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Moana 2 Review
Moana's portrayal of the princess spirit in the second installment represents the most expansive vision among all Disney princesses to date.
In the history of Disney princesses, the earlier figures like Aurora and Cinderella were drawn from legendary fairy tales. Becoming a Disney princess was as simple as being born a princess or marrying a prince. Over time, Disney's narrative evolved, giving rise to modern princesses like Merida, who have no prince and whose stories focus solely on their personal journeys. Among these modern princesses, thanks to Moana 2, Moana stands out as the most remarkable.
Even though characters like Merida and other contemporary princesses center their tales on personal growth, their focus remains on loving and protecting their own communities. For instance, the recent Raya also embodies this theme; their aspirations are tied to safeguarding their families, their subjects, and their homelands. In the first Moana, the titular heroine embarks on her journey because her tribe was suffering from natural disasters. However, the second film elevates Moana’s purpose to a much grander level—
She is no longer fighting just for her own people, family, or tribe. She fights for all the tribes across the ocean and for the restoration of the interconnectedness that once defined their shared history.
This marks a shift from self-centered motivations to a broader, collective focus on the continuity of historical responsibilities.
This is something no other Disney princess has ever achieved.
Some critics have argued that the storyline of Moana 2 borrows heavily from Frozen 2 (with one sister leaving to explore the outside world while the other stays behind to rule). Yet I believe Moana 2 has a deeper, more profound message. When Elsa leaves Arendelle in Frozen 2, she answers her mother’s call, returning to her maternal tribe to become its queen. Even so, her journey remains tied to her family and her origins. By contrast, Moana's new story entirely abandons personal considerations. She embarks on a perilous journey, fully aware that she may not return. Despite her deep love for her parents and sister, she resolutely follows the guidance of her ancestors.
This narrative emphasizes the noble quality of a princess willingly sacrificing herself for her responsibilities. At this point, the image of a princess is no longer that of a beautifully dressed figure adorned with jewels, dancing gracefully. Instead, she resembles a true leader—an influential figure in critical moments of history. I believe Disney's creation of such a princess can genuinely inspire young girls. This is a princess worthy of admiration—not because she was born as the daughter of a chief but because she paved the way for the unity of tribes. She sought to improve life and secure a better future for everyone across the ocean.
Moana’s ultimate sacrifice to restore the historical connections between the islands was not for love, nor to break a curse, nor to atone for any personal guilt. She left her home willingly, becoming a trailblazer for her people, driven solely by her sense of historical duty.
She becomes a new demigod, with her divine powers symbolizing the restored connection between islands. To ensure that Moana’s transformation into a demigod would not spark conflict, the creators carefully limited her abilities to those of a pathfinder. Her powers include rowing swiftly, commanding the ocean currents, and extending guiding beams of light to show sailors the way forward.
This is a demigod princess born solely to reconnect people and foster unity.
Whether it’s Moana, Maui, or even the coconut, their stories revolve around the theme of embracing one’s mission and fulfilling one’s obligations, no matter the cost.
When Moana blows the conch, tribal leaders from all directions gather and sit cross-legged. In this subtle detail, Disney ensures the presence of many female leaders. Several tribes are led by women chiefs who also participate in the great endeavor of setting sail for the greater good of their people. This is Disney’s way of building dreams and encouraging girls in a male-dominated world.
Previously, Disney encouraged girls to be kind, knowledgeable, tolerant, hopeful, willing to admit mistakes, loving toward family, and resilient. Now, Disney encourages girls to step out of their comfort zones, let go of their attachments, and pursue their calling.
I deeply admire Moana’s story in the second installment.
