The Afro-Latino community has found a film that represents them, and from all the praises online you can see they love it. Disney creates another blockbuster film with Encanto and Lin Manuel Miranda proves again that he is a musical genius. If you haven’t seen Encanto yet I highly advise you to purchase it on digital or on-demand and add it to your collection. Disney Plus subscribers add this to your next movie night line up.
Representation Matters
I have seen so many post from members of the Afro-Latino community singing praises for this film. They are beyond overjoyed to see a family represented in a movie with so many different skin tones. Everyone looks different and they all share their bond in different ways. My Instagram feed is filled with photos of little kids excited to see animated “versions of themselves” on the screen.
You can see the joy in their faces and the bright light of hope in their eyes, feeling like they are seen. This film is another example of why it is important to learn about different cultures. The music, the clothes, the scenery all make you want to soak up more of their culture.
Family Dynamics
This movie drew many different opinions on what it means to deal with family. The dynamics in this family was very odd and created trauma for some viewers. While the song ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ is catchy and will leave you singing it over and over again. It is clear that the family should have talked about Bruno. Abuela Alma was a pillar for their family but she had her flaws.
The character I identified with the most was Encanto, as a black woman I know the burden to having to be strong all the time. Strength is required and you cannot show any signs of weakness. When she broke down because she was starting to lose her strength, her venerability clearly showed.
Bruno’s story is unique and mirrors Mirabel’s, they both are cast aside from the family. Bruno, however, was cast off because of his ability to see the future. I did not understand why his family were upset with him but I am glad we have his song to sing. It is a reminder it is okay to be different from others in your family.
About Encanto
Encanto marks the 60th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios and will soon be available to audiences to enjoy at home. Fans can enjoy a sing-along movie version, never-before-seen bonus features and deleted scenes when Encanto arrived on all major digital platforms this holiday season and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD February 8.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, with all-new songs by award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the mountains of Colombia. But when Mirabel, the only ordinary Madrigal, discovers the magic surrounding their home is in danger, she may be her family’s last hope.
Bonus Features
- Sing Along with the Movie – Sing along with your favorite songs with on-screen lyrics as you watch the movie.
- Familia Lo Es Todo – Members of the Disney Animation “Familia” cultural trust share real-life experiences in this exploration of the lovable Madrigal family members. We learn what inspired each character, and about how the artists’ designs bring realism to their personalities.
- Discover Colombia – The filmmaking team discusses how the multiple cultures, biodiversity and vibrant colors of Colombia are expressed in Encanto. They describe how satisfying it was to fully celebrate this beautiful country and support the theme of magical realism.
- A Journey Through Music – The filmmakers invite us to discover how each character came to be represented musically. We follow the creation of Encanto’s Colombian-inspired music, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs and Germaine Franco’s score, from concept to final recording.
- Let’s Talk About Bruno – Learn how the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” with its intriguing undertones, was created. Discover the extensive collaboration between Lin-Manuel Miranda, choreographer Jamal Sims, the voice cast and animators in bringing it to the screen.
- Our Casita – La Casa Madrigal is alive with magic, and its emotional state is affected by other family members. From its colorful doors to its fine stonework, the magical house was designed using principles of Colombian tradition.
- Outtakes – From the thrill of “nailing” a take in the presence of an entertainment industry icon to the hilarity of losing a wrestling match with tongue-twisting dialogue, join the cast for some good-natured fun from behind the microphone.
- Journey to Colombia – With the help of the Colombian Cultural Trust, a dedicated team of consultants, the filmmakers of Encanto embark on a journey of discovery to learn more about Colombia and how best to reflect the country’s cultures and environments on the big screen.
- An Introduction to Far From the Tree – Writer and director Natalie Nourigat introduces the Walt Disney Animation Studios short film Far From the Tree.
- Far From the Tree – Parenting is hard, especially when curiosity tugs at a young raccoon whose parent tries to keep them both safe. In the Walt Disney Animation Studios short Far From the Tree, this youngster learns to live with an open heart… even as danger lurks.
- Song Selection – Jump to your favorite musical moments, with on-screen lyrics.
- The Family Madrigal
- Colombia, Mi Encanto
- Waiting on a Miracle
- Surface Pressure
- We Don’t Talk About Bruno
- What Else Can I Do
- Dos Oruguitas
- All of You
Deleted Scenes
- Introduction – Heads of Story Jason Hand and Nancy Kruse present four scenes not seen in the film’s release, but were part of the journey toward the final version of the story.
- Chores! – Abuela has sent most of the family to town on various assignments that bring them acclaim, while Mirabel, her father and uncle are asked to clean the house.
- Another Way In – Mirabel attempts to understand a clue found in her uncle’s vision. To make this happen, she must go through Antonio’s room, where adventures unfold.
- Isabela Goes Into the Woods – When Mirabel sees her sister head for apparent danger in the woods, she races to save her, and encounters the surprise of a lifetime!
- Back to the Mural – Feeling rejected, Mirabel goes back to town. Abuela seeks her out and reveals a part of her personality that her granddaughter has never seen.
Encanto is currently available on Digital and On-Demand and heading to DVD and Blu-ray on February 8, 2022. Be sure to check out this amazing film.
