Disney movies that depict real cultures 

Disney can highlight other nations and cultures, represent varied individuals and ideas, and encourage tolerance and awareness. They produce animations and other works of art that are beautiful and full of moral lessons. This makes their films enjoyable to see and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. The Walt Disney universe deserves praise for continuously producing masterpieces and  is still going strong.

The Princess and The Frog (2009) 

The Southern Voodoo religion, practiced by many in modern culture, is depicted in the movie The Princess and the Frog. Beignets and gumbo are two dishes that Tiana holds dear to her heart, showing how important Creole food is to her story. Southern jazz predominates in the score, recognising the genre’s historical Black roots. Tiana is a representation of a rich Southern past that has yet to receive the attention it deserves in the media as the first Black princess to be inducted into the Disney Princess Hall of Fame.

Coco ( 2017 )

With meticulous clothing and production design, the movie honors the traditional Day of the Dead celebrations while delving deeply into the foundations of ancestor relationships. Throughout Miguel’s travels, recognisable signs of the afterlife, such as Marigold flowers and Veladora candles, keep appearing. The film also introduces talks of traditional literature and folklore, providing additional context on the mythology underlying particular beliefs.

Enchanto ( 2021)

Encanto, a tribute to Colombian history, is open about the nation’s long history of political upheaval and forced migration. In Mirabel’s voyage, the concept of home is not based on a specific place but rather on the preservation of legacy, art, and the natural world. The Madrigal family’s ethnic diversity is seen in the film, which focuses on forming relationships as a feeling of belonging.

Raya and the last Dragon ( 2021)

A SEA nation is accurately shown in the movie with every aspect. Salakót headgear and sampot clothing, as seen on Raya, are traditional Cambodian and Filipino outfits. Many backdrops, such as the Indonesian Rumah Gadang in Fang and the Taiwanese and Vietnamese floating markets in Tallon, reflect the architectural styles of their different nations. 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

Many traditionalists pushed for conservation while French Gothic styles were being destroyed during a cultural change. The movie portrays these beliefs through its themes, particularly with the treatment of Esmeralda, who experienced religious estrangement, governmental corruption, and prejudice because of her Romani ethnicity. The animators traveled to Paris to accurately recreate Notre Dame’s architectural style, which further enhances the film’s artistic correctness.

Individuals are free to investigate their individuality with having to fit any stereotypes that are presented in a certain film or television programme thanks to appropriate cultural representation. Disney excels in portraying minorities in a way that helps them understand that are far more than the prejudices that surround them. Which Disney film is your all-time favourite?

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