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Entertainment October 18, 2016
In recent years, people have been very outspoken against Disney’s traditional damsel-in-distress characters. TIME‘s article, “The Problem with Princesses,” discusses how women spend much of the movie waiting to be saved by men. But although we can’t change Disney’s classics, we can look forward to the entertainment company’s newest movie, “Moana,” and the changes they’ve made to its leading lady.
For starters, Moana is Disney’s first Polynesian princess, voiced by a Disney newcomer, Auli’i Cravalho. In an effort to increase the characters’ diversity, Disney also conducted a great deal of research on Polynesian culture. According to IGN Entertainment, directors Ron Clements and John Musker traveled to the Polynesian islands to “authentically depict the culture being told.” There, the team met with archeologists, anthropologists, tattoo masters, fishermen, historians, linguist and elders.
But if that’s not enough to excite you, many Disney fans and feminists are praising Moana’s storyline. IGF Entertainment says “Clements and Musker are quick to label Moana a ‘badass’ because she’s ‘unlike any of the heroines [Disney] has done before in many ways.’” Instead of being on a quest for love, she’s on a quest for her people’s salvation. Her image is also more athletic than demure. Instead of the elegant dresses, Moana sports an on-the-go style. She puts her hair up when she’s ready for her next adventure and she’s dressed in practical travel outfits.
So if you can’t wait to meet this new princess on the November 23rd release, watch Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest “Moana” sneak peek above. For those of you who missed the initial trailer, you can also view it on the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ YouTube page.
