Disney Movies
Mulan:
I have two that I like, Mulan and Moana, despite my misgivings of cultural misappropriation. Mulan follows the story of Hua Mulan – she was a legend in her own right and a very real person. A warrior from Northern and Southern dynasties (420 – 589) who was originally described in the “Ballad of Mulan” (pinyin). In the ballad, Hua Mulan, disguised as a man, takes her aged father’s place in the army. The movie follows the ballad pretty closely, with, of course, that all-encompassing embellishments that both Disney and Hollywood partake in. To be expected, I mean a talking dragon…well…
Moana:
Moana, as I’ve read is very accurate and depicted as such because Dwayne Johnson was involved in keeping HIS Maori heritage as accurate as possible within the movie. From what I’ve read, he was very adamant that his people, culture, and history be depicted in a way that was acceptable to him and his people (kudos to you Dwayne).
Besides that, I do love the idea that the movie portrays in teaching a demi-god about how fame and recognition aren’t always what is needed. That forgiveness is achievable and an attainable endeavor. The fact that they used a “mere mortal woman” to teach a demi-god that his actions and words have consequences and the ripple effect is very appealing. Something Disney is known for and has an admitted knack for.
Polynesian Origin Myths with Maui