Encanto

Encanto (2021)

IMDB RATINGS: 7.2

Encanto belongs to that genre of movies that captivate the imagination of audience of all ages: coming-of age fantasy. With its theatrical release due on the 24th of November, 2021, this computer-animated musical by Walt Disney Animation Studios is directed by Byron Howard and Jared Bush. Encanto tells the story of Mirabel Madrigal, a young girl living in an enchanted town in Colombia.

The town that Mirabel Madrigal lives in so magical that every member of the family has some sort of super power, such as super strength and super healing powers. Mariel’s uncle, Bruno Madrigel, has the power to see into the future. Her eldest sister, Louisa Madrigel, has the biggest biceps in all of Disney history of characters and can lift any burden without complaint. Her second older sister has the super power to make flowers bloom everywhere. Pepa Madrigal, Mirabel's aunt, can control the weather. Dolores Madrigal, Mirabel's cousin, has enhanced hearing. Antonio Madrigal, Mirabel's youngest cousin, can speak to animals. Then there is Camilo Madrigal, Mirabel's cousin who has the ability to shape-shift.

Unfortunately, or so she thinks, Mirabel is the only child who is ordinary, which means that she does not have any super power. She is described as being emotional and empathetic, but also weird, quirky and imperfect. Understandably, Mirabel is frustrated about being the only one in the family who cannot be a super hero. However, in the course of the story, it becomes apparent to Mirabel that the magic of the town is diminishing and may one day vanish completely. This meant that the super powers of all the children will disappear. Mirabel, being the only ordinary girl in the town, believes that she may be destined to restore the magic of the town. She goes on a journey to save the family and their house, strengthened by the belief that she is the only one who can save her family from losing all their magic. Will she be able to bring back the magic to the family? Will she, an ordinary girl who has always suffered the frustration of being the only ordinary one in the Madrigal family without super powers, be strong enough to do it? There lies the suspense of the story.

Encanto stars the voices of Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel Madrigal, the lead protagonist, John Leguizamo as Bruno Madrigal, Mirabel's uncle, Jessica Darrow as Luisa Madrigal, Mirabel's eldest sister, Diane Guerrero as Isabela Madrigal, Mirabel's second older sister, Angie Cepeda as Julieta Madrigal, Mirabel's mother, and Wilmer Valderrama as Agustín Madrigal, Mirabel's father. The film’s songs are written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Key Takeaway for Kids

Kids can learn the importance of self-acceptance, family love, embracing differences, and the power of inner strength from the movie Encanto. The film portrays the story of a Colombian family with unique magical powers, where the main character struggles to find her place and purpose within her extraordinary family. Through her journey of self-discovery, she learns to accept and appreciate her own strengths and weaknesses, teaching children the valuable lesson of embracing their individuality.

The strong theme of family love and unity in Encanto emphasizes the significance of supporting and caring for one another, showcasing how a family's bond can help overcome challenges and difficulties. This sends a positive message to kids about the importance of family relationships and how they can rely on their loved ones during tough times.

Furthermore, Encanto highlights the idea of accepting differences and celebrating diversity within a family. The characters in the film each have their own unique abilities and personalities, showing children the beauty of diversity and how everyone has something special to offer.

Lastly, the movie emphasizes the power of inner strength and resilience, as the main character faces various obstacles but ultimately finds the courage to be true to herself. This encourages kids to believe in their capabilities and stay strong in the face of adversity.

Overall, Encanto provides valuable life lessons for kids about self-acceptance, family values, diversity, and the importance of inner strength, making it an impactful and educational movie for young audiences.