The magic of ENCANTO | Movie Review
Disney's Encanto is easily the best movie I've watched in 2021. It is truly "fantastical and magical". Everything about it bursts with hope and life, something we all need in light of hot summers and Covid.
Even though it's technically not a Christmas movie, it's one of my favourite Christmas presents from the internet. Especially because it was released one day before Christmas, and we all know those early presents are the best. It's like cheating the system, but legally.
Encanto is one of my most anticipated movie releases of 2021, along with Marvel's Black Widow and Spielberg's West Side Story. Where Marvel failed to win me heart and body, and where I failed to watch Romeo and Juliet but with guns in time for New Year, Encanto will be with me forever. *cue Titanic theme*
Let's get to!
Comment + Share + Follow
Enjoyability | ⭑⭑⭑⭑
In case the intro wasn't already clear, I love Encanto. If I could adopt it, I would. Why do I love it so much? I'm glad you asked. If you didn't, I'm going to tell you anyway.
Source: Gif Abyss
Firstly, aesthetics. Maybe it's a shallow reason, but strong aesthetics are important to me. Encanto is vibrant. The colours, the design, the animation. It pops, and it invites you right in. The characters are all unique from the members of our main Madrigal family to the three caffeinated kids. Of course, we have the magic, which embodies the characters and the central theme, which we'll get to later.
Secondly, novelty. The world of Encanto is based on Colombia and gives a distinct feel compared to the other movies I watched, which were generally set in modern day America. It affects the soundtrack, the symbolism, the characters. The plot even references real world events.
Besides those two reasons, Encanto also feels real. Despite the magic, the theme and the resulting emotional vulnerability is something many people can relate to. It deals a lot with generational trauma, which impacts so many of us, providing a strong sense of connection to the characters. Even the ones who get five minutes of screen time. Sometimes less.
I don't cry much for fiction. Yeah, I say it a lot, but it's because I only cry for the good ones. The good ones are the ones that I tend to review. Like Encanto. I teared up and worse, cried several times. Sure, it's light hearted and fun, but it doesn't shy away from the consequences of harsh reality.
In case the intro wasn't already clear, I love Encanto. If I could adopt it, I would. Why do I love it so much? I'm glad you asked. If you didn't, I'm going to tell you anyway.
|
| Source: Gif Abyss |
Firstly, aesthetics. Maybe it's a shallow reason, but strong aesthetics are important to me. Encanto is vibrant. The colours, the design, the animation. It pops, and it invites you right in. The characters are all unique from the members of our main Madrigal family to the three caffeinated kids. Of course, we have the magic, which embodies the characters and the central theme, which we'll get to later.
Secondly, novelty. The world of Encanto is based on Colombia and gives a distinct feel compared to the other movies I watched, which were generally set in modern day America. It affects the soundtrack, the symbolism, the characters. The plot even references real world events.
Besides those two reasons, Encanto also feels real. Despite the magic, the theme and the resulting emotional vulnerability is something many people can relate to. It deals a lot with generational trauma, which impacts so many of us, providing a strong sense of connection to the characters. Even the ones who get five minutes of screen time. Sometimes less.
I don't cry much for fiction. Yeah, I say it a lot, but it's because I only cry for the good ones. The good ones are the ones that I tend to review. Like Encanto. I teared up and worse, cried several times. Sure, it's light hearted and fun, but it doesn't shy away from the consequences of harsh reality.
Characters | ⭑⭑⭑⭑
I took an immediate liking to Mirabel. Strange, since I don't like main characters much. I don't know why, it just happens. But Mirabel is spunky without being obnoxious. She's got the snark and a big heart, which seems to be rare, for some reason.
The special thing about Mirable is that she doesn't have a superpower amidst her superpowered family. Understandably, she doesn't always feel positively about this, but she doesn't let jealousy drive her. She still loves her family and wants the best for them.
This feeling of not being enough permeates the whole family in different ways. It's not just a thematic convenience, but it's directly affected by the magic system. - Luisa (sister, superstrength) always has to be strong and useful. If she can't handle everything, she's not good enough.
- Isabella (sister, flower power) has to be perfect. Anything less than perfect is frowned upon, even if it's amazing for an average person. This standard restricts her powers.
- Pepa (aunt, weather control) has to force herself to be happy 24/7. Not pretend to be happy, but to literally be happy. She can't feel negative emotions or else the weather will go crazy. Thing is, repressing emotions will just cause worse outbreaks.
- Dolores (cousin, super hearing) knows all, so no secrets with her. You can imagine how hard it is to make meaningful connections with people.
- Camilo (cousin, shapeshifting) is only useful when he's not himself.
That doesn't include Mirabel's mum and uncle. Felix and Agustin married into the family, so they have no powers either. And what's the root of all this? Abuela, the matriarch of the family and the keeper of the miracle.
She's the antagonist without being the bad guy, something Disney's becoming better at creating. The pressures she puts on her family are inexcusable, but when we learn more about her, we can understand why she does it. Abuela is dedicated to helping the community, but in doing so, she forgets to take care of her family.
The characterisation broke stereotypes in a way that should've been done ages ago. Lousia is buff, but instead of playing into the "dumb muscle" trope, she's smart while still being feminine. Isa, even after her transformation, doesn't cut her hair or tear her dress because she's breaking the "perfect girl" stereotypes. Instead, the only thing that changes is her self confidence and the colours of her dress, making this the actual breaking of stereotypes. Mirabel, our driving force of Encanto, wears glasses. How many protagonists do we see do that? And that's just three of the Madrigals. All of them are humanised as much as can be in the little bit of screen time that they have. There are some leads in other series that don't have that.
The characters feel authentic, and I sincerely hope that the inevitable sequel Disney makes will do Encanto justice and expand on the characters who didn't get the spotlight this round.
I took an immediate liking to Mirabel. Strange, since I don't like main characters much. I don't know why, it just happens. But Mirabel is spunky without being obnoxious. She's got the snark and a big heart, which seems to be rare, for some reason.
The special thing about Mirable is that she doesn't have a superpower amidst her superpowered family. Understandably, she doesn't always feel positively about this, but she doesn't let jealousy drive her. She still loves her family and wants the best for them.
This feeling of not being enough permeates the whole family in different ways. It's not just a thematic convenience, but it's directly affected by the magic system.
- Luisa (sister, superstrength) always has to be strong and useful. If she can't handle everything, she's not good enough.
- Isabella (sister, flower power) has to be perfect. Anything less than perfect is frowned upon, even if it's amazing for an average person. This standard restricts her powers.
- Pepa (aunt, weather control) has to force herself to be happy 24/7. Not pretend to be happy, but to literally be happy. She can't feel negative emotions or else the weather will go crazy. Thing is, repressing emotions will just cause worse outbreaks.
- Dolores (cousin, super hearing) knows all, so no secrets with her. You can imagine how hard it is to make meaningful connections with people.
- Camilo (cousin, shapeshifting) is only useful when he's not himself.
That doesn't include Mirabel's mum and uncle. Felix and Agustin married into the family, so they have no powers either. And what's the root of all this? Abuela, the matriarch of the family and the keeper of the miracle.
She's the antagonist without being the bad guy, something Disney's becoming better at creating. The pressures she puts on her family are inexcusable, but when we learn more about her, we can understand why she does it. Abuela is dedicated to helping the community, but in doing so, she forgets to take care of her family.
The characterisation broke stereotypes in a way that should've been done ages ago. Lousia is buff, but instead of playing into the "dumb muscle" trope, she's smart while still being feminine. Isa, even after her transformation, doesn't cut her hair or tear her dress because she's breaking the "perfect girl" stereotypes. Instead, the only thing that changes is her self confidence and the colours of her dress, making this the actual breaking of stereotypes. Mirabel, our driving force of Encanto, wears glasses. How many protagonists do we see do that? And that's just three of the Madrigals. All of them are humanised as much as can be in the little bit of screen time that they have. There are some leads in other series that don't have that.
The characters feel authentic, and I sincerely hope that the inevitable sequel Disney makes will do Encanto justice and expand on the characters who didn't get the spotlight this round.
Plot | ⭑⭑⭑⭑
The plot made sense. It might be an odd thing to say, but it fills my structured brain with joy. So praise indeed. Encanto is so thematically strong. In the characters, we see the internal struggles. In the plot, we see the external struggles; the result of the pressures fracturing the strong family bond.
"Maybe your gift is being in denial"
Source: Gif Abyss
*spoilers* In the first quarter of the movie, we have the set up. We learn about the magic and, in true musical style, the main crew. The main gimmick here is that cousin Antonio gets his superpower. At the end, we finish with learning about why the magic is so important and reintroduce the Madrigal family as they reforge their bond after the breakup of sorts. And after so long, Mirabel gets her kind-of-superpower and returns the magic to their house.
In the second quarter, we learn about Luisa's struggles and search for weird uncle Bruno. Reflected across the midpoint, we meet weird uncle Bruno and learn about Isa's struggles. (The midpoint in question is a super catchy song about weird uncle Bruno and a hilariously disastrous dinner.) *end spoilers*
What I'm trying to say is: symmetry. The parallels are so perfect I love it so much.
The plot made sense. It might be an odd thing to say, but it fills my structured brain with joy. So praise indeed. Encanto is so thematically strong. In the characters, we see the internal struggles. In the plot, we see the external struggles; the result of the pressures fracturing the strong family bond.
|
| "Maybe your gift is being in denial" Source: Gif Abyss |
*spoilers* In the first quarter of the movie, we have the set up. We learn about the magic and, in true musical style, the main crew. The main gimmick here is that cousin Antonio gets his superpower. At the end, we finish with learning about why the magic is so important and reintroduce the Madrigal family as they reforge their bond after the breakup of sorts. And after so long, Mirabel gets her kind-of-superpower and returns the magic to their house.
In the second quarter, we learn about Luisa's struggles and search for weird uncle Bruno. Reflected across the midpoint, we meet weird uncle Bruno and learn about Isa's struggles. (The midpoint in question is a super catchy song about weird uncle Bruno and a hilariously disastrous dinner.) *end spoilers*
What I'm trying to say is: symmetry. The parallels are so perfect I love it so much.
Worldbuilding | ⭑⭑⭑⭒
The Madrigal's world is based on Colombia, and while my geography skills can't tell whether it's accurate, it's a vastly different feel from what is expected. Exploring different cultures is something mainstream media is getting better at, and it's super exciting.
Now, let's talk about the magic system. It's simple to understand. The candle saves the refugees when it suddenly reveals its magical qualities. Once you're of age, you touch the miracle candle, touch a door handle and your powers (and new bedroom) come to life.
The ritual is...different. But whelming. It doesn't excite me or horrify me. It made me feel whelmed. I also want to know how Abuela figured out all the nuances to the magic. Unless I completely missed something, I can think of nothing that would have caused Abuela to tell her kids -- at a highly specific age -- to touch the candle and touch a doorknob. Except maybe hallucinations. But that's something I want answered. Perhaps I love hard magic systems a bit too much, but my hyperactive brain can't stop puzzling this out.
The rooms themselves are amazing. Firstly, it's personalised to the character's powers and personality. Secondly, it's like a whole world in a normal sized room. Kind of like the wardrobe and Narnia, but a bedroom.
Source: Tenor
While the source of the power is constant, the powers given are random. You can look deep into them and suss out a link for sure, but there's no obvious connection. There's no theme. I'm the kind of person who likes cohesiveness, so this bugs me.
There are, however, several factors that make this okay. The powers are limited to a small number of people. The less powers there are, the less chaotic it seems. The magic is also woven into society in a natural way. The Madrigals can be considered of a government status because, as we all know, fame equals power. But unlike politicians, they use their powers for good as best they can. Architecture, hospitality, general citizen assistance. Most importantly, the powers reflect the theme and character arcs. As long as it does that, I'm willing to overlook nitpicks.
The Madrigal's world is based on Colombia, and while my geography skills can't tell whether it's accurate, it's a vastly different feel from what is expected. Exploring different cultures is something mainstream media is getting better at, and it's super exciting.
Now, let's talk about the magic system. It's simple to understand. The candle saves the refugees when it suddenly reveals its magical qualities. Once you're of age, you touch the miracle candle, touch a door handle and your powers (and new bedroom) come to life.
The ritual is...different. But whelming. It doesn't excite me or horrify me. It made me feel whelmed. I also want to know how Abuela figured out all the nuances to the magic. Unless I completely missed something, I can think of nothing that would have caused Abuela to tell her kids -- at a highly specific age -- to touch the candle and touch a doorknob. Except maybe hallucinations. But that's something I want answered. Perhaps I love hard magic systems a bit too much, but my hyperactive brain can't stop puzzling this out.
The rooms themselves are amazing. Firstly, it's personalised to the character's powers and personality. Secondly, it's like a whole world in a normal sized room. Kind of like the wardrobe and Narnia, but a bedroom.
|
| Source: Tenor |
While the source of the power is constant, the powers given are random. You can look deep into them and suss out a link for sure, but there's no obvious connection. There's no theme. I'm the kind of person who likes cohesiveness, so this bugs me.
There are, however, several factors that make this okay. The powers are limited to a small number of people. The less powers there are, the less chaotic it seems. The magic is also woven into society in a natural way. The Madrigals can be considered of a government status because, as we all know, fame equals power. But unlike politicians, they use their powers for good as best they can. Architecture, hospitality, general citizen assistance. Most importantly, the powers reflect the theme and character arcs. As long as it does that, I'm willing to overlook nitpicks.
Music | ⭑⭑⭑⭑
Disclaimer: The music section is special to musicals, so I'm only going to talk about the singing and dancing parts, not the general soundtrack.
The music is done by Lin Manuel Miranda, and if you're not familiar with him already, you should be. He's the genius behind In The Heights, Moana, and this one random show called Hamilton. Miranda doesn't disappoint in Encanto.
Even without the context of the movie, all the songs are catchy. With context, the songs have so much depth. Of course, we have leitmotifs for different characters and associated themes. They have different "cadences" that distinguish their personalities. For example, Dolores raps while Camilo takes his time with his lyrics. For the ones that get a solo, the characters get different genres. Mirabel has a waltz, Luisa reggaeton and Isa's is akin to the typical pop princess song. It's so fitting to the characters and the world.
Source: IceGif
Special shoutout to that one moment in We Don't Talk About Bruno where the character's verses overlap. Chills, guys, chills.
I reckon authors can take notes from the lyrics. Of course, lyrics don't translate directly to prose, but it's a good exercise if you want to strengthen or make your prose more beautiful. The way poetic devices are used is phenomenal. My favourites are the rhymes and assonance, metaphors and allusions. You should go check the lyrics out. Right now.
One of the lyrical themes throughout Encanto is the constellation metaphor. In the opening, The Family Madrigal, we start with "This is my family, a perfect constellation / So many stars and everybody gets to shine". Mirabel expresses her "longing to shine like all of you [her family] shine" in Waiting on a Miracle repeatedly, reinforcing that theme.
The music is amazing. I could go on and on and on about it, but I'm just going to dot point some of my favourite lines.- Waiting on a Miracle: "And I'm fine. I am totally fine."
- Surface Pressure: "I'm pretty sure I'm worthless if I can't be of service" and "Watch as she buckles and bends but never breaks."
- We Don't Talk About Bruno: *everything*
- What Else can I do?: "It's not symmetrical or perfect / But it's beautiful, and it's mine", "What could I do if I just knew it didn't need to be perfect / It just needed to be, and they'd let me be" and "I'm so sick of pretty, I want something true, don't you".
- All of You: "Look at this family, a glowing constellation / So full of stars and everybody wants to shine / But the stars don't shine, they burn / And the constellations shift."
(I know I said I wouldn't talk about the general soundtrack, but one of the scores is called Dysfunctional Tango and it's perfect.)
Disclaimer: The music section is special to musicals, so I'm only going to talk about the singing and dancing parts, not the general soundtrack.
The music is done by Lin Manuel Miranda, and if you're not familiar with him already, you should be. He's the genius behind In The Heights, Moana, and this one random show called Hamilton. Miranda doesn't disappoint in Encanto.
Even without the context of the movie, all the songs are catchy. With context, the songs have so much depth. Of course, we have leitmotifs for different characters and associated themes. They have different "cadences" that distinguish their personalities. For example, Dolores raps while Camilo takes his time with his lyrics. For the ones that get a solo, the characters get different genres. Mirabel has a waltz, Luisa reggaeton and Isa's is akin to the typical pop princess song. It's so fitting to the characters and the world.
|
| Source: IceGif |
Special shoutout to that one moment in We Don't Talk About Bruno where the character's verses overlap. Chills, guys, chills.
I reckon authors can take notes from the lyrics. Of course, lyrics don't translate directly to prose, but it's a good exercise if you want to strengthen or make your prose more beautiful. The way poetic devices are used is phenomenal. My favourites are the rhymes and assonance, metaphors and allusions. You should go check the lyrics out. Right now.
One of the lyrical themes throughout Encanto is the constellation metaphor. In the opening, The Family Madrigal, we start with "This is my family, a perfect constellation / So many stars and everybody gets to shine". Mirabel expresses her "longing to shine like all of you [her family] shine" in Waiting on a Miracle repeatedly, reinforcing that theme.
The music is amazing. I could go on and on and on about it, but I'm just going to dot point some of my favourite lines.
- Waiting on a Miracle: "And I'm fine. I am totally fine."
- Surface Pressure: "I'm pretty sure I'm worthless if I can't be of service" and "Watch as she buckles and bends but never breaks."
- We Don't Talk About Bruno: *everything*
- What Else can I do?: "It's not symmetrical or perfect / But it's beautiful, and it's mine", "What could I do if I just knew it didn't need to be perfect / It just needed to be, and they'd let me be" and "I'm so sick of pretty, I want something true, don't you".
- All of You: "Look at this family, a glowing constellation / So full of stars and everybody wants to shine / But the stars don't shine, they burn / And the constellations shift."
(I know I said I wouldn't talk about the general soundtrack, but one of the scores is called Dysfunctional Tango and it's perfect.)
~
Final rating: ★★★★★
Encanto is by far my favourite movie of 2021, and it deserves to be the last post for the year. Last but not least, and stuff. It's one of Disney's best, and it's good to know that Disney is leaning towards inclusiveness and diversity. From the world to characters to story to music, Encanto has it all.
Before I end, shoutout to the artsy team! Everything and everyone is gorgeous. The animation is dynamic and beautiful. Honestly, go watch it for the razzle dazzle if nothing else, lol.
Until next time, happy authoring and happy new year!
Encanto is by far my favourite movie of 2021, and it deserves to be the last post for the year. Last but not least, and stuff. It's one of Disney's best, and it's good to know that Disney is leaning towards inclusiveness and diversity. From the world to characters to story to music, Encanto has it all.
Before I end, shoutout to the artsy team! Everything and everyone is gorgeous. The animation is dynamic and beautiful. Honestly, go watch it for the razzle dazzle if nothing else, lol.
Until next time, happy authoring and happy new year!
Comments
Post a Comment