List of Disney Films Containing Cultural and Mythological Elements, Exciting to Watch

Kapanlagi.com - From classic fairy tales to ancient legends, cultural heritage and mythology are often told in Disney films. Audiences can see these elements through the adventures of the main characters and the costumes used.

Starting from settings in the Middle East, America, Southeast Asia to China, there are many Disney films that depict stories with cultural and mythological elements. Disney brings viewers to witness the beauty and richness of different cultures.

If you're curious about which Disney films contain cultural and mythological elements, here are some references that shouldn't be missed. Check out these interesting facts about Disney films that are worth watching.

1. RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON (2021)

Poster RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON (credit: imdb.com)

The list of Disney films contains cultural and mythological elements, one of which is RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON. This Disney film features a strong and brave female protagonist. As described in the synopsis of RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON, viewers will be taken on an adventure with Raya to find the last dragon.

Raya tries to save the people of Kumandra from an evil power that turns them into stone. Raya seeks the help of Sisu and collects fragments of the last dragon's gem to restore peace to her kingdom. For your information, the film RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON contains cultural elements from Southeast Asia.

For example, there are martial arts-like fights, the hat worn by Raya is very familiar in Southeast Asia, there are vehicles similar to rickshaws, and more. In fact, the screenplay writer of this film, Adele Lim, was raised in Malaysia. It is also revealed that various cultural elements from Southeast Asia are brought together in the film RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.

2. MOANA (2016)

Poster MOANA (credit: imdb.com)

List of Disney films containing cultural and mythological elements, the next one being MOANA. The synopsis of MOANA tells the adventure of a brave girl named Moana exploring the open ocean. This is done with the mission of restoring peace and saving the inhabitants of Motunui Island.

There are mythological elements in the film MOANA about Maui, who is believed in Polynesia to be a demigod. Maui is said to have a significant role in the life of the island. He also has extraordinary strength, muscles, and the ability to hold the sun as a source of life. In addition, there are several cultures and mythologies from the film MOANA that have developed in Polynesia, such as houses, accessories, and other traditions.

3. HERCULES (1997)

Poster HERCULES (credit: imdb.com)

HERCULES is among the Disney films that contain elements of culture and mythology. This film, released in 1997, tells the story of Hercules, who is a half-god human. He is the son of the Greek god Zeus and Hera. However, he is separated from his parents and lives on Earth.

Using his strength, Hercules wants to reunite with his parents in his home, Mount Olympus. However, Hercules faces many challenges and enemies. The film HERCULES contains elements of Ancient Greek mythology. In addition to the character of Hercules, there are also popular mythological characters such as Medusa.

4. MULAN (1998)

Poster MULAN (credit: imdb.com)

The next Disney film with mythological and cultural elements is MULAN. This film tells the story of a strong and brave woman named Mulan. She disguises herself as a Chinese soldier to replace her father. Nevertheless, Mulan is just as captivating as the other soldiers and undergoes military training.

The film MULAN is known to be based on the popular Chinese legend of Hua Mulan. Hua Mulan is portrayed as a Chinese female warrior whose story originated from a poem called The Ballad of Mulan written in the 6th century. Later on, her story became popular again during the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty.

5. FROZEN (2013)

Poster FROZEN (credit: imdb.com)

List of Disney films that contain mythological and cultural elements is FROZEN. The synopsis of FROZEN tells the story of characters Elsa and Anna. They are siblings from the kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa has the power to turn anything into ice. One day, Elsa's power becomes uncontrollable.

Elsa then goes away from everyone so that her power doesn't hurt anyone, including Anna. However, Anna tries to find her sister to restore peace in their kingdom. The film FROZEN contains mythological elements from the Nordic and Scandinavian cultures. For example, Runestones are shown, a stone that is carved and believed to have magical powers. And other mythological creatures. Mythological elements in the film FROZEN can also be seen from its second season released in 2019.

6. COCO (2017)

Poster COCO (credit: imdb.com)

Film Disney contains cultural and mythological elements, namely COCO. From the appearance and accessories used, the audience can already guess that the film COCO contains cultural and traditional elements from Mexico. Moreover, the character of a boy named Miguel Rivera is said to live in a village in Mexico. The synopsis of COCO revolves around Miguel, who dreams of becoming a singer.

However, Miguel unexpectedly enters a world where his musical performance can only be seen by the dead. Meanwhile, the film COCO showcases many traditions of Mexican society. One of them is the Mexican holiday when they remember their loved ones who have passed away by praying for them. This tradition is even included in UNESCO's cultural heritage.

7. TURNING RED (2022)

Poster TURNING RED (credit: imdb.com)

The next Disney film that contains cultural and mythological elements is TURNING RED. This film highlights the story of a teenage girl named Meilin who turns into a red panda when her emotions are uncontrollable. Meilin then hides it from everyone, including her mother and school friends.

As for the mythological element in the film TURNING RED, it can be seen from the presence of the Red Panda. The red panda is a special and respected animal in China, China, and the Himalayas. However, the development of the mythological story of the red panda is quite limited. Nevertheless, in the film TURNING RED, the presence of the red panda is considered to have its own mythological story that has been passed down through Meilin's family.

Those are the Disney films that contain cultural and mythological elements. The various Disney film stories above can be entertaining and also have historical elements that can be learned.

(kpl/nlw)