For several adults, viewing Disney movies unravels a distinct layer of understanding. Primarily designed for children, these films often depict young protagonists, nowhere more evident than in the Disney Princess lineup. The youth of these cherished heroines, juxtaposed with mature story elements, has garnered criticism. A perfect case in point is Moana, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, aged sixteen. While her age might seem median among princesses, the narrative’s conclusion raises concerns.
Moana’s Unique Tale Without a Romantic Knot
The movie “Moana” stands apart from its predecessors, steering clear of romance, focusing on the heroine’s journey to self-realization and legacy. The absence of marriage or romantic pursuits might suggest age isn’t an underlying concern. Yet, it’s hard to overlook a young girl, barely past adolescence, embarking on perilous quests, processing the loss of a loved one, and bearing the enormous weight of world salvation. The film’s avoidance of traditional age-related pitfalls doesn’t necessarily render Moana’s youth unproblematic.
Historical Trend: The Youthful Disney Princess
The age of Disney princesses has been a talking point since Snow White’s introduction in 1937. The pattern reveals young girls, aged fourteen to nineteen, experiencing harrowing adventures, challenging familial norms, and often culminating in marital unions. Snow White, at a tender age of fourteen, epitomizes this trend, falling for a stranger. Ariel’s defiant statement, “I’m sixteen years old. I’m not a child anymore,” from The Little Mermaid exemplifies the problematic age narrative. This line may resonate with young viewers, but with maturity, it’s clear the sentiment isn’t entirely accurate. Drawing inspiration from darker fairy tales, these stories thrust adult-like challenges onto their young protagonists.
The Evolution of Princess Stories
With changing times, Disney adapted its princess narratives. Moana, along with Merida and Raya, exemplify this shift, sidelining romantic plots. An analysis of recent princesses’ ages indicates Disney’s growing cognizance of the age issue. Raya, Rapunzel, and Tiana all lean towards the older spectrum. But the depiction isn’t flawless. Moana and Merida, for instance, remain outliers. While the live-action adaptations may not specify ages, casting adult actresses offers an older perception. Moana’s tale culminates with her embracing a leadership role post her world-saving adventure. Although her character’s age might be subtly addressed, age-related issues persist.
The Inconsistencies in Moana’s Age Narrative
Moana’s journey, though aligned with her age’s spirit of exploration, is fraught with perils that seem misplaced for her age bracket. Embarking on a journey with a stranger, Maui, and tackling challenges without prior experience, amplify the age incongruities. Moreover, her initial defiance of her father, Tui, underscores the adolescent impulsiveness. Tui’s fears, stemming from past traumas, are valid, but Moana’s rebellion highlights her age’s recklessness. The climax accentuates her leadership acumen, yet it’s worth pondering, with her father still in the picture, why the onus rests solely on her young shoulders?
Profound Themes, Youthful Protagonist
Moana grapples with profound themes. While self-discovery might be apt for her age, the inclusion of profound grief post her grandmother’s demise seems misaligned. Experiencing grief is universal; however, Moana’s solitary journey through it accentuates her character’s weight. The crux of the issue centers around inexperience. Despite Moana’s independence, her youth and naiveté remain evident. And although she might portray a refreshing deviation from prior princesses, it doesn’t conclusively resolve Disney’s age conundrum.
Conclusion
Disney has made strides in its portrayal of young princesses, with Moana symbolizing a departure from traditional narratives. Yet, the age of these protagonists, juxtaposed with mature story elements, continues to be a matter of debate. While Moana might signify progress, it’s evident that Disney’s age quandary remains unresolved.
