To fully understand Moana as a character, it is also important to see how she is perceived in the real world, especially by the people she represents in the movie. Journalists asked Pacific Islanders for their opinions on the main heroine and most of them responded in a positive way. Morgan Sloss (2022) gathered several responses in her article. Some were satisfied with Moana’s appearance, saying she looks like “a real Poly”, while others pointed out that “Disney has been getting progressively better at portraying different cultures”. One of the most powerful responses included: “Our culture is not a lost artifact in a museum – it’s living and breathing.” Another person shared their pride in seeing their heritage on screen: “It was a proud moment for me when my family and I went to see it, especially when they started singing in Samoan”.
Additionally, Moana rapidly attracted interest not only from the people she represents but also from audiences worldwide, even those who had never heard of Polynesia before. McClain (2024) points out that “Moana has sparked important conversations about Polynesian culture and history. The movie encouraged us to learn more about the diverse cultures of Polynesia and has been a catalyst for cultural preservation and representation”. The film’s influence goes beyond entertainment, as it has played a role in bringing more awareness and appreciation to Polynesian traditions and heritage.