Encanto breaks down cultural borders to allow audience vicarious opportunities
Disney’s recent push to tell stories from a variety of different cultures has led to some touching and enjoyable films loved by audiences including Moana and Raya and the Last Dragon. Encanto now joins this pantheon as the latest multicultural effort. The newest Disney animated movie tells the story of the magical Madrigals, a Colombian family where each member has their own special gift. Unfortunately, fifteen-year-old Mirabel is the only one born into her family who had not received her own unique ability. The Madrigals live in the mountains of Colombia in a charming village called “the Encanto.” The movie centers around Mirabel’s mission to save the family miracle when she learns it is in danger. From the festive music, clothing, and dancing, to the language and setting, Colombian culture emanates from every fiber of this film.
When it comes to Disney, the music is usually one of the key aspects of any film. Encanto includes several songs that celebrate Colombian culture. The first song in the film, “The Family Madrigal,” introduces the audience to the focal family. The instrumentals in the song include classic instruments and rhythm. This song echoes the energy from classic Colombian folk tunes with lyrics like “It sounds a bit fantastical and magical”. Another title in the film, “Columbia, Mi Encanto,” is a completely Spanish song that shares the beauty of Columbia. Critically acclaimed songwriter of the project, Lin Manuel Miranda, uses his lyrics to depict the charm of the indigenous culture by saying, “Colombia, te quiero tanto/Que Siempre me enamora tu Encanto,” which translates to “Colombia, I love you so much/I always fall in love with your enchantment.” For Miranda, the music in the film was inspired by musicians from all parts of Columbia to really make it as culturally accurate as possible. Not only are the songs relevant to the culture they were portraying, but are loved by fans due to their upbeat tune and fun lyrics.
The animators tasked with designing the clothing for each of the characters did a great job not only maintaining cultural and historical accuracy, but also demonstrating each character’s uniqueness through what they wear. Traditional Colombian dresses and skirts are reflected in the outfit design of the women of the family, but each with their own personal touch. Luisa’s skirt has weights embroidered on the bottom to represent her super-strength, while Dolores’s skirt has sound waves to represent her advanced hearing. This theme of the clothing being culturally accurate as well as unique to each character is also reflected in Camilo’s outfit. He wears a Ruana, a poncho-style outer garment native to the Colombian Andes, and on his ruana, there are woven chameleons that represent his shapeshifting ability. Overall, the clothing in this film portrays the diversity of not only the culture but also the characters of the film.
Family is a major cultural value in Colombia, so the overall theme of the importance of such relationships is no surprise. Each family member wants to be as “perfect” as they can in order to please Abuela. She believed that they must serve the community to prove that they deserve the miracles bestowed upon them. Even Bruno, Mirabel’s uncle, who was seen as the black sheep, still shares that love for his family despite the way they devalued him.
Although the audience can see the importance of such values, the practice may not be for one’s own good. Isabela, Mirabel’s eldest sister who can make flowers bloom, is the so-called “perfect golden child” of the family. Abuela expects her especially to maintain this image of perfection. Though her powers may seem like a benefit to the family and community, Isabel struggles with maintaining her status because of the lack of freedom that results from it. She is expected to marry a man she doesn’t love, and it pushes her to her breaking point. By the end of the film, Abuela realizes that the importance of family is not what they do for others but what they do together. She learns that her family is more than their gift, and the true miracle arises from love and relationship.
The overall theme makes this movie unique because it is not your typical hero versus villain story or love tale. The cultural diversity champions inclusivity for its audiences. With its cultural representation varying from the music and clothing to the theme of the story, Encanto has made a name for itself globally, all while being true to the cultural roots of the story.
by Erin Fox
Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue IV
January 31st, 2022