Encanto Review — Disney’s Among the Best Musical-Animation Film

Disney's latest film about a gifted Colombian family features spectacular animation, a masterfully composed tale, and enchanting music.

Photo from Disney

Watching movies together is one of the all-time favorite family bonding for most people. Even in family reunions or holiday seasons, everyone—adults or children—gets excited for a nice movie night. Last Christmas season, Disney released a sweet, feel-good family film called 'Encanto.' Walt Disney Animation Studios has been producing appealing animated feature films to the audience for decades, and reviewers claim their 60th movie as one of the greatest. Critics have overwhelmingly commended the film for its animation style, variety, and spellbinding melodies.

Encanto is a Colombian magical realism story about a family that gains unique powers after surviving a catastrophe. A few generations later, they live together in a magical house, and each member develops a unique gift, such as the power to manipulate the weather, transform into certain people, communicate with animals, etc. Their home “Casita” responds to their family's feelings and desires. Each bedroom is magically fitted to the family members and their magical ability—all of them except Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz).

The film follows Mirabel, the only child who didn’t receive her gift, as she strives to fit in with a family so outstanding that her captious Abuela Alma (Mara Cecilia Botero) disappoints her at every point. It's difficult for Mirabel to stand out when her mother, Julieta (Angie Cepeda), can heal wounds with her cooking, her oldest sister Luisa (Jessica Darrow) could indeed lift any heavy objects with ease, and her second sister Isabela (Diane Guerrero) who can grow the most beautiful flowers in town.

Mirabel discovers fractures in the family's Casita but no one believes her (well, in Abuela’s case, she denies but secretly worries about it) and dismisses her concerns. On her own and with a little help from her estranged uncle Bruno (John Leguizamo), Mirabel must figure out what is going on in order to save both her family and her home.

The story of a homeland lost and a family rebuilding in a new land is not uncommon for so many immigrant families; and to compassionately include it as part of a charming Disney film, perhaps a new generation will have a better sense of belonging or at least the solace of knowing that others have shared their experience. It could help youngsters who didn't grow up hearing stories about a familial loss and reconciliation to appreciate those who did. Perhaps that’s an optimistic assessment for a film that many people will rush to. Overall, Encanto is one of the most endearing animated films by Walt Disney Animation Studios.