Why Moana Actually Isn't Entitled To Anything | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Moana Actually Isn't Entitled To Anything

An adult's brutally honest comparison against two kids movies

73
Why Moana Actually Isn't Entitled To Anything
AMC Theaters

My Facebook and Twitter feed are filled to the brim with memes or anguished status posts about "Moana" being jilted at this past Academy Awards.

And I do not agree with any of it.

Disney's "Moana" was nominated for Best Animated Feature alongside three lesser known works and the eventual winner "Zootopia," another Disney film. Before the ceremony, there was a lot of hype surrounding "Moana" from everyone insisting it was the obvious winner to "Moana" star Dwayne Johnson announcing if "Moana" won he would celebrate at his local In-n-Out joint immediately after with an absurd amount of food.

"Moana" was a decent Disney film. It was beautifully animated, the story was cute, the characters marketable, and catchy songs with one of them being nominated for best original song. The film did not manage to win any of it's nominations and "Zootopia" eventually prevailed — leaving the internet essentially in outraged.

Apart of people's misguided hype surrounding the film is how "Moana" manages to showcase and beautifully appropriate the Pacific Region culture. It deals with its mythology and fashion, and its characters are by no means white washed, adding a refreshing twist to what we usually expect out of Disney films.

The problem is it is not the first film to do so. Thirteen years ago, Disney released the classic "Lilo and Stitch," which takes place in Hawaii. While still part of the United States, that film still incorporates the Pacific scenery, Hula dancing as more than just a novelty, and cultural values involving the family. "Moana" isn't even the first Disney film to star people of color with "Princess and The Frog", "Mulan", "Aladdin", and others all predating it. "Moana" was a celebration of a culture that is for the most part pushed aside, but it is by no means groundbreaking.

That is why "Zootopia" won. It's central theme is tolerance and holds many hidden meanings in it's dialogue about accepting others' differences, celebrating them, and coexisting peacefully. It features animals as opposed to people of color, but that is only to make the discrimination against "carnivore vs non-carnivore" more politically correct and more child friendly.

It is brilliantly written and most importantly, blends in allusions to the highly relevant topic of the flaws in the police system and their conflicts with civilians. Not to mention its many nods at redefining gender roles and being able to pull off having their female rabbit lead be a feminist icon. This, with its humor written for all ages, makes it worth watching for the adult who accompany their children to the movies, a factor all animated features strive for.

While "Moana" psychically has diversity, "Zootopia" praises it and calls for action to protect it. "Zootopia" has all the supplies to make this a period piece for 2016 and a timeless classic for years to come, which is more than enough to justify it's big Oscar win.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

1054000
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

966647
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

The Importance Of Being A Good Person

An open letter to the good-hearted people.

1384888
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments