Disney studios produced just over 19 movies last year, by far the best one of 2021 is “Encanto.” Since it’s Disney’s 60th feature film, they knew Encanto had to be unprecedented and they without a doubt succeeded. 

“Encanto” is centered around the Madrigals, who were given a miracle that allows for every child born in the family to be given a magical power. Even the house they all live in together is enchanted. Every family member receives a gift except for Mirabel, and because of this she often feels like an outsider to her family. But when the house and her family start to lose their powers, it is up to Mirabel to save the miracle and her family.

Directed by Byron Howard, Jared Bush, and Charise Castro Smith, who have directed other successful Disney movies like “Zootopia,” “Raya and The Last Dragon,” and “Tangled,” it’s no wonder “Encanto” is the smashing success it is. The movie was even able to acquire more than 85 nominations and eleven awards including three Oscars.

After taking home a Golden Globe for “Encanto,” Howard tweeted, “Deeply honored by this recognition, and by so many people around the world connecting w/ #Encanto. Thank you to my partners Jared, Charise, Yvett, Clark, Jenn, & of course, Lin, Germaine, cast & crew. We are so proud to be a part of films that celebrate diversity & understanding.”

A huge reason for Encanto’s exceptional success is the musical aspect of the movie. Bringing on Tony, Grammy, and Emmy award winner Lin Manuel Miranda to score the movie definitely paid off. The song “We don’t Talk About Bruno” has been number one on the Billboard top 100 chart for the past seven weeks and “Surface Pressure” peaked at number eight; both have proven to be breakout songs of the film. 

Owen Gleiberman, a critic from “Variety,” says, “The songs, by Lin-Manuel Miranda, are syncopatedly infectious, word-weavingly clever, and unabashedly romantic; they keep the film bopping.”

Encanto’s diverse range of characters and exploration of Colombian culture contribute to the audience’s love for the film even more. “New York Times” critic Maya Phillips explains that this could not have been achieved if it weren’t for the animator’s special attention to detail. “The computer animation, some of the best from any major studio in the last several years, presents a dazzling confabulation of hues and a meticulous weaving of precious details — like the embroidery on skirts, the golden-brown crust of a cheese arepa and the selection of native Colombian flora,” says Phillips.

Even the average audience members are loving the diversity and the recognition of culture. Google user Francisco Gonima says, “As Colombianos, the richness, poetry, resilience, and beauty of our cultura is rarely what’s depicted in mainstream TV and film. What is usually bigoted, inaccurate and hurtful stereotype. NOW for the first time, we got to see our heritage lifted up and celebrated through the uniquely elaborate lens of Disney, and it was healing.”     

I would give this film five stars out of five stars. Unlike other Disney movies where the main character goes on a huge journey and saves the day, Encanto instead features an enchanting story about a wondrous family and a lovable  main character which left me equally as satisfied. I would recommend this movie for all audiences.