Disney’s ‘Encanto’ casts magical spell with a powerful message

The question, "What is a gift?" is the driving force of Disney's animated musical film, "Encanto".  Set in the mountains of Colombia, it is a beautiful tale of family and responsibility.

Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard with Charise Castro Smith as co-director, "Encanto" flips the traditional narrative, and speaks directly to those who struggle to see themselves as the heroes of their own stories.

The film is about an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in an enchanting town in the mountains of Colombia. The Madrigals are a little unusual, each member has unique abilities, from superstrength to being able to control the weather. However, our protagonist, Mirabel, (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz) has not been given any gifts. Yet, she is a happy 15-year-old who loves her family and tries her best to fit in. 

Watch the trailer of "Encanto" here 

The movie, released on November 24, 2021, has been largely praised by critics for its animation style, diversity, and music. It currently holds a 93% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 82 reviews.

"Encanto" begins with the story of how Mirabel's grandmother Abuela (voiced by Marìa Cecilia Botero) was forced to flee her hometown with her husband and infant triplets. Her husband died protecting them and in her worst moment,  she was granted a miracle, a magical house named 'Casita'. 

This magic also blessed every child in the family, except Mirabel, with a unique gift. 

Mirabel's mother Julieta (voiced by Angie Cepeda) can heal injuries and illnesses with the food she cooks, while her aunt Pepa (voiced by Carolina Gaitàn)'s mood controls the weather. One of Mirabel's sisters, Luisa (voiced by Jessica Darrow), has super strength and can lift anything, while her other sister, Isabela (voiced by Diana Guerrero), can conjure and grow plants, causing flowers to bloom in her wake, and is effortlessly graceful.

The characters are relatable and easy to fall in love with. Anyone who has ever felt left out by their own family can relate to Mirabel. 

"Encanto" conveys the message that we are not perfect, and other people's opinions and expectations should not shape the directions of our lives. 

In the movie, the characters with special abilities are not perfect either. They think that they are worthless without their gifts. 

Mirabel sings the song, "Waiting On A Miracle" about how she cannot move the mountains or heal what is broken. 

She wants a miracle to show her the right direction, but she does not know that she is special, just as she is. The lesson here is you should not compare yourself to anyone else. Do your own thing. The people who love you will support you, regardless. 

What I was most excited about with this movie is that it moves away from the female warrior trope and gives us a female protagonist that is not perfect. 

Mirabel's lack of magical abilities sets her apart from other Disney princesses. Furthermore, the variation in skin tones and characteristics makes "Encanto" a must-watch for everyone. In an important step for representation, Mirabel is the first Disney protagonist to wear glasses. We also see female characters with muscles, grey hair, and age spots. 

The story is beautifully composed, while the visuals are stunningly realistic and detailed. I loved all the songs; but "We Don't Talk About Bruno" definitely stands out. 

While "Encanto" revolves around Mirabel, the story is really about the Madrigal family as a whole. Mirabel goes on a journey to save her family from dangers but ends up discovering how each member of her family feels burdened by their gift. Through her love and big heart, she brings her family together. 

"Encanto" is one of Disney's best movies, which takes us on an emotional roller coaster, while also leaving us with a powerful message: People are worthy of love because of who they are, not what they can do.