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Disney's 'Encanto' teaches us to see God in ourselves and others
A scene from the movie "Encanto" (CNS/Disney)
by Facundo Gonzalez Icardi
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Disney's new animated movie, "Encanto," provides deep insight into the spiritual nature of human beings and our yearning to encounter God.
NCR goes to the movies
On March 25, NCR Opinion & Culture Editor Olga Segura moderated a conversation about the 2022 Oscars with Jose Solís and Sr. Rose Pacatte. This year's awards ceremony, honoring movies released in 2021, is Sunday, March 27. Here are the nominated movies NCR has reviewed. " Being the Ricardos " " The Hand of God " " CODA " " The Eyes of Tammy Faye " " Attica " " Don't Look Up " " Dune " " Encanto " " No Time To Die " " Nightmare Alley "
Set in Colombia, the movie revolves around la familia Madrigal , a family blessed with an encanto , a magical enchantment that gives all the members of the family a gift. These include superhuman strength, the ability to communicate with animals, controlling the weather or shapeshifting. All members of the family receive their gift at age 6 and use it to help their village; all of them, that is, except Mirabel.
The movie, with music composed by the genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda, tackles intergenerational trauma and the pressure to uphold family expectations among complicated family dynamics and relationships. Being the only member of her family without a gift, Mirabel feels constantly neglected and rejected by her family, especially the family matriarch Abuela Alma, whose general attitude of disapproval toward Mirabel sets the foundation for Mirabel's feeling of not belonging.
All these feelings are captured in the song, "Waiting on a Miracle," in which Mirabel describes her yearning to belong, to be like the rest of her family. In a quasi-spiritual manner, she prays that she can be blessed with a miracle.
As I was rewatching the movie, a good friend pointed out a particular line in the song, where Mirabel sings: "I am ready, come on, I'm ready / I've been patient, and steadfast, and steady / bless me now as you blessed us all those years ago." Mirabel is longing, yearning for a gift, something out of the ordinary and grandiose to prove that she belongs, that she is worthy of her family's love.
She begs and pleads for something to happen. How often do we pray, and plead, and beg for God to perform something extraordinary in our life? How often are we waiting on a miracle?
Someone once told me that miracles are nothing but God's ordinary truth seen with surprised eyes. That which is surprising to us is recognizing God by who God is: an omnipotent being, capable of moving mountains and turning water into wine.
Yet too often these are the only actions that we think of as miraculous. How frequently, though, do we think of the mundane as miraculous as well? St. Ignatius reminds us that we can find God in all things since all creation reveals God's majesty and grandeur. God's presence is all around us, and recognizing that presence is recognizing a miracle.
Toward the end of the movie, Mirabel realizes that the true miracle is not the extraordinary gifts that her family has, but rather the ordinary ways in which they can show each other how they love, care for and support one another. She realizes, as do we, that the miracle that she is yearning for has been around her this whole time.
The real miracle is not strength, the ability to communicate with animals or shapeshifting. The miracle, as the last song reveals, is all of them, coming together, loving each other and embracing their true selves, without reservations, and unconditionally.
In one of the most moving scenes in the film, Mirabel and Abuela Alma talk by the river where the family's magic was born. The younger Madrigal acknowledges and centers Alma's pain and suffering at raising her three kids after losing her husband and home. Together, both women listen to one another and help each other heal.
Each family member, in one way or another, learns that the miracle — the magic — was in who God created them to be. They embrace and love every aspect of themselves, recognizing the fearful and wonderful miracle that we each possess as human beings.
"Encanto" is a story of self-discovery and self-worth, where the characters learn to embrace and love their true, authentic selves through intergenerational familial healing.
*An earlier version of this essay misspelled Mirabel's name.
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Catholic Review
Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore
Movie Review: ‘Encanto’
NEW YORK (CNS) — Will viewers be charmed by “Encanto” (Disney)? For the most part, the answer is probably yes, though this vivacious animated musical does include content that could be of concern for the parents of impressionable kids.
The setting, from which the film takes its title, is an enchanted enclave in Colombia. Long ago, this realm became home to Alma (voice of María Cecilia Botero), a then-young refugee mother who had recently been widowed when her courageous husband fell afoul of a band of soldiers.
Now, Abuela Alma presides as the matriarch of both her community and her family, the Madrigals, each member of which has traditionally received a supernatural talent on reaching the age of 5. All, that is, except Alma’s 15-year-old granddaughter Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz) who, a decade back, awaited her gift in vain.
As Mirabel, strong-willed Alma and Mirabel’s protective parents, Julieta (voice of Angie Cepeda) and Agustín (voice of Wilmer Valderrama), continue to wrestle with this misfortune, they find themselves threatened with a far worse one. A dark vision of the whole clan’s doom granted years before to Mirabel’s Uncle Bruno (voice of John Leguizamo) seems on the verge of fulfillment.
Amid colorful visuals and catchy songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the script, penned by Charise Castro Smith and Jared Bush (both of whom co-directed with Byron Howard), delivers worthy messages about community service, cooperation and family reconciliation. Yet “Encanto” may not be a good fit for the youngest moviegoers for a variety of reasons.
Along with the screenplay’s strong emphasis on magic — including divination — and the vivid dangers through which Mirabel must pass, the movie also includes a slightly ambiguous treatment of religion.
Thus the namesake area includes a church whose amiable, briefly glimpsed priest is shown to be a local leader. Yet if the mystical is pervasive — the Madrigals, for example, live in a house that’s essentially alive and that moves its elements around to protect and accommodate them — Christianity has only a marginal presence in the movie. That’s an imbalance that might be hard to explain to small fry.
On the other hand, there’s certainly no note of animosity against the faith discernable in the proceedings. Instead, Catholicism seems to be momentarily acknowledged as part of the culture, but then implicitly relegated to a state of mild-mannered irrelevance.
“Encanto” is preceded by a sweet-natured short cartoon, “Far From the Tree.” The story of an overly curious young racoon, it includes some potentially scary moments, but is otherwise acceptable for all.
The film contains nonscriptural beliefs and practices and characters in peril. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
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Copyright © 2021 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
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Disney’s Latest Movie: Fun for the Whole Family or Just Another Movie About the Power of Family?
From tragedy comes triumph. The Madrigal family lives tucked away in the hills of Columbia. Each member of the family has magical powers. However, sometimes it takes the ordinary person to save the day. In this Disney Encanto Christian Movie review, I will give you the information you need to make informed viewing decisions with your family.
Additionally, you will get free printables to use with this movie. See the end of this review.
Encanto Christian Movie Review
When Abuela Alma Madrigal, her husband, and their newborn triplets were forced to flee their home, her husband was taken by a band of soldiers, and she was left alone at the river with her children. Abuela was magically given a candle that never burned out. The candle helped create the home the Madrigal family lives in, and each member of the family is given magical powers when they become a certain age.
Mirabel is the only person in the family who has not been blessed by magical powers. As the movie unfolds, the house that is a source of blessing and power and “holds everything together” starts to crack. Mirabel is the one that notices the cracks and attempts to find out what the cause is.
Disney Encanto Christian Movie Review Synopsis
This movie is visually stunning. It is colorful and warm and inviting. It gives you the feel of Coco and Moana wrapped up into one movie.
The style of dialogue makes you feel as if you are invited into the Madrigal family. Most of the songs are upbeat and there is a great overall message of the importance of family.
Additionally, the lesson learned is that even with the “black sheep” of the family, they are wanted, needed, and have something to offer. Even if you feel that you are not “special,” you have a gift to give.
The movie is vibrant and full of life. Its overarching theme is family. This is a multi-generational family living together. In the United States, we have rejected the notion of many generations living under one roof, and we have suffered for it. It is wonderful to see a family living and working together for the good of the family.
While many people love the music of Lin-Manuel Miranda, I personally find the songs hard to understand. The songs are upbeat, however, the words all run together. Therefore, the songs and the meanings are lost in a flurry of activity and whirlwind dancing. I know this is an unpopular opinion.
What Parents May Want to Know
First off, this movie has a lot of characters. The family is huge, and that means very little character development. The movie is also so fast-paced that it seems like Coco on triple the speed.
There is no foul language in this film. One use of “oh g-d.” One use of the word stupid.
An entire community is forced to flee their home. You do not see violence per se, but there are fires burning in the background, people are presumed to be killed, and one man is taken from his family.
A man is stung by bees several times throughout the movie which almost uses it as a funny subplot. His nose and ear are shown swollen.
I know I will get emails about this, but 1) You will not change my mind, and 2) The science shows that I am right! Fireworks including sparklers are dangerous for young kids. In this movie, kids are shown running with sparklers. I actually gasped when I saw this scene. Maybe it is a cultural thing in Colombia, but in the United States, more than half of injuries from fireworks in children 5 and under are caused by sparklers. The recommendation is that children under the age of 10 have adult supervision when handling sparklers.
Scary Moments:
There are several potentially scary moments in this film. There is a brief scene with a tornado-looking whirlpool, the house is cracking throughout the movie. A girl goes searching through the house and encounters cliffs, ledges, falling boulders, and rocks, etc. These are all brief scary situations.
There is a scene where Mirabel is being chased by a three-headed beast that has the potential to scare children.
Bruno is one of the long-lost triplets. When he reappears he looks creepy and has glowing eyes. In some scenes, he almost seems possessed. There is a scene where it looks like he is “conjuring” up an image. He has the gift of prophecy and he has visions.
None of the gifts are discussed in terms of where they come from or that God is the giver of all gifts. The word miracle is used over and over to describe the candle, the gifts, and the family home.
There is a church in the town and a priest, but there is never a mention of God.
Additional Information
If your child has ever been through a scary time involving their house this may be something that triggers those memories. Since some scenes may invoke the feelings one has after going through a hurricane, tornado, mudslide, or earthquake, I caution parents. These all have the potential to impact small children (and adults).
Although the family lives together, there is an underlying feeling from almost all the members of the family of “not being good enough.” Family definitely has that ability to make you feel that way. In many families they allow their own feelings of inadequacy to affect every other member of the family. However, in the end, this family came together stronger.
There is a boy that is a shape shifter. He can take anyone else’s appearance. He shifts into boys, girls, men and women.
As a former Catholic, you can definitely see hints of unspoken Catholicism in the movie.
Recommendation for viewing Disney Encanto
This movie is rated PG. It is generally suitable for most audiences. However, I caution those with the smallest of children. The movie shows a house cracking, a man with glowing eyes, and a few scary scenes. For the most part, I believe that children ages 6 and up should be fine, but if your child has been through something traumatic (earthquake, tornado) they may have problems watching some parts of this movie.
Overall the message of Encanto is about how our weaknesses can actually be our strengths, and the importance of family working together. However, it really does seem like this movie is just a remake. After talking with my family, I do think there is a lot of substance packed in this movie in a short period of time.
I want to rewatch it to see if my overall feelings of “It’s an okay movie” go away. After all, I didn’t love Frozen the first time I saw it and liked it the 2nd time. The 560th time – I could take it or leave it! LOL
Using Disney Encanto to Teach
Geography and science:.
This movie can be used to teach about the country of Colombia and its geography. Colombia is a country in South America.
Additionally, science can be taught through the landscape and plant and animal life. There is no official religion in Colombia, but it is approximately 90% Christian. Catholicism accounts for approximately 69% of Christians.
Spiritual Lessons from Encanto:
As a Christian who believes God gives us all gifts and those gifts are to help the body, the gift of prophecy is given by God to speak special messages to the people.
While the movie never mentions God, it is important as Christians for us to always point our children to God. What Abuela fears the most is losing the house. She has actually created the problems that she fears. Teach your children to think on things that are lovely and pure as commanded in Philippians 4:8:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
The powers that are given can also be found in the Bible, but make sure your children understand where our gifts come from and that God is the only one with power.
Gifts (powers) Mentioned In Encanto:
One sister has superhuman strength and can be compared to Samson. Samson’s strength was given by God and taken away by God.
Mirabel’s mother can heal with her food. There are numerous miracles in the Bible involving healing, however, it is God that heals.
Another sister has the ability to control the weather. God controls the weather. Job 37:10-13 “The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen. He loads the clouds with moisture; He scatters his lightning through them. At His direction, they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever He commands them. He brings the clouds to punish men, or to water His earth and show His love.”
Bruno has the gift of prophecy. Romans 12:6 says, “We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith.”
Other Magical Powers include: Talking to animals, growing plants, super hearing, and shapeshifting.
Character Lesson from Encanto:
Another teachable lesson in this movie is the importance of being who you were meant to be. This lesson is often repeated in Disney movies. In The Little Mermaid, Sebastian says, “Children got to be free to lead their own lives.” In Frozen, we see Elsa learning to live with who she is created to be.
When Will Encanto be Available on Disney Plus?
Encanto will be available to stream on Disney Plus at no added cost on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2021, at 3 AM.
My Favorite Qutoes from Disney Encanto Movie
Some of my favorite quotes are:
“My gift wasn’t helping the family.” This really resonated with me because I think we have the tendency to believe that we are not enough and need to be more than we are.
“Sometimes family weirdos get a bad rap.” Truth!
“Even in our darkest moments, there’s light where you least expect it.”
Disney Free Printables
There is nothing to do besides request these free downloads! This packet is filled with information and printables. HERE
Rated PG for some thematic elements and mild peril. Released: November 24, 2021 RUNTIME: 98 minutes
From Disney: “Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel. But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope.”
Furthermore, “the film features all-new songs by Emmy®, GRAMMY® and Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”) and is directed by Byron Howard (“Zootopia,” “Tangled”) and Jared Bush (co-director “Zootopia”), co-directed by Charise Castro Smith (writer “The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez”), and produced by Clark Spencer and Yvett Merino; Bush and Castro Smith are screenwriters on the film.”
Cast of Encanto
Stephanie Beatriz Mirabel
Maria Cecelia Botero AbuelaAlma
John Leguizamo Bruno
Mauro Castillo Felix
Jessica Darrow Luisa
Angie Cepeda Julieta
Carolina Gaitan Pepa
Diane Guerrero Isabela
Wilmer Valderrama Agustin
Rhenzy Feliz Camilo
Ravi Cabot-Conyers Antonio
Adassa Dolores
Maluma Mariano
Rose Portillo Senora Guzman
Noemi Josefina Flores Young Mirabel
Juan Castano Osvaldo
Sarah-Nicoles Robles Senora Ozma
Hector Elias Old Arturo
Directed By Byron Howard
Jared Bush and Charise Castro Smith
Produced By Clark Spencer and Yvett Merino
Reviewing movies for parents from a Christian perspective since 2005. Know Before You Go!
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