Moana vs. Mulan

Attribute	Moana	Mulan
Main Character	Moana	Mulan
Setting	Polynesian islands	China
Plot	Adventure to save her people	Warrior disguises herself as a man to save her father
Music	Soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda	Soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith
Sidekick	Heihei the rooster	Mushu the dragon

Background

Moana and Mulan are two iconic Disney heroines who have captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Moana, the spirited daughter of a Polynesian chief, sets sail on a daring mission to save her people. Mulan, on the other hand, disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the Chinese army. While their stories are set in different time periods and cultures, both Moana and Mulan exhibit bravery, determination, and a strong sense of duty.

Character Development

Moana starts off as a headstrong and adventurous young woman who is drawn to the ocean despite her father's warnings. Throughout her journey, she learns to embrace her destiny as a wayfinder and discovers the importance of her cultural heritage. Mulan, on the other hand, begins her story as a clumsy and unconventional daughter who struggles to fit into traditional gender roles. As she trains to become a warrior, Mulan gains confidence in her abilities and ultimately saves China from invasion.

Family Dynamics

Moana's relationship with her family is a central theme in the film, particularly her bond with her grandmother Tala. Tala serves as a mentor figure for Moana, encouraging her to follow her heart and fulfill her destiny. Mulan, on the other hand, has a complex relationship with her family, especially her father Fa Zhou. Mulan's decision to join the army is driven by her desire to protect her father and uphold her family's honor.

Themes of Identity

Both Moana and Mulan grapple with questions of identity throughout their respective journeys. Moana struggles to balance her responsibilities as a future chief with her desire to explore the ocean and discover her true calling. Mulan, on the other hand, must navigate the expectations placed on her as a woman in a patriarchal society while also embracing her inner warrior spirit. Ultimately, both heroines learn to embrace all aspects of themselves and find strength in their unique identities.

Supporting Characters

Moana and Mulan are surrounded by a diverse cast of supporting characters who play important roles in their respective stories. Moana's sidekick, the demigod Maui, provides comic relief and serves as a reluctant mentor to Moana. Mulan, on the other hand, is accompanied by her dragon sidekick Mushu and her fellow soldiers, who help her navigate the challenges of war and self-discovery.

Music and Animation

Both Moana and Mulan feature stunning animation and memorable musical numbers that enhance the storytelling. Moana's soundtrack, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, blends Polynesian influences with catchy tunes that capture the spirit of the ocean. Mulan, on the other hand, features classic songs like "Reflection" and "I'll Make a Man Out of You" that have become beloved anthems for empowerment and self-discovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Moana and Mulan are two Disney heroines who embody courage, resilience, and the power of self-discovery. While Moana's journey is rooted in her connection to the ocean and her people, Mulan's story is driven by her desire to protect her family and her country. Both heroines face challenges and obstacles that test their strength and determination, but ultimately emerge as inspirational figures who show that anyone can be a hero, regardless of their background or circumstances.