Sperance, courage, respect for nature and traditions. These are some ingredients of Oceaniabroadcast this evening at 9.30pm on Rai 1. Combining innovation and tradition, at the time of its release in 2016, the film represented the beginning of the Disney renaissance. AND the first entirely CGI film by John Musker and Ron Clements, those who, in 1989, started with The little mermaid the Disney rereading of some great literary classics with a faithful but modern and feminist approach.
The protagonist of Oceania it’s Vaiana (Moana in the original): a princess who doesn’t need to find a prince charming along her path. TOAt the center of the story there are no falling in love or sentimental desires. Oceania by Disney it is instead a coming-of-age story about the construction of an identity that investigates that thin line that separates childhood and adulthood. A film about adolescence and life’s transitional moments.
Oceaniathe plot of the Disney film premiered on Rai 1
The young Vaiana, daughter of the chief of the Polynesian island of Motunui, feels the call of the ocean growing within her and the desire to explore the world beyond the coral reefdespite the prohibitions imposed by his community. When his village is threatened by the progressive loss of natural resources, he courageously decides to embark on a journey to return the stolen heart to the goddess Te Fiti. During the course of the business, he comes across the demigod Maui: he is rebellious and vain but he is the only one who can break the spell that is poisoning the land of Vaiana. Together with him, the girl will face trials that will test her courage, her intelligence and her determination.
Moana with the demigod Mau in “Oceania” (Disney).
If, in Vaiana’s journey, the mainland is a golden cage, the ocean represents the dream, the escape route, symbol of the desire for emancipation. Water is thus a real co-protagonist of the film, between storms, night navigation, nebulous boardings and increasingly surprising enemies, including a glittering giant crab and a disturbing demon, to be defeated before Vaiana can return home and return hope to his island and his people.
The review of Oceania
Oceania fits into the tradition of ethnic and mythologically inspired Disney films, such as Pocahontas And Coco. Polynesian culture is represented here with respect and accuracy. For the creation, experts and members of the indigenous communities were involved: both to develop some elements of the story and for the songs and clothes.
But the greatest merit of Oceania is to portray a strong and independent protagonist. A heroine without a romantic storyline and defined by her determination. She is not driven by personal ambition, but only by the desire to reconnect her humanity with her seafaring origins.
A scene from the movie (Disney)
On the contrary, a deconstruction of the heroic male model is implemented, through the character of the demigod Maui. An antihero who, although powerful, proves to be self-centered, boastful and often unsure of himself. His evolution from comical and arrogant antagonist to generous sidekick goes hand in hand with Moana’s awareness of his character qualities. The dynamic of the couple is completely equal. Free of those traditional gender hierarchies to which Disney itself has submitted in some films of the past.
Environmentalist fairy tale with a heroine without a prince charming
Another key theme of Oceania of Disney is the symbiotic relationship between individual and nature. The disease that strikes the Polynesian, autarchic and paradisiacal island of Motunui is a consequence of the theft of the heart of Te Fiti, which symbolizes the breaking of the relationship of respect between human beings and their environment. The film suggests that protecting the ecosystem is fundamental for a harmonious life.
Moana in “Oceania 2” (Disney)
Oceania 2the sequel is in cinemas
The television broadcast is the opportunity to see (or review) the first chapter before going to the cinema to see the second. And immerse yourself again in the world of Vaiana and the island of Motunui. Oceania 2in theaters from November 27, follows the adventures of the protagonist three years later: his mission this time is to break a curse that weighs on the island of Motufetu, once the connection center for all the oceanic tribes. The sequel has already grossed nearly $600 million worldwide, coming close to the first film’s gross ($650 million).
iO Donna © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED