Tumblr is always coming up with the most strange links between films, and this time they've managed to compare 'Moana' and 'The Little Mermaid'. According to one user, the two films are the complete opposite of one another, with the former film having been inspired by certain scenes and events we see in the latter.
At the most basic level, Moana, the daughter of the chief, wants to explore the ocean. By comparison, Ariel, the daughter of Triton, ruler of the seas wants to live on land. Furthermore, in 'The Little Mermaid', Sebastian the crab is the friendly, albeit small, royal advisor, whereas in 'Moana', Tamatoa, the crab, is not only evil, but huge! There are even more contrasts in the songs, for example, the crab in 'Moana' sings about eating people, whilst the cook in 'The Little Mermaid' sings about eating crabs!
In 'The Little Mermaid', Ursula the sea-witch is the main villain who is ultimately defeated after transforming into a giant version of herself and attempting to take King Triton's power for herself. In 'Moana', the villain Te Ka was once the island goddess Te Fiti who switched over to the dark side after having her heart stolen by Maui. The film ends with Te ka returning to her former state as Te Fiti.
Some sharp viewers might also have noticed the similarities between the shell necklace Ursula wears and that of Moana; they look the same but have contrasting purposes. Ursula uses hers for evil (storing Ariel's voice and charming Eric), whilst Moana's not only contained the heart of Te Fiti but was a sort of talisman for the protagonist.
Opposites until the end
Moana returns home after defeating Te Ka, whilst Ariel goes to live on land and marry Prince Eric. Another Tumblr user was quick to point out how in both films, the protagonists are destined to rule their kingdoms but deal with their situations differently; Moana "takes her kingdom away" with her, but Ariel "takes herself away" from the kingdom.
We don't know whether these similarities are coincidences or not, but one thing for certain is that we love this type of review.
