Encanto

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Walt Disney Animation Studios has adapted several existing fairy tales into feature films along with creating their own. Among their most recent original fairy tales is Encanto.

What makes Encanto a fairy tale? There is a lot of magic in the film. A magical candle grants the grieving Abuela Alma a magical house. When each child in the Madrigal family turns five, they get a magical gift that will make the miracle grow. Every child has gotten a gift, except for Mirabel. 

I've heard someone say there is not much to Mirabel's character, but the point is her being ordinary. She's quirky, but her personality is still distinct from that of, say, Anna from Frozen. Even though Mirabel claims to be content with her position, she feels as if she has to do more for her family (as she expresses while singing "Waiting on a Miracle"). She also struggles to take responsibility for the harm she's done. Most of us have been there before. I feel for her when her family talks down on her, too.

Mirabel is the first Disney female hero to wear glasses along with the first to be ordinary. Isabela, Mirabel's "perfect" sister, could've been the protagonist. Her other sister, Luisa, has the body type of a muscular man. Disney is updating their stories once again; like earlier films such as Frozen and unlike  live-action remakes such as Mulan, the changes came from the story's heart and are not advertised. 

One thing I appreciate, as a Christian, is how Mirabel contronts Isabela even though she does not want to because of her initial meanness. Yet, as they sing "What Else Can I Do?" Isabela changes. This reminds me of how God may call me to go against my desires, but it is for His good. 

Each member of the Madrigal family have memorable personalities and gifts. I have not forgotten Pepa's cloud nor Camilo's transformations (he even transforms into other characters from the film). Even Bruno's creepy vibe stands out. At first, viewers might wonder why Bruno was shut out from the family. After watching a few times, though, they will get it. Besides, who can definitely forget "We Don't Talk About Bruno"? Except we were just talking about him all the time. 

Alongside the teen and adult characters, there are also a host of child characters who pop up every now and then. There are no talking animal or object sidekicks, which appear in too many animated films. 

As with many Disney animated films since 1989's The Little Mermaid, Encanto is a Broadway-style musical. Few of these films serve as musical prototypes, though. The Lion King has six songs, for instance, and Frozen has most of its songs during the first half. With about nine Columbian-style musical numbers spread evenly throughout the film, though, Encanto serves as an exception. 

Not only is Encanto the perfect example of a musical film, but it is also one of Disney's best examples of a family film with a mix of adult and child characters. Such a mix is rare in animated Disney films as family-oriented as they may be. It has also continued Disney's tradition of representing diverse cultures. Many Columbian viewers, especially children, have been able to see themselves in the media. One more thing I appreciate as a Christian is the message of our value as individuals, regardless of talent. 

It is no wonder Encanto has been a cultural phenomenon last year. Unlike Frozen before it, though, this is not a film viewers can get sick of anytime soon. 

Have you seen Encanto? What do you think about it?