The fictional movie takes place 3,000 years ago in the islands of Polynesia, an area that includes Hawaii, Tonga and Tahiti. The star is 16-year-old Moana, voiced by Hawaiian actress Auli'i Cravalho, who goes on an ocean voyage with Maui, voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Where does Disney Moana take place?

Plot. On the Polynesian island of Motunui, the inhabitants worship the goddess of nature, Te Fiti; a living island who, long ago, brought life to the ocean using a pounamu stone as her heart and the source of her power.

Is Moana Polynesian or Hawaiian?

Although Moana is from the fictional island Motunui some 3,000 years ago, the story and culture of Moana is based on the very real heritage and history of Polynesian islands such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti. In fact, once you start looking for ties to Polynesian culture in Moana, it's hard to stop!

Who is Maui in Moana based on?

Maui (/maʊwiː/) is a fictional character from the animated film Moana. Created by directors Ron Clements and John Musker and voiced by Dwayne Johnson, Maui is loosely based on Māui from Hawaiian mythology.

Why is Moana Vaiana in Europe?

The reasons behind the change of name are not completely clear, but a tweet from Disney España gives an important clue: 'Moana' is registered as a trademark in Spain, and in a number of other European countries, hence the change to Vaiana in Europe.

Disney Moana Deluxe Figurine Playset from The Disney Store

What country does Moana represent?

Moana's home island, Motunui, is fictional, but the production team drew a map of Moana's journey (which can be found in the book The Art of Moana) that places Motunui east of Tonga, near the real-world location of Niue. Te Fiti's island was based on Tahiti.

What is Moana called in Germany?

Moana is called Vaiana in Germany, even if you watch it in English it'll have the name changed both in the title card and whenever mentioned (yes also in the song called I Am Moana which turns into Ich bin Vaiana) but you'll get used to it.

Why is Moana's dad Australian?

Something I noticed and that my friend pointed out is that Moana's father almost sounded Australian. The reason for this is because Moana is based on all of Polynesia, which includes Maori culture in New Zealand.

Is Moana and Maui dating?

In the Disney film Moana, the relationship between Moana and Maui is not romantic because Moana is a sixteen year old girl and Maui is thousands of years old. This is a step up from prior Disney movies.

What is Moana's race?

Moana as she appears in Moana (2016). Inspired by Polynesian mythology, Moana is depicted as the strong-willed daughter of a chief of a Polynesian village, who is chosen by the ocean itself to reunite a mystical relic with the goddess Te Fiti.

How do Polynesians feel about Moana?

Some enjoy the movie but believe Maui should have been portrayed as a warrior. "As a proud Polynesian woman, it's not often that you see a film like Moana come out. It headlines our Pasifika culture, and it's lead by our Polynesian artists in the industry.

Why did Maui steal the heart of Te Fiti?

Te Fiti's heart, a small pounamu stone, possessed the power to create life and raise islands. But it also attracted monsters who tried to steal it for its creative power. It was stolen by the demigod Maui, who planned to give it to humanity as a gift. After he stole it, the island was enveloped in darkness.

How accurate is Moana the Polynesian culture?

The plot of Disney's Moana

Disney's Moana has depicted part of Polynesian history in its own way, with some aspects being somewhat factual while others were exaggerated. Disney's Moana is set on the fictional island of Motunui.

Does Polynesia still exist?

Polynesia (UK: /ˌpɒlɪˈniːziə/ POL-in-EE-zee-ə, US: /-ˈniːʒə/ -⁠EE-zhə) is a subregion of Oceania, made up of more than 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean.

What language is spoken in Moana we know the way?

The song begins in Samoan and the chorus is in Tokelauan. After the first chorus, the song uses English lyrics. The English languages are changed in international translations, but most dubs of Moana keep the Polynesian lyrics unaltered.

Which Disney Princess did not get married?

Merida and Pocahontas are the only Princesses to not be seen married, or have wedding dresses in the franchise. Belle and a few others were featured in Disney's Beautiful Brides book.

What is Moana's boyfriend name?

Voiced by Auli'i Carvalho, Moana is a young woman with great navigational talents with a love for adventure and the sea. A once-powerful demigod, Maui is the courageous hero who accompanies Moana on her adventure. Seeing how Maui is so bulky, it's only appropriate that he's voiced by Dwayne Johnson.

Why did Disney change Moana's name?

But depending on where in the world people saw Moana, they might know the great animated movie by another name. Disney retitled Moana in different countries, with most European countries using Vaiana. This change was reflected in the movie too, as Moana's name was changed to Vaiana due to copyright issues.

Is it true that Maui is Moana's dad?

If you're looking for a quick answer before diving into the analysis: no, Maui is not Moana's biological father in the film. But their bond and character development does have paternal themes.

What race is Lilo?

But fans of the beloved animated film are questioning the company's choice to cast Agudong for the role based on her ethnicity and skin complexion. Lilo and her family are Pacific Islanders of Hawaiian descent.

How old is Moana?

5) In the film's novelization, Moana's age is given as 16. This makes her the only Disney princess to be voiced by an actress younger than herself. Moana was released on Cravalho's 16th birthday.

What is Moana in Tahiti?

Moana—pronounced “moh-AH-nah,” not “MWAH-nah” means “ocean”—and the character is chosen by the sea itself to return the stolen heart of Te Fiti, who turns out to be an island deity (Tahiti, in its various linguistic forms, including Tafiti, is a pan-Polynesian word for any faraway place).