Encanto

 "Encanto" is a 2021 animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the movie is set in Colombia and tells the magical story of the Madrigal family, each member of which possesses a unique magical power—except for one.

Plot Summary:

Encanto follows the Madrigal family, who live in an enchanted house in a hidden, magical town in the mountains of Colombia. Every member of the family is blessed with a unique gift granted by a magical candle, except for 15-year-old Mirabel, who feels like an outsider. When Mirabel discovers that the family’s magic is in danger of fading, she sets out to find out what’s threatening their miracle and ultimately to save her family and their magic.

Key Characters:

• Mirabel Madrigal (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz): The film’s protagonist, Mirabel is the only member of the Madrigal family who didn’t receive a magical gift. Despite this, she is determined to help her family.
• Abuela Alma (voiced by María Cecilia Botero): The matriarch of the family who received the magical candle that created the Madrigal family's powers. She holds the family to high expectations.
• Isabela Madrigal (voiced by Diane Guerrero): Mirabel’s "perfect" sister, who can make flowers and plants grow at will.
• Luisa Madrigal (voiced by Jessica Darrow): Mirabel’s strong and tough sister, who possesses super strength.
• Bruno Madrigal (voiced by John Leguizamo): Mirabel’s estranged uncle who can see visions of the future. The family does not talk about him because of his troubling predictions, as highlighted in the song "We Don't Talk About Bruno."
• Julieta Madrigal (voiced by Angie Cepeda): Mirabel's mother, who has the ability to heal people with the food she cooks.
• Pepa Madrigal (voiced by Carolina Gaitán): Mirabel's aunt, who can control the weather based on her emotions.

Key Themes:

• Family and Identity: The movie centers on familial relationships and the pressures that can arise within them. Each character’s gift symbolizes the expectations placed on them, and Mirabel’s journey is about finding her own worth and role within her family, despite not having a gift.
• Pressure to Be Perfect: Characters like Isabela and Luisa deal with the weight of family expectations. Isabela, the “perfect” sister, struggles with having to maintain an idealized image, while Luisa bears literal and emotional burdens.
• Intergenerational Trauma: Abuela Alma’s story reveals the trauma she endured when she and her husband fled from violence, and how this trauma led her to put immense pressure on her children and grandchildren to protect their magic.
• Self-Worth and Acceptance: Mirabel’s journey is about self-acceptance, as she learns that even without magical powers, she is vital to the family’s bond and strength.

Musical Numbers:

The soundtrack, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, includes several memorable songs, with a mix of Colombian rhythms and Broadway influences:

• "We Don’t Talk About Bruno": A catchy, ensemble-driven song that became a viral sensation, focusing on the family’s avoidance of Bruno and his prophecies.
• "Surface Pressure": Sung by Luisa, this song explores the theme of stress and burden, symbolizing the pressure she feels to be strong for everyone else.
• "The Family Madrigal": An upbeat introduction to the Madrigal family, sung by Mirabel.
• "Dos Oruguitas": A heartfelt song that tells the story of Abuela Alma’s past and the loss of her husband. This song was nominated for an Academy Award.
• "What Else Can I Do?": Isabela’s self-discovery song, as she breaks free from the expectations of being perfect and learns to embrace imperfections.

Animation and Visuals:

• Magical Realism: The film incorporates elements of magical realism, a literary tradition common in Latin American storytelling, where the supernatural is woven into the everyday life of the characters.
• The House (Casita): The Madrigal’s house is practically a character in itself. It's enchanted and helps the family in various ways, reacting to their needs and emotions.
• Colombian Culture: The film is heavily inspired by Colombian landscapes, culture, and music. The animators and creators took inspiration from Colombian towns, architecture, and nature to create a vibrant and authentic world.

Reception:

Encanto was a critical and commercial success, praised for its representation of Latin American culture, the depth of its characters, and its stunning animation. The film resonated with audiences for its portrayal of family dynamics and the pressures individuals face within family structures. It won several awards, including:

• Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2022)
• Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film
• BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film

The song "We Don't Talk About Bruno" became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts worldwide.

Fun Fact:

Encanto is the first Disney animated feature to focus exclusively on a Latino family, and it is also noted for its rich and diverse portrayal of Colombian culture, both in its storytelling and visual design.