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Age Guide5+
MPAA RatingPG
Year2016
Runtime1h 47m
StudioWalt Disney Animation Studios
DirectorRon Clements, John Musker
Cast
Auli'i CravalhoDwayne JohnsonRachel HouseTemuera MorrisonJemaine Clement
AnimationAdventureComedyFamilyFantasy
Moana
2016
In ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the demigod Maui reaches Moana's island, she answers the ocean's call to seek out the demigod to set things right.
Content Guide
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Violence & ScarinessVery mild
Violence & Scariness
π¬
LanguageNone
Language
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Sex & NudityNone
Sex & Nudity
π·
SubstancesNone
Substances
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Frightening ScenesMild
Frightening Scenes
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Positive MessagesExcellent
Positive Messages
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Role ModelsExcellent
Role Models
What's in this movie
- β’Scary lava monster
- β’Storm sequences
- β’Mild action and peril
π Cultural & Representation Concerns
Moderate
- β’Maui's large, heavily tattooed body costume was criticized by some Polynesian community members as a caricature of Pacific Islander body types.
- β’Disney initially sold a Halloween costume depicting Maui's skin (a full brown bodysuit with tattoo prints), which was withdrawn following protests from Polynesian advocacy groups.
- β’The film blends traditions from multiple distinct Polynesian cultures (Hawaiian, MΔori, Samoan, Tahitian) without clearly differentiating them, which some scholars argue conflates separate peoples into a single 'island culture.'
- β’Te KΔ's backstory β a nature spirit made into a monster by having her heart stolen β can be read as a colonization metaphor, though the film does not explicitly frame it as such.
Educational Value
Celebrates Polynesian culture and navigation traditions. Promotes self-confidence, environmental stewardship, and female heroism.
π¬ Pause & Talk β Discussion Topics
- 1.Why does Moana feel called to the ocean even when it is forbidden?
- 2.How does Moana help Maui become a better person?
- 3.What does it mean to know who you are?
π Awards: Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Feature Film