Movie review
October 13, 2016 · 107 min · PG
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
The 2016 Disney animated film is an original story inspired by Polynesian mythology, following a strong-willed chieftain’s daughter (voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho) chosen by the ocean to restore a stolen heart and end a curse on her island. Production deliberately prioritized Polynesian voice actors and included extensive research trips plus the Oceanic Story Trust for cultural consultation. Themes center on self-discovery, heritage revival, and environmental restoration via a classic hero’s journey, with no romance subplot and no explicit political dialogue. Evidence shows mild, story-integrated representation and empowerment elements rather than dominant activist messaging.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Moana.
Woke representation / casting
Intentional Polynesian voices and consultants for authenticity, but story-fit rather than forced.
Woke political dialogue
None present; standard family adventure.
Identity-driven story themes
Cultural heritage and female agency noticeable but serve universal hero narrative.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Mild tradition challenge resolved positively; no broader institutional attack.
Woke character or canon changes
Original story, not a remake or adaptation of known characters.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Main debate was appropriation (opposite direction); anti-woke backlash absent or weak at time.
Creator track record context
Traditional Disney storytellers; cultural effort specific to this project.
Production
