Reinterpreted by T.C. Lo
During the Christmas holiday, I went to see a movie entitled “Moana” with my family. I enjoyed the story and more importantly my grandchildren’s company. In reflection, I would like to offer my interpretation of the story in a way not intended by the producer of the movie.
The movie’s overarching message is:
“The worst thing that happens to you doesn’t have to define you.”
「2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 」
Moana is a Disney movie about a brave Polynesian girl named Moana who loves the ocean. Her island is in trouble because the crops and fish are dying, caused by a curse when the demigod Maui stole the magical heart of Te Fiti, the goddess of creation.
「1 John 5:19: “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”」
Encouraged by her grandmother, Moana sails across the ocean to find Maui and make him return the heart to save her people.
「We are encouraged by the Holy Spirit through John the Baptist to renew our hearts.
Matthew 3:1-2 have these words: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Also,
Romans 12:2: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 」
Along the way, they face challenges like pirates and a giant crab.
「Romans 8:37 (NIV): “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 」
Moana learns to sail and becomes more confident.
「Romans 5:3-4: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”」
In the end, Moana realizes that Te Kā, a fiery demon, is actually Te Fiti without her heart. She restores the heart, saving the world,
「Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”」
Moana returns home as a hero and leads her people on new ocean adventures.
「Moana is called to her adventure. In the same way, we are called to the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”」
In Fairfax, watched with grandchildren on 12.23.24
