Encanto
“There's a little magic in all of us... almost all of us.”
ABOUT
The word Encanto in Spanish means "charm" or "enchantment". The
small town depicted in the movie can surely show that charm and
enchantment. It is a spell biding place with gifted people but far from
perfect.
“Encanto” tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who
live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house called
"Casita", in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an
Encanto. The encanto came about as a gift after the death of Pedro,
Alma's husband who died trying to protect his family leaving her with 3
children, triplets. The candle which Alma was holding, repels the
attackers and creates "Casita" located in Encanto, a magical place
surrounded by mountains.
The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family
with a unique gift except Mirabel. Her aunt controls the weather, one of
her cousins is a shape-shifter, her middle sister Luisa has superhuman
strength, her mother can heal people with her food but Mirabel is the
only member of the family who doesn't have a special gift.
Casita's impeccable facade is masking serious flaws. The magical home is
a living entity who communicates with Mirabel throughout the movie. Its
floors move like a conveyor belt and its staircase can transform into a
slide. But cracks have started developing in the walls. When Mirabel
expresses concern to her grandmother "Abuela", the stern matriarch
quickly shuts her down. But when she discovers that the magic
surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only
ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family's last hope.
The story is told with a lot of vibrant colours and beautifully arranged
music. The song "We dont talk about Bruno" became the
second Disney song to be number 1 on the Billboard top 200. My favourite
and who i believe to be the most fun character, is the eccentric Uncle
Bruno whom no one wants to talk about. Mirabel ends up talking about him
and searching for answers. He reappears and helps his niece gain a whole
new perspective on a family
“so full of stars that everyone wants to shine.”
As Mirabel learns to look beyond superficial appearances, she discovers
her true place within the family constellation.
Directed By:
Byron Howard,
Jared Bush,
Charise Castro Smith
Produced By:
Clark Spencer,
Yvett Merino
LESSONS FROM ENCANTO
The story is about comparing yourself to others and is especially relevant now with so many people especially young people who spend a lot of time on social media scrolling through images of seemingly perfect lives. Mirabel does not have social media but she looks at her gifted family members and feels inadequete."Encanto" shows that people do not need to be special to deserve love, security, and ultimately rights. It also shows us that communication is important & this was addressed by the family avoiding talking about Bruno.
It teaches that people should not always put others before themselves. Luisa's song Surface Pressure where she expresses her struggles of needing to be the strong one for everyone shows that its not sustainable to be everything to everyone.
We also learn that holding everyone to the same standard is futile. Everyone can offer something when looked at without weighing them against others.
Everyone has their own struggles and just because they don't show it all the time does not mean they don't struggle from time to time.
CHARACTERS
Mirabel Madrigal
The leading character & youngest daughter of Julieta & Agustín.
She is the only one without a magical gift.
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"Abuela" Alma Madrigal
Wife to
Pedro. Mum to Bruno, Pepa & Julieta The matriarch of the Madrigals
and the head of their Encanto Village.
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Bruno Madrigal
Son of Alma &
Pedro. 1st said to be hostle but revealed to be caring but socially
awkward. He can foresee the future.
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Julieta Madrigal
Daughter of Alma &
Pedro, wife to Agustin, mum to Isabela, Luisa & Mirabel. She has a
gift of the power to cook healing foods.
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Agustin Madrigal
Julieta's Husband & father of Isabela, Luisa and Mirabel. He
married into the family & does not have a magical gift.
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Isabela Madrigal
1st child of Julieta & Agustin. Sister of Luisa & Mirabel. She
can control plants & is seen to be the "perfect child."
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Luisa Madrigal
Daughter of Julieta & Agustin. Younger sister of Isabela & older
sister of Mirabel. She has a gift of super strength.
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Pepa Madrigal
Daughter of Alma &
Pedro, wife of Felix, mum of Dolores, Camilo & Antonio. She can
change the weather based on her mood.
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Felix Madrigal
Pepa's husband & father to Dolores, Camilo & Antonio. He has no
gift although his nature helps manage his wife's moods.
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Dolores Madrigal
The 1st child & daughter of Pepa and Félix Madrigal. She
described as the shadow of Isabella & has a gift of enhanced
hearing.
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Camilo Madrigal
Camilo is the cheeky and sardonic middle child of Pepa and
Félix. Camilo was gifted with the ability to shape-shift.
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Antonio Madrigal
The youngest son of Pepa & Félix. Brother of Dolores & Camilo.
He is gifted with the power to communicate with animals.
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