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Encanto opens to a young Mirabel with her eyes shut while she awaits a surprise. Her grandmother tells her to open her eyes, but it is clear that Mirabel is anxious. However, her abuela’s presence calms her nerves letting her release her fear and hold on to hope. By the time the first musical number The Family Madrigal begins, my mother and I are giddy with the relatable descriptions. Like Mirabel, I was raised in a building with my parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Mom reminded me of how my father would joke that our apartment at 604 Adams Street was like Grand Central Station, with doors unlocked and cousins coming in the front door and jetting out the back to their respective floors. My mom, like Mirabel’s mom, is an amazing cook. Similar to my family, each of Mirabel’s family have special gifts.
The story of the Madrigal’s is that of a family who left their home country for safety and opportunity. Each member of their family was granted a special gift, presented during an illustrious ceremony. As a Latina I can attest to the way my culture celebrates all things. The movie and music do a wonderful job of pulling us into the celebration. The colorful dresses and decorations have allowed Hispanics to feel a great sense of pride to see the representation, but also share it with those who enjoy Encanto on Disney+. Even Peloton has joined the fun with a themed Encanto ride and Yoga class with Robin Arzon who is Cuban and Puerto Rican and Marianna Fernandez who was born in Mexico.
What is made very clear as we get to know the family is that abuela is the matriarch and all in the home (in every crevice) honor, respect and want to make her proud. We see a little Mirabel light up as her grandmother looks towards her, followed by a disapproving look from abuela that follows Mirabel throughout the movie. Although we are not introduced to Mirabel’s gift early on, it is evident that she is the connector between family and community.
The beautiful colors of the house create an inviting atmosphere, with rooms that show off each person’s gift. Rooms that blossom with flowers for Isabella, an Animal Kingdom for Antonio and Mirabel’s room where all things find their way to each other. We also learn that with light comes darkness and losing sight of what matters creates cracks in the foundation.
As I considered the lessons and movie, I found myself thinking of traits that Abuela Madrigal demonstrated like that of my own. She was strong, seemed fearless, managed a multi—generational house and never seemed to complain. I still don’t know how she managed an entire building of eleven grandchildren. She smiled, gave the best hugs but I remembered a sadness in her eyes. I never really understood why the sadness or expectations that always seemed out of reach. We spoke regularly, but I don’t think I really understood it all until recently.
In an article from Kathleen Haligheney regarding a study from Florida State University, it all makes a bit more sense. The survey conducted in Hispanic communities indicated one of the pain points survey responders shared were that “children did not appreciate the sacrifices made to live in the United States.” So, I wonder now if the sadness was attributed to my grandmother missing her family home like Abuela Madrigal. I remember a visit to Puerto Rico when I was five years old, the picture my father snapped is the only one I have capturing four generations.My great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and little Dawn. How I remember my grandmother’s smile when she saw and held her mother. Her heart so heavy when our visit was over, and we had to head back to the United States. The expectations that seemed unattainable; it is the result of ensuring the sacrifice she made by leaving her home was not in vain. Abuela Madrigal shares that “in our darkest moments, we were given a miracle.”
Like all families we endured joy and sadness, most experienced in our casita like The Madrigal’s. The lesson is to focus on the right thing, eye’s open with focus on the love and family. Remember-family includes our community!
-Hope you watch the movie, it was great!
Dawn XO
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