In this insightful analysis, the author delves into Disney’s portrayal of Polynesian culture through the lens of its animated film Moana. Examining the balance between creative storytelling and cultural representation, this work explores how Disney navigates the complexities of authenticity, tradition, and modern-day commercialism. Through thoughtful critique, the book reveals both the successes and challenges of translating rich Polynesian heritage into a global blockbuster. Ideal for students, scholars, and fans alike, this text invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of cultural representation in mainstream media.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Summary of Moana
- Definition of myths and legends
- Abstract of Polynesian myths
- Maui
- Representation in the movie
- Polynesian reference
- Basic beliefs
- Representation in the Movie
- Polynesian reference
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes Disney's portrayal of Polynesian myths and legends in the movie "Moana." The main objective is to assess the authenticity of the movie's depiction by comparing its representation of key mythological figures and beliefs with their actual Polynesian counterparts. The analysis focuses on the accuracy and potential discrepancies between the film's narrative and the rich tapestry of Polynesian traditions.
- Authenticity of Disney's portrayal of Polynesian culture in "Moana"
- Comparison of the film's depiction of Maui with Polynesian versions of the myth
- Analysis of the film's representation of core Polynesian beliefs and practices
- Examination of the differences between Hawaiian and New Zealand versions of the myths
- Discussion of the challenges of representing diverse and regionally varied Polynesian cultures in a single film
Chapter Summaries
The Introduction sets the context by discussing Disney's evolving approach to representing diverse cultures in its films, highlighting the increasing efforts towards authenticity and multiculturalism. The Summary of Moana provides a concise overview of the film's plot, focusing on Moana's journey and her interactions with Maui.
The Definition of myths and legends clarifies the terms "myth" and "legend," using the Oxford Dictionary's definitions to establish a framework for analysis. The Abstract of Polynesian myths acknowledges the diversity and regional variations within Polynesian mythology. It focuses on the significance of the demigod Maui as a common thread across various island traditions, while acknowledging the significant differences between Hawaiian and New Zealand versions of the myths.
Keywords
The keywords for this paper include: Polynesian mythology, Disney's Moana, Maui, cultural representation, authenticity, myth vs. legend, Hawaiian mythology, New Zealand mythology, cultural appropriation.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2023, Does Disney authentically portray polynesian legends and myths?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1511661
