Moana and Coco: My Personal Journey of Embracing Heritage Through Rebellion

Rhuthshana
ILLUMINATION
Published in
4 min readAug 21, 2023

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Photo by Aditya Siva on Unsplash

Disney movies have a magical way of touching our hearts and souls, and for me, two films stand out above the rest: “Moana” and “Coco.” These two animated masterpieces are not just visually stunning, but they also explore profound themes of self-discovery and heritage. Both movies share a common narrative thread: a rebellious individual who defies family and tradition, embarks on a journey, and eventually rediscovers the beauty of their culture.

As someone who has walked a similar path, I’d like to offer you a different perspective on this theme. While it may seem like these characters are simply rebelling against their roots, there’s often a deeper longing for understanding, a quest for personal connection with their heritage.

The Common Theme

Before we dive into my own story, let’s reflect on the common theme shared by “Moana” and “Coco.” In both films, we witness young protagonists who initially reject their cultural heritage and family’s wishes. They venture out into the world, hoping to escape their destiny, only to find themselves falling in love with their roots and ultimately embracing them.

This theme resonates with many of us because it mirrors our own struggles and journeys of self-discovery. We often feel the pull of rebellion…

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