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Encanto (2021)

A magical family seeks to uncover the truth about their diminishing powers in Disney's Encanto.

The Family Madrigal, with Mirabel at the center, poses on the official Encanto poster
Encanto
PG
Director
Byron Howard , Jared Bush
Release Date
November 24, 2021
Studio
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Cast
Stephanie Beatriz , María Cecilia Botero , John Leguizamo , Mauro Castillo , Jessica Darrow , Angie Cepeda , Carolina Gaitan , Diane Guerrero , Wilmer Valderrama
Writers
Charise Castro Smith , Jared Bush
Runtime
102 minutes
Tagline
Magical House. Magical Family.
Main Genre
Animation

Summary

Disney's Encanto is an animated fantasy film that is chock full of musical numbers and adventures. It was directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard and co-directed by Charise Castro Smith, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Bush. The film follows the Madrigals, a Colombian family led by the matriarch Alma Madrigal. However, what makes the Madrigals so special is their magical powers. Each member of the family has a unique power, from controlling the weather and creating medicinal food to clairvoyance and super-strength. While the majority of the Madrigals aren't short on otherworldly abilities, there is one exception. Alma's free-spirited granddaughter, Mirabel, remains the only family member without a magical gift. However, when the family's power begins waning, it's the unlikely hero Mirabel that sets out to find the mysterious cause. The situation threatens not only the Madrigals but their entire community, which reestablished itself in a forest enclave after fleeing conquerors decades prior. As such, Encanto goes beyond the typical animated children's tale to explore themes of generational trauma, fractured family dynamics and the challenges faced by refugees. It's because of these deeper themes that Encanto has captured the hearts of audiences. The film was released in 2021 to critical acclaim, with praise bestowed upon its character development, music, animation, voice acting performances (many of which were played by actors with Colombian heritage) and cultural themes. Along with numerous nominations, Encanto won Best Animated Film at the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, the BAFTAs, the Producers Guild of America and the National Board of Review. Because of its depth, the film has also been the subject of many fan theories on characters and plot points. Many of these have even been addressed by the filmmakers themselves, including popular ones such as the magical candle's origin and how each of the Madrigals' gifts stems from their personalities.

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