The Madrigal family from Walt Disney Studios’ new animated film, ‘Encanto’/Disney
Another Hit!
We are talking about Encanto! I don’t know why it took me so long to watch this movie! Yet I am so glad I did! Now, we can talk about…!(Ha! You see what I just did!) I am so excited to give you my comments on this fantastic movie!
First I will talk about the music! Lin Manuel Miranda and his team are amazing! With accolades like Moana, Hamilton, Tick Tick Boom, and In The Heights, just to name a few. I truly believe he is becoming a legend. In the same way, we remember the song“Under The Sea,” from the Little Mermaid. I can guarantee you will remember songs such as, “Surface Pressure,“ “We don’t talk about Bruno” and “Two Oruguitas,” for a very long time.
Encanto takes me back to when we watched the Disney Princess collection movies every chance we got. I still sing “Friend like me” and “A whole new world” from Aladdin. My new one to add to the favorites is “Surface Pressure,” sung by Jessica Darrow, who voices Luisa, Mirabel’s older sister. I love how each character can convey their feelings through song and music. Being the “Brawn” of the family, Luisa details how much she endures with her magical strength. One line says,” give it to your sister and never wonder if the same Pressure would put you under.” I see you, Disney! Giving us real-life experiences in 2022. It makes you think how many times have I thrown my issues to someone else for them to solve, and not even follow up to see if they could solve it; instead of figuring it out on my own.
Some more Madrigals
Isabela, played by Diane Guerrero, is the sister “who can do no wrong” and is considered to be “Beauty” or “Ms. Perfect.” She is expected to be married, and grow the Madrigal family. In her song, “What else can I do.” As the title itself says it all. Isabel does what she needs to do for the family, but, she much rather not be married, and hopes to be offered the opportunity to discover herself and what she wants. “Two Oruguitas” really tells the story of how “Abuela” became the matriarch of the Madrigal family. From her challenges in life; Abuela has unintentionally placed high expectations on her family and how each family member’s gift can contribute to the overall community.
One song says it with lyrics like, “Abuela, runs this show.” I know I started with the music of this movie, but I can’t continue without mentioning the artistry of this animated movie. It is outstanding! The film is set in Columbia; additionally seeing a very diverse family in animation was much appreciated. For this reason, I felt happy that my kids could see someone who looked like them on TV, especially in a Disney movie.
The name Bruno I am sure has now been added to the 2020-2021 baby names! Lol, especially since we can’t talk about him! Bruno, voiced by John Leguizamo, foretold the future and predicted that one day the family’s gift could be in danger. As a result, he was ostracized by the family mainly because his particular gift was received as a bad omen. However, he just told it as is, and most of the time, it is not what you wanted to hear. Oh, Bruno, every family has a person who voices their opinions, and nine times out of ten, no one wants to listen to them.
Mirabel didn’t get one
I love Mirabel! She is very different from her amazing family and almost seems to have a similar fate; with her uncle Bruno regarding her contribution to the family and community. Mirabel tells us the story of her family; along the way, she is able to see past each of their gifts and see the person for who they are; for the most part, a line is repeated through various songs in the movie, “you are more than just your gift” In the end, she protects her family and remind them; that who they are, or who they want to be is far more important than their magical gift.
Mirabel, Moana, Merida (wow, I just realized they all start with M); these characters are different from my Disney Princesses, and I am cool with that. They don’t need a Prince, a love interest, or a crush, and these female heroines’ cultures and families are showcased so much more. I can write pages about Encanto, but why do that when I know you will watch it, or maybe you have done so already! Lol! It is a great Disney movie to watch with the family, even if it is the 10th time!
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Sources: https://www.themujerista.com/the-blog/disneys-encanto-movie-review
