Encanto, meaning charm or enchantment, is the latest release by Disney and has been hitting the headlines like never before. This movie is a celebration of family, culture, and the representation of Colombia as depicted by Maribel Madrigal and her magical family in the town of Encanto. So, what exactly makes this movie so special and relevant?
All-Latinx
Previously, it has occurred that people of other ethnicities voiced the characters that were Latinx, but not in this movie. What’s unique about it is, is the fact that this is Disney’s 60th animation movie, and it is fitting to the Colombian story that all the characters are voiced by Latinx actors, too. This is a huge step forward for those who are of Colombian descent, but also for the oldest ethnic group in America.
Culture
This movie is based on the rich Colombian culture and traditions, and that can be seen by the magical realism implemented into the family Madrigal characters. With this, the filmmakers found the magic ingredient that hasn’t been shown yet in Disney films. Encanto was a 5-year project, where the filmmakers went to Bogotá and Cartagena, in order to understand the magic of Colombia, but also to understand the people from different descents within the country, the traditional architecture, food, crafts, biodiversity, and everything else. They thought it was important for everything to be portrayed as realistic as possible, and to embody the Colombian culture fully. And in this, they certainly succeeded with every detail.
Important Message
There’s a reason why Encanto has been hitting the headlines, since it is relatable to many Latinx viewers, and it is a family movie that touches the heart with its message. The message of this movie is basically that everyone should be able to be themselves, and they should be accepted just the way they are. But, that’s not all. It focuses on the generational trauma that some cultures experience too, and the family expectations that arise with it. Apart from that, however, this movie shows that love is important too.
Twitter Reactions
Some avid Disney fans, but even those who aren’t, have loved the movie ever since it released. Beautiful graphics, storyline, and culture is portrayed, alongside the soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda, that’s been topping charts in the country. Here’s how some viewers reacted after having seen the movie:
not me crying watching Disney’s new movie #Encanto 🥺🇨🇴 it was beautiful, to see Colombia on the big screen is beyond amazing😭
— kare (@montealegrekare) November 25, 2021
#Encanto is a beautiful love letter to family & the places we call home with gorgeous animation, lovely characters & a creative world. It’s got such a strong emotional core & a heartwarming message about acceptance that moved me to tears by the end. Disney’s best movie in years pic.twitter.com/Uj4VCC1SSj
— Connor Carey (@ConnorMovies) November 27, 2021
can’t stop thinking about luisa’s musical number “surface pressure” from #Encanto 😭 that song and character mean so much to me omg 😭 pic.twitter.com/n52QIihOUX
— NOAH✨ (@streeeeep) November 25, 2021
Also: go see #Encanto , it's such a fun and heartfelt movie about life with a big family & accepting yourself for who you are and I loved it. Also: Luisa is who I aspire to be.
— Ashley Schreibt (@truestorydesu) November 27, 2021