The Details That Prove Moana Is A Huge Leap Forward For Disney Heroes

The audience is told from the beginning of the film that Moana is next in line to be the Chief of her people, and she doesn't spend one moment wringing her hands about whether or not she deserves to be in charge. Perhaps more importantly, no one in her village is suspect of her abilities. It's almost as if they were raised without gender bias beaten into their brains.

Maui is the film's lummox of a sidekick who's on his own hero's journey - though it isn't really as important as Moana's because it's about reclaiming a lost phallic symbol (srsly). In any case, there is a very short moment in the film where Maui is singing to Moana and refers to her as a girl, then literally stops his monologue to tell the audience it doesn't matter that Moana is a girl, and that he's simply using that word because that's how she identifies. WHAT? High five, Disney. 

This film is not about Moana falling in love with her co-star, the demi-god Maui. This simple narrative decision shows viewers of all ages that women don't have to stumble head over heels for every muscled hunk who uses a magical hook to turn into an eagle and assist her on her quest. Keeping Moana's friendship with Maui strictly platonic not only changes the way audiences view young women, but it's (sadly) a revolutionary way to view a female protagonist in a Disney film. 

Moana doesn't do everything perfectly - she is a young person, after all - but in the face of adversity, rather than folding it up and going home or asking someone for help, Moana simply figures out her own way to get sh*t done. Sailing a boat? She's got it. Fighting a giant demi-god crab? Don't worry about it. Communicating with the spirits of her people to learn their past in order to decide what they should do with their future? She's got it taken care of, y'all!

Even though Moana has a couple of magical friends to help her along the way (this is a Disney movie, after all), the only way she can really succeed is by showing perseverance despite people who underestimate her in almost every scene. She provides an excellent role model for every young girl watching the film who wants to accomplish something that isn't already laid out for her.

From the moment they're born, women are put into societal boxes that define them for the rest of their lives. Almost immediately after meeting her, Maui describes Moana as a "princess," because she fits the Disney mold of having a magical sidekick and angry kingly father - a claim she outright rejects in favor of referring to herself as a "Chief." It's an emotional moment for anyone who's faced blowback for eschewing societal norms.