Why Moana 2 proves that Moana is the best Disney Princess

As a gamer who grew up with Disney and a keen eye for strong female characters, I must say that Moana 2 has truly outdone itself! The original film was already a breath of fresh air, but this sequel takes it to a whole new level.

Moana 2 spoilers follow.

Ever since the debut of the movie “Moana” in 2016, she is often regarded as a Disney Princess, despite the fact that within the context of her world where she serves as the Chieftess of Motunui, she isn’t a princess by title.

In the sequel to Moana, they tackle the question about whether Moana is a Princess or not by employing a humorous fourth-wall break. At one point, Moana declares, “I’m not a princess,” and Maui responds with a knowing smile, “I know you aren’t, but many people still think that you are.

However, in the real world she is an official Disney Princess.

In today’s modern times, Auli’i Cravalho expressed her preference for a young woman taking the lead in her personal narrative, making her not just a princess but also a hero. She appreciates that these two terms can now often be used synonymously.

And Moana 2 now confirms that she’s not only a Disney Princess – she’s the best Disney Princess.

Why Moana 2 proves that Moana is the best Disney Princess

Unlike many other Disney princesses like Elsa from Frozen, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, or Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, Moana’s tale does not revolve around or depend on a romantic interest.

In the initial film alone, Moana stands out as Maui’s rescuer, the one who restored Te Fiti’s lost heart, and is undeniably the greatest hero of her island, Motunui.

In “Moana 2,” the valiance and might of Moana is further emphasized as she encounters a call from an ancestor, Tautai Vasa, whom she met in the first film during the revelation of her lineage related to wayfinding.

He urges her to sail across the ocean and connect with other people of the Pacific by finding the underwater island of Motufetu, otherwise her island and people are unlikely to survive due to their isolation.

Following a grand farewell befitting a hero, Moana, accompanied by Hei Hei, Pua, farmer Kele, engineer Loto, and Moni – who initially seemed like a possible love interest but was instead a passionate admirer of Maui – embarked on their journey, meeting enigmatic figures as they pursued the location of Motufetu.

Why Moana 2 proves that Moana is the best Disney Princess

At a certain moment, Moana questions her own abilities, but is subsequently reassured of her strength and bravery during Maui’s lively song, “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?

In a conversation with the Los Angeles Times, musician Emily Bear elaborates on how Maui’s role offers encouragement to Moana, helping her gain self-confidence.

Maui essentially says to Moana, “Don’t underestimate your abilities, for the foe you face doesn’t question your strength. He wouldn’t bother attempting to hinder you if he didn’t believe you could overcome him,” she clarified.

Leaving behind the enigmatic Matangi’s concealed seashell grotto, and hearing a tune of motivation from the bat woman, Moana confronts aquatic beasts dispatched against her by the Tempest Deity, Nalo, in waters so vast that even the ocean itself offers her no aid.

At first, Maui assumes Nalo is attempting to ward him off, yet Moana quickly discerns that Nalo pays no mind to Maui; instead, it’s Moana that Nalo aims to prevent, for she poses the real danger, regardless of Maui’s beliefs.

Why Moana 2 proves that Moana is the best Disney Princess

Moana must find inner resilience and employ her intelligence to steer her group through the storm, ultimately raising the island of Motufetu from its oceanic slumber. Although she relies on Maui’s assistance for this task, it is truly Moana who lifts Nalo’s curse.

In the second film, it underscores the idea that young girls have the power to star in their personal narratives as heroines and fulfill their destinies as leaders. Additionally, it shows that even royalty like princesses may harbor self-doubt at times.

Everyone should experience, appreciate, and admire this empowering Disney princess narrative, as she serves as a motivating figure and role model for kids everywhere.

Despite her possibly being something other than a traditional princess, such as a demigod, there is no denying that Moana remains the standout among all Disney’s princesses.

Moana 2 is out now in cinemas.

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2024-11-29 15:49

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