she the ONLY female character of substance, which is surprisingly revolutionary.

Plus she’s going to be the next Chief of the village despite being female, and without the need to marry.

As she says to Maui – she ain’t no Princess.

Boo yah.

  1. She’s got thick ankles

Okay, so her eyes still take up 50% of her face, she’s got perfect tresses (although she does tie them back out of the way for sailing at one point), and she’s obviously as thin as a whip.

But she does have thick ankles, strong legs and arms, so I am going to count this as progress in the animated portrayal of realistic body types.

  1. Her animal sidekick is a vacant, agoraphobic chicken

What is not to like here??? Comic genius. Whoever came up with this nugget (chicken, obvs) almost certainly did not get the recognition they deserve.

  1. Her parents aren’t dead!

This never bothered me that much as a kid, but as a parent I find myself strongly resenting Disney’s ongoing penchant for patricide. Save the Parents!!!!!

  1. The casting of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

I’ve never been a particular fan, but have nevertheless apparently been harbouring a benign tolerance for Dwayne, which has grown (as a direct result of his involvement in Moana) into full-blown affection.

If I hear any #metoo #timesup Hollywood crap about him I’m actually going to be mildly heartbroken. (A bit like I was over Rolf Harris).

If you find yourself with a spare 5 minutes, look up Dwayne actually singing ‘You’re Welcome’ in person. I promise you it is well worth your time.

  1. The songs

The sound track is flat out awesome. In fact ‘We Know the Way’ is probably my new favourite song in the world ever.

  1. The twist

***Spoiler alert!***

Te Ka the big bad monster is not really a monster.

!

Too often plot twists are now shoehorned into narratives at the climax and make no sense to the story that’s actually been told – adding nothing but cheap shock value and leaving the audience (or at least me) with a vague sense of betrayal.

In contrast this twist is rather beautiful.

  1. The ending

I think I *may* have taken the ending far too much to heart, but it resonates with me so much I literally tear-up every time I watch it. (Which is a lot, as I have equally Moana-obsessed Small People).

I’m not entirely sure what finding psychological comfort in Disney says about me, but hey, I’ll take it where I can get it. The lyrics:

‘I have crossed the horizon to find you
I know your name
They have stolen the heart from inside you
But this does not define you.
This is not who you are –
You know who you are’

I recognise myself in that burnt out husk of a woman that is Te Ka, lashing out, afraid, protecting what she has left of herself, clawing her way on hands and needs in roaring desperation towards Moana.

Towards youth, and truth, and clarity.

My heart was stolen from me – and like Te Fiti I didn’t even realise until it was gone and the rot had already spread through my life. Until it had turned what used to be good to ash, on the inside, where no one else could see it. Like the coconuts of Motunui.

But this is not who I am.
This is not what defines me.
I know who I was, and who I can be again.
I know who I am on the inside.

I am love.

I just needed my heart returned to me.
And it’s been a very long journey to find it.
And now I get to grow again.

So, you know, if you haven’t yet seen it – please do. It really is a great film – for girls and boys, mums and dads.

 

Mumonthenetheredge

xx