ENCANTO

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYBODY!

Today we are gonna take a look the 2021 DISNEY film “ENCANTO”. So let’s take a look and see how this “MAGICAL” movie was made!

Did you know that a certain song from the movie “FROZEN” [2013] can be heard during the film’s final musical number?

Towards the end of “ENCANTO”, “BRUNO” sings the line “let it out, let it in, LET IT GO!” and stretches his arms out in front of him [there is also a shot of some sand falling like snow]. This is similar to what “ELSA” does in “FROZEN” during the that particular musical number. You can also hear the notes from the piano introduction to the song “LET IT GO” from “FROZEN” when this line is sung.

Here are the lyrics in question:

“BRUNO”: “PEPA”, I'm sorry 'bout your wedding, didn't mean to be upsetting That wasn't a prophecy, I could just see you were sweating And I wanted you to know that your bro loves you so Let it in, let it out, let it rain, let it snow, LET IT GOOO!!!”

[From left to right: “DELORES” and “MIRABEL” from “ENCANTO” and “ELSA” from “FROZEN”. “ELSA’S” pose is what I was referring to. Sorry I was unable to find an image of “BRUNO” making the same pose.]

Do you know what the word “ENCANTO” really means?

Contrary to how the word is used in the film (including as the title), the word "ENCANTO" does not actually mean "enchantment". The Spanish word for that is "encantamiento". "ENCANTO" means high appeal or charm, and can be applied to "enchanting" people, places, animals or objects. The film attempts to use "ENCANTO" as a word of two meanings, much like the English word "charm" (both as appeal and as a magical spell), but its use to refer to a magical enchantment is incorrect.

[This location is a perfect example from CHAMAREL, MAURITIUS. Here is a brief synopsis: Though this EAST AFRICAN island attracts visitors primarily with its gorgeous, pristine beaches, if you venture inland you'll see this brilliant geological formation that translates to "SEVEN COLORED EARTHS."] There are other meanings for the word “ENCANTO”. But that list would take to long for me to write, so I will leave a link for you to use: https://www.dictionary.com/e/meaning-encanto-word/

Did you know that one of the actresses gave birth after she finished recording one of the songs?

While recording her vocals for "WAITING FOR A MIRACLE", STEPHANIE BEATRIZ [the voice of “MIRABEL”] was not only nine months pregnant, but technically in labor. She noticed her contractions the day of recording but said nothing because she "didn't want anyone to freak out." She finished the song successfully and gave birth to a daughter the following day!

[BEATRIZ]

[“MIRABEL”]

Did you know that THE PANDEMIC forced the studio to change their travel plans?

Originally DISNEY planned on taking lots of trips to COLOMBIA so the ANIMATORS could get a lot of inspiration, but THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC made this tricky. Instead, the ANIMATORS were given virtual tours of COLOMBIA to help fire their imaginations, and they did eventually get to go there in real life too!

[Here is a picture of a real city in COLOMBIA for example!]

In 2018, Directors BYRON HOWARD and JARED BUSH, along with Songwriter LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA and other key members of the production, undertook an extensive trip to COLOMBIA to immerse themselves in the culture. They met with Artisans, Chefs, and Architects, as well as visited the major cities of BOGOTA and CARTAGENA. However, they were particularly inspired by the small town of BARICHARA. Indeed, the Tourist Guide that showed them around, ALEJANDRA ESPINOSA URIBE, was hired as a Technical Consultant. She also inspired the look of “MIRABEL” with her curly hair and oversized glasses.

Did you know “MIRABEL’S” perspective is a very important part of the movie?

References to "eyes" and "appearance" occur frequently. The phrase, "Open your eyes/abre los ojos," is repeated multiple times, especially at the beginning and end. “MIRABEL” is the only blood “MADRIGAL” to wear glasses. Her glasses symbolize her unique perspective. She's constantly having to fidget with and adjust them to see correctly. Her green-framed glasses also mirror the glowing eyes of “BRUNO” when seeing a vision of the future, further tying the two of them together. “MIRABEL” is called “MIRA” for short. "mira" is Spanish for "look." “MIRABEL” is also the first main Disney-animated female character to wear glasses!

Do you know what “BRUNO” is saying when he is fixing up the house?

“BRUNO” can be heard saying, "Sana sana colita de rana" in the area where the house is being patched up. This is part of a longer rhyme--"Sana, sana, colita de rana/si no sana hoy, tu sana mañana"--. It means "Heal, heal, little tail of a frog/If you don't heal today, you'll heal tomorrow." This saying is said to kids in Spanish-speaking countries when they get hurt to comfort them.

BAND-AIDS with there favorite cartoon characters can also comfort and heal them. [I am not getting paid for this, I just thought that the image fit in perfectly with what I was just talking about.]

Did you know that the “MADRIGAL” family’s magical house, “CASITA”, was given the personality of a dog?

The “MADRIGAL” family lives in a magical house. Filmmakers explored how the home would behave on screen, considering many options before deciding that the house would be like a family dog. With a lively heart and soul, the house is a beloved member of the family. It has distinct relationships with each of the “MADRIGALS”— it might even pick a favorite from time to time!

[“CASITA” and “MIRABLE”.]

Did you know that DISNEY added certain cultural details with extra help from the locals?

DISNEY Filmmakers worked with local consultants to infuse the film with details that would be familiar to the people of COLOMBIA, and make their work authentic with a distinct cultural flavor. For example, some of the characters will point with their lips. This is a gesture done with the tilt of the head and a slight pucker of the lips. “MIRABEL” does this while trying to coax “ANTONIO” out from under the bed. “ENCANTO” was made in collaboration with THE COLOMBIAN CULTURAL TRUST, a group of experts in COLOMBIAN botany, music, language anthropology and architecture. Familia, a group of LATINX DISNEY ANIMATION employees, also met with the filmmakers throughout the process and shared their personal perspectives and experiences to help shape the film. Their work resulted in “ENCANTO”, the first DISNEY movie featuring LATINX characters. This is the first movie set within a specific LATIN AMERICAN culture, that of COLOMBIA, rather than a generic fictional LATINO community such as the kingdom of “AVALOR” from the DISNEY JUNIOR T.V. series “ELENA OF AVALOR” [2016-2020] for example. “ENCANTO” gives us COLOMBIAN storytelling, the DISNEY way.

[THE COLOMBIAN FLAG]

Did you know that “BRUNO” almost went by a completely different name?

From his offbeat personality to a certain chart-topping song, you may think that you know “BRUNO” inside and out by now. Before “BRUNO” was an awkward, vulnerable scene-stealer, though, the character was written with a cockier edge. The character wasn’t even named “BRUNO” in the beginning. Originally, he was “OSCAR MADRIGAL”. Since that’s a common name and DISNEY wanted to avoid any legal trouble, several alternatives were brainstormed. “ARLO”, “ANKO”, “ANDRE”, “EMO” and “MARCO” were some of the other options, but MIRANDA said that he liked “BRUNO” the best in a text. BUSH didn’t entirely understand why until he heard “Bruno, no, no, no.” Still, imagine an alternate reality where “WE DON’T TALK ABOUT OSCAR” wins an “OSCAR” for “BEST ORIGINAL SONG”.

[BRUNO]

Did you know that “MIRABEL” was originally going to be more like a Detective?

Here is a tweet from WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS X/TWITTER page and “ENCANTO” Story Artist MICHAEL HERRERA:

“Before we had the concept of “BRUNO’S” visions, “MIRABEL” had to do a lot of Detective work to piece things together. We tried a version where “AGUSTÍN” walks in on her clues. His stunned reaction stuck, as well as “DOLORES” hearing every word.”

[Here’s the original storyboard from HERRERA’S tweet.]

Now for some quick facts:

The credits alone took three months to finalize and put together, given that 800 people worked on the film.

While the film was being made, Latinx Disney employees had many conversations in their "Familia" group about displacement, pressures to succeed, gratitude for the sacrifices of parents/grandparents, and navigating responsibilities.

“ANTONIO” is so small that when he sits at the dinner table, he has to be on his knees just to be able to eat and converse with the family.

[I could not find the exact image that I was looking for but here is a shot of “ANTONIO” talking to a TOUCAN!]

The iconic plant from the movie “WALL-E” appears also tucked away in “BRUNO’S” hideout. The brown boot containing a green sprout like in the movie “WALL-E” was on a shelf in “BRUNO’S” room.

[There’s the plant!]

Also in that same shot is a picture of one of “BRUNO’S” rats imitating “SORCERER MICKEY” from “FANTASIA” [1940].

Did you know that “ENCANTO” took 5 years to make?

It’s all about perfecting the art. From the storyboards, scripts, musical performances, actors, and promotions – everything has to be done to the highest standard possible. “DISNEY’S ENCANTO” was five years in the making, and MIRANDA saw that it is his next big project. The main reason for its long production was the research on the cultural area of LATIN AMERICA. They chose COLOMBIA for its vibrant intersection between magic and culture. Its long-standing history served as the foundation for the film’s message.

Do you know just how popular the song “WE DON’T TALK ABOUT BRUNO” is?

That song has reached No. 1 on SPOTIFY as well as “THE BILLBOARD TOP 100”. This is only the second time that a song from a DISNEY animated film as reached No.1. “A WHOLE NEW WORLD” from “ALADDIN” reached No. 1 in 1993. “LET IT GO” from “FROZEN” peaked at No. 5 in 2014.

Did you know that the food that “MIRABEL’S” MOM, “JULIETA”, gives to people is more important than it seems?

In the “MADRIGAL” family, just about every member has a special power, including one focusing on the curative powers of old family recipes thanks to “JULIETA”, the “MADRIGAL” MATRIARCH who heals with food. Every member of the cast related to a special dish in their own families that had the same effects as the elixirs from Encanto. In an interview with ROTTEN TOMATOES, the cast opened up about the way the dishes from their own mothers healed their woes, from physical maladies to spiritual ones. One dish that the entire cast found to be the most restorative was SANCOCHO, a hearty broth filled with vegetables and meat that varies across regions in LATIN AMERICA, from COLOMBIA to VENEZUELA. It helped them relate to their characters while also inspiring fans to seek out similar items to share in a taste of COLOMBIAN culture.

[Here is an image of “JULIETA” mixing some food to help heal someone.]

Did you know that “JULIETA’S” “GIFT” cannot heal every known ailment known to mankind?

While most of the “MADRIGAL’S GIFTS” and powers are more straightforward, like “LUISA’S” strength or “CAMILLO’S” shapeshifting, “JULIETA’S” healing powers leave a lot of questions. While she's shown to easily heal broken bones, allergic reactions, and black eyes, she isn't shown to cure serious illnesses or diseases. When asked about it on X/TWITTER, BUSH said that while she can cure serious illnesses, "some illnesses aren’t treatable. Some people don’t always want treatment," which is a possible for why “MIRABEL” and “AGUSTÍN” still wear glasses.

[“JULIETA” heals “MIRABEL’S” injury.]

Did you know that “BRUNO” makes a hidden cameo appearance during the “WE DON’T TALK ABOUT BRUNO” musical-number?

Even if you haven’t seen “ENCANTO” yet, the song “WE DON’T TALK ABOUT BRUNO” has been almost unavoidable as it has made it to number 1 in the charts in both the UK and the US. In the film itself, the song is the first time we get a really good look at “BRUNO”. Most obviously, he is seen in the flashback of “PEPA” and “FELIX’S” wedding and when “CAMILLO” changes into his likeness, but many have missed the real, present-day “BRUNO”! During “DOLORES’” rap verse, “BRUNO” can be seen walking along the upper level of “CASITA”. And “DOLORES”, who can hear him, stops “MIRABEL” from seeing him by pulling her away from his direction. Right at the end of this verse, you can see “BRUNO” bobbing his head along to the song whilst he is standing just out of “MIRABEL’S” and “DOLORES’” sight.

[There he is! Or, for all we know, it could actually be “CAMILLO” in disguise!?!]

Did you know the butterflies in the movie have an even deeper meaning than you realize?

The yellow butterflies, like the one seen in “BRUNO’S” vision and at the very end of the movie, are thought to symbolize happiness and imagination, and it means good fortune is coming. Images of a butterfly can also be found throughout the film. Be on the lookout for them, some of them are harder to find than others!

[Here is an image of a YELLOW BUTTERFLY for an example. They are also known as A CLOUDLESS SULPHUR BUTTERFLY a.k.a. PHOEBIS SENNAE.]

Also, in the book “ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE” written by COLOMBIAN Novelist GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ, yellow butterflies also appear. The book tells the story of a multi-generational family, whose patriarch founds a town. Sound familiar? His books often included magical realism, which is also seen throughout “ENCANTO”.

[Here is an image of the book’s cover.]

Well, that is everything that I could find out about “ENCANTO”. Before I go I would like to say HAPPY VALENTINESDAY to my entire family and to you guys as well. I love you all! BYE!!!