(DVD j Encanto)
This latest Disney animated movie, Encanto (2021), broke outside the typical constraints of a Disney animated film, featuring a soundtrack that incorporates hip-hop-influenced songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda (who also created songs for Moana), and foregoing a typical “villain” in favor of a storyline about familial bonds, both broken and repaired.
Tapping into South American culture (primarily
Columbian), Encanto is about the
members of the Madrigal family, who live in an enchanted home that imbues each
of them with a special magical ability, as a rite of passage. Almost everyone, that is,
since the central character is Mirabel Madrigal, a young woman who was
seemingly passed over for a special ability, though her sisters and other
relatives enjoy super strength, flower growing, healing through cooking, super
hearing and other unique skills. But ordinary Mirabel is the normal one, the
glue that holds the family together. Until she discovers that the “magical
house” (and the village that has grown up to surround it) is losing its magic
and cracking apart. Mirabel goes on a quest, to find her missing uncle (whose
ability of seeing future events foresaw this very calamity), and to see if
there is anything she can do to prevent catastrophe for her family.
The music in Encanto is catchy and memorable, particularly the snappy songs “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”, “Surface Pressure” and “Dos Orugitas”. The musical orchestral score by Germaine Franco is very atmospheric and flavorful, and I strongly recommend checking out the soundtrack CD to supplement your enjoyment of the film itself. As with many Lin-Manuel Miranda songs (see: Hamilton, and In the Heights), many of his rapid lyrics can slip by you on first exposure, but listening to the songs several times allows for greater appreciation of his wordplay.
I missed the typical “villain” to rail
against, but the theme of family, forgiveness and perseverance in times of
chaos and adversity was a strong one. The many, many colorful characters also
gave all viewers someone to identify with and root for. I found Mirabel’s
journey of personal growth very fulfilling.
All in all, Encanto is a very strong
entry in the Disney animated film catalog, and I highly recommend both the film
and the soundtrack album!
(If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Moana, or Raya and the Last Dragon.)
( Internet Movie Database entry for this film )
| ( official Encanto Facebook page )
Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service
Have you watched this one or listened to the soundtrack?
What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?
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