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It happens but it is rare, I do admit that. I had that in my own family. And even tho the is far from healthy unconditional love, it was a massive step towards improving toxic behavior. I just wanted to say: don't lose hope, it's not just a fairytale. Maybe it's not as fast as in encanto but it will be visible.
@@user-lh2bg2sc5h ah i must agree with your statement though i haven't had this situation occur in my own family due to nof having a elderly type character in it i have had a front row seat to it occurring in another's family quite the scene it really was beautiful
As a Latino with immigrant parents and grandparents, this movie hit different. The complexity and dynamics of a large family, with trauma and hardship passed on. Definitely my favourite Disney movie now
I definitely have to check it out. Been interested in Latino culture/family dynamics ever since my ex girlfriend took me to dinner with her family during the holidays it was cool
I just realized that Bruno actually heard his family singing about how they dont talk about him, villainizing him in some way, especially Camillo. That hurts
It's easy for them to criticize him because hes been criticized his whole life by Amuela. What's really sad is that no one stood up for him, how no one really stands up for themselves. It's always about what Amuela wants. If she said you were a failure then you're a failure, If she says you don't care about your family then you don't care about your family. Her voice is the law of the house.
I loved your analysis of Abuela's love. The quote "love and abuse cannot coexist" really made me think. Abuela truly cares for her family: it's just that she cares in a way that fits her needs. She showed true love towards Mirabel and her whole family when she finally learned to care in a way that embraces their needs as well.
I believe that her actions were also fueled by fear. The fear of losing her home, the fear of losing people she loves, because it’s happened to her once already (I honestly wonder if she suffers from some form of PTSD). Fear can make us do horrible things, and make us act in a horrible manner, but this doesn’t necessarily make us horrible people. Once Abuela faced her fears, insecurities, and her pain head on, and allowed herself to be vulnerable with Mirabel, and with Mirabel showing her love, acceptance, and understanding, Abuela was finally able to let go of this idea/shield of toxic perfectionism and allow herself and her family to be true to themselves. That even if she or anyone else in her family and/or community get hurt, that’s okay, because like Mirabel essentially told Abuela, “Nothing is broken that can’t be fixed.” Really sorry! That was really long. 😣
@@TheWiseguyt this exactly. Alma is afraid. the miracle came immediately after she watched her husband be brutally murdered, leaving her a widowed mother raising triplets without any other family. it makes sense that she'd cling to the thing that saved her and become afraid of losing it (and her family)
I think that another possible factor to consider in all this is that when you get used to a form of pain, when you see it as a normal, perhaps inescapable, part of life, it is really, really hard to not pass that way of life on to others - especially those you share the most with. (A series of examples, you can probably understand without them, but maybe they'll express it better than my summary, idk) - If you view the world as something that is out to get you, you teach that to the ones you wish safest so that they learn to stay safe. - If you view people as untrustworthy, prone to betrayal and cruelty, you will teach that to the ones you most wish to protect from cruelty and betrayal. - If you view the hiding of pain as necessary to be safe from people you fear would exploit vulnerability, you will teach your loved ones not to be vulnerable. - If you think you are alone in the world, that no one will help you and you must do everything yourself, you will pass this on to your loved ones so that they won't get let down by others, and their burdens will be carried, even if they do it all alone. - If you think you have to be strong to survive, that any weakness is a danger that can and/or will be used against you, you will teach your loved ones to be strong and to shirk weakness. - If you criticize yourself in a manner the people who most look up to you can see, they may very well pick it up, because if even their hero isn't good enough, how can they be? This can happen even if you try to tell them they are good enough, because habits can speak louder than directions sometimes... I honestly think that the sharing of genuinely believed and used unhealthy coping strategies is one of the ways trauma spreads across families. I've seen it in family, friends, and myself in moments that hurt to see and that I try to amend. It's terrible seeing your loved ones grapple with the things you've grown tired of fighting off in yourself. I try to learn to be better so I have a better view of life and ways to live it to show the people who look up to me, but it is so, so hard when you're so tired that you'd probably have given up if you were just fighting for yourself.
True. Mirabel was the only one who actually heard him out, plus when she's visibly upset by his vision involving Isabella, she doesn't blame him. She's not like "Really Bruno are you kidding me?" She's upset at what the vision shows, not at the messenger.
I think something that I noticed after I thought about it for a while was that Isabella might've felt guilty. That she allowed Abuela to live through her because she knew Abuela had a hard life and she never got to have her own perfect life. I don't think she followed Abuela out of fear, or at least it wasn't ALL fear. I think she did this for Abuela because she also loves Abuela. She loves her enough that she was willing to let Abuela live through her. I also have a different interpretation of what Bruno predict about her. "He told me that the life of my dreams would be promised and someday be mine" I don't think the line is to be so literal that THOSE were the exact words that Bruno, but rather this is a summary of what he said (so that mine would rhyme with vine in the next line). I think Isabella told Bruno about if she'll ever be free like her dreams and he told her that one day it was going to be possible. I think that maybe because of that, she was ok with Abuela living through her because she had a prediction that would mean someday her dream will come true. And maybe that was enough for her to deal with being Abuela's doll for years.
You have a point, but I still think there was a lot of fear in her, when it comes to being a shining example for everyone. If you can't manage expectations that were put onto you, you will slowly get replaced by someone else when certain things have to be done, by younger siblings for example. You will just slowly fade from your families life, slowly being forgotten, as you long as you aren't needed right now. As an oldest child in this generation, you are supposed to "chart the waters", be able to help anyone at anytime with any problem, be good at everything that you do. Be almost perfect. But again, if you fail to be as good as they want you to be, you will slowly be faded out into the backround, only to be remembered when you are needed. Say what you want, but that is scary. Maybe even worse than Brunos fate, bcs it was at least his own decision. Sry for any typos, English isn't my first language.
And in the song What else can I do her powers grew like the grapes on the vine and the doorway to the life of her dreams was opened. So there, Bruno doesn't always predict bad futures 😊
I think Bruno's propehcy for Isabella was exactly her self discovery. "Life of her dreams", "power would grow", all refer to her realizing her true potential during her song.
That's how I've interpreted it, too. She's lived years thinking that "the life of her dreams" was one where she was unhappy, so her verse in We Don't Talk About Bruno is just as negative as the others. It makes sense that Bruno was actually referring to her awakening her true self, not the "perfect life" with Mariano
Luisa's struggle can also apply to the 1st born sibling, or anyone in the family who is expected to be the "reliable" one. To my knowledge, Lin Manuel Miranda wrote the song in part as an apology to his older sister, who was the "Luisa" in their family. I'm the Luisa in my family, so her struggle resonates with me.
@@chrystianaw8256 Yeah, Isabella is the “perfect golden child”, still immature. Had no teenage rebellion, probably - it’s only happening now with her song. So Luisa is actually fulfilling the role of the eldest child.
My favorite Encanto character is Luisa cause I relate HEAVILY to just fading in the background and doing what is asked without much input. Luisa having that “keeping stuff inside of you and just go forward” is something that I sympathize with
One of the hardest things about living by someone else's expectations Is that you feel like you'll never live up to them because you don't really know what they're expecting. How Far does it go, how do they Expect you to do it, and more importantly how much of it is Yours and not Theirs.
Mirabel and Alma fight was the best part of the movie. I was like "Oh my God, are they serious? Are they really going to show us that a place that it is supposed to support you and feel you safe can become a place of anxiety, unease and toxicity? I love it!"
I hate when people talk about Mirabel's metaphorical "gift." To me, not having a gift is the whole point of the movie. Because of the generational trauma, Abuela valued the gifts, but not the people who had the gifts. She valued the wrong things. Mirabel was able to see what is truly important precisely because she had no gift of her own. Whatever Abuela did to her, Mirabel's parents taught her to value herself, gift or no gift, which is why she was able to see Bruno, Luisa, and Isabela for themselves instead of just containers for their gifts. And yes, this has metaphorical value for immigrant families with intergenerational trauma. It's too common for the family elders to value the younger for what they can do than for who they are or how they feel. Numerous Latinos have pointed out that it is unrealistic for a Latina matriarch to admit she was wrong and apologize to younger members of her family. As someone who is half Asian, I can tell you this would also be completely unrealistic for an Asian matriarch. They just don't do that. They would literally destroy their own children's lives rather than admit that they were wrong about something. If that last point seems harsh, I know it firsthand. Thanks for your video. Your analysis is always insightful and allows me to see more in the TV shows and movies that I love.
I think Mirabel actually got a gift. After her song “waiting on a miracle” that’s when Casita began to break. And in Isabella’s song “What else can I do” the cracks begin to heal. During the argument between Mirabel and Alma, casita completely shatters. I believe her gift is to keep the miracle together, mostly the family itself. The movie is based around “not having a gift” but it’s also based around generational trauma due to not being the perfect vision your family wants you to be. Gift or not, it has a huge message.
not just matriarchs, patriarchs too, those stuck with their own ways and those who never bother to look at the other side are bound to be toxic like that, whether there is "love" or not
My Grandma is like Abuela her parents died when she was very young so she’s had to raise herself and all her siblings from the start. She came over to the states from the Philippines and was able to raise her 5 children but all her hardships have made her not willing to listen to the problems of others. All she ever seems to ask is if I’ve chosen what I want with my life. She can be so rude when I try to express myself and I can’t say anything to defend myself since she’s the head of the family. All my cousins are or went to universities and star athletes and I’m not. Since I refused to be forced into a role I didn’t want I wanted to choose my life. I’m still searching for what it is want and every time I talk to her it feels like I’m walking on a mind field. Since I have to choose my words so carefully and it feels I don’t have worth like all my cousins. I feel like Bruno because I was destructive, loud and I was impulsively ADHD so everyone saw me as a burden. I’m oldest of the youngest set of children from my grandmas kids. So I’ve tried to set an example all though I’ve had no older cousin or sibling type to really show me how to do it. They are not much older than me but so distant it feels as if they are never there for me to begin with. Luckily I have my parents but even we still stick out like a sore thumb. There’s so much pressure on me as well since I am the fourth boy to carry my great grandfather’s name “Martin”. Yet they show me not to be a failure like some in the family and to be successful like others in the family. It feels I don’t belong with them because they are just strangers who don’t seem to care for me only putting on a front. For those who have close bonds with family hold on to it dearly because some people just aren’t lucky to have them.
Listening to how insightful and careful you write these words, I can tell you how fond of you those should be that have you in their lives. You "deserve" that name Martin because of what you already created maybe not in the outer but in the inner world. That they can't see it, doesn't mean it's not there or no worth. It just shows their incapability due to whatever they experienced. It's so hard to endure that. And I can so much relate, as I went through daily mine fields as well. You speak of what I'm working on. So thank you dearly. I wish you all the best.
What help me stand my ground is "They already did their part." They came to the States for them to have better life's, for you and the rest of the family to have a better opportunity to reach that "Better life." That's your part, to live a life that you are happy and safe. That's it. Sure, that might complain and be like "But your cousin did this!" or "Your sister is that." And? If they are happy to do that, cool. You don't own them you life and to fulfill their dreams. You're a person who trying to make it in the world. They are not gonna died if your not a Rockstar and they need to grow up if they think every kid gonna make it big or even wants to make it big. Some of us just want to live normal and boring life's. That's ok, Wasn't that kinda the point anyway? To have opportunity that they could have. Their sacrifices are for us to have a better life and we are trying to do that. You might feel guilty as you thinking but "they didn't get here for me to-" or "They lived a harder life." Which is true in some level but times change. You also have your own experience and hardship that you went through. Sometimes being happy, healthy, and safe is the best life we can have. This might be our better life and that ok. Their sacrifice are worth it if we make our goals.
Im also Filipino and i live far away from my family im the only male of my grand parents grand children so i have to "carry on the family name" but im not good with girls im tall and they always want me to play basketball but i hate basketball because they always want me to play it my other cousins ones athletic and extremely smart and the other is attractive and popular and then theres me whos always on his phone not talking to family i genuinely feel fear from talking to them not alot but like how you avoid looking at something because of how you feel about it i dislike talking to them text is easier cause when my dads side of the family first contacted me while i was independent and moved away i asked if my uncle would send someone to harass or hurt me cause i said i didnt want to do what he said he was hurt that i said that but it was this irrational fear that took hold of me i didnt know where it was from but like this is a small part of why i need therapy and i dont know why i havent gone yet
As Colombian, aware of all the symbolism at each corner/ frame of Encanto, I am very grateful for your review, with such detailed in your character analysis, and your understanding of my culture. I love all your videos and always eager to see them. Thank you, because in the middle of such a troubled time in the world, your humanity is a gift to us 💝
Growing up in an African American family with similar dynamics, this movie hit way hard and I am grateful for every moment. Favorite character: Isabela...as I am an oldest child, and GIRL I GET IT!!
I feel Isabella too. Not in the same regards of pressure and cruelty, but I understand the need for perfectionism and fear of mistake. Of course, most of the time, I don't care about failing something I try unless it's something I really like, or something to give me a reward I want. That's my standard, and boy, I just need to know everything so I know what's going on.
The community even after they lost their powers helped them build their house again. The community loved this family as much as the family loved the community.
8:55 I interpreted Bruno's vision about Isabella diffently. "The life of her [Isabella's] dreams would be promised". I think it means that the life that Isabella herself really wants would some day be hers. And we see her heading in that direction by the end of the movie when Abuela has loosened her grip and Isabella is embracing her new look and experimenting with her powers. She's finally happy without a facade
Also, thought it was interesting that in the very last verse of "We Don't Talk About Bruno," Isabella's lyrics change from being about how "perfect" her life was predicted to be, to literally her repeating the words "I'm fine"
I'm really happy you did a video on Encanto, you've opened my eyes to some of the smaller details i missed, like how Abuela plucked the one discolored flower from Isabela's hair- man, they go all out with the details these days!! I never would've picked up on that if you didn't point out how obsessive she is with the idea of perfection to do this. Also, I remember in another video (different channel) that pointed out how each family has distinguishing colors, like how Mirabel's parents, Luisa and herself wear blue but Isabela wears pink/pastel shade closer to Abuela's dress. Thanks to your video I just noticed Isabela's earrings are blue, literally the only blue thing she wears to represent her family's color, and now I'm wondering if she wore them as a small way to rebel against Abuela.
Immigrant parents, 1st gen Chicana, middle child but eldest sister, and our family has been ripped by generational abuse and trauma. I relate to SO many characters in this movie, especially Luisa and Mirabel. Encanto hit so close to home. I felt seen. I felt understood. I feel hopeful for my family to continue healing. I loved Encanto.
I'm almost surprised that you didn't talk about how in we don't talk about Bruno, miribella was very reluctant to dance along with the song She is either only moving half assed because the family is looking at her or she is prompted physically, its almost like she doesn't want to dance to the tune, a great metaphor
Watched this movie for the first time few nights and man, this was an experience unlike any Disney movie I've watched. So many relatable characters and themes that resonate so much for not only myself, but for so many people in my life such as other family members and friends. And that's on top of how amazing the songs and visuals. Probably my favourite Disney movie now.
I definitely agree that the emotional core of Encanto is fantastic and it's clear that the writers really spent time thinking about the nature of intergenerational trauma. I still think that there are major problems in the execution, especially when presenting the resolution of the conflicts. These issues don't surface (ha) until after Luisa's song "Under the Surface." I feel like the movie up to that point wrote a check that Disney was neither able nor willing to pay. The songs are great and full of insight into the characters, and I really appreciate your thorough exploration of the subtle hints in the lyrics, I only cannot help but wish that the rest of the movie, especially the resolutions with Abuela and Bruno, were as carefully considered rather than effectively being waved away in the third act.
Might be a bit late in the party but I completely agree with you. I was curious of the run time of the movie, it was barely under 2 hours. Watching the movie for the first time ('cause I didn't ride the hype-train), it was evident that it felt lacking in some parts, it's just that I couldn't exactly pinpoint what was missing. Reflecting on it again, it hit me that the issues they were exposing in the movie were there, but not to the extent that they are fully fleshed out. The way the resolutions were carried were too idealistic. It takes a blue moon for them to be that quick to resolve their problems. Even though I am a sucker for happy endings, I wished the movie didn't end in that note at all. But given that this is a Disney movie, I suppose it carried an expectation on itself to have a happy ending, even though it's not warranted by its narration.
When I was watching the movie, I instantly thought of Tai Lung. The expectations and things that the characters had to do to meet those expectations. What all the characters and mainly Isabella did to try to meet them and finally gain recognition from them.
I'm Asian American, and so is my girlfriend (Indian/Persian and Filipino, respectively). Both of us resonated with this film. I relate most to Luisa, because I believe I always have to be useful to those around me, in spite of my own emotions. And when I felt weak and burnt out, I had to hide it from my extended family (only my parents and brother knew, which I was grateful for). My girlfriend related to Isa, since she's the golden child, the breadwinner. She's only starting to explore herself and what she wants.
As the oldest child, this movie hit hard, especially Isabella’s song. I was literally in tears by the end of the movie, because this movie was just so well made, and the themed really resonated in me. Thank you for this analysis
My eldest cousin’s wife is half Latino, and I’m really close with her. She’s originally from Venezuela and she’s the best sister-in-law I could have asked for. I have a German grandmother who left her birthplace of Hannover when Hitler took power, and many of her best friends who were Jewish died in concentration camps. Even though it is a beautiful country and I have yet to see it for myself, my grandma could never bring herself to be associated with Germany again, even down to keeping her married name when she and my grandpa divorced, and not speaking German, never talking about what she had gone through. Her trauma affected her so badly that she was never able to vent her frustrations with her family, even though we would have understood her pain.
It'd have been all too easy for the movie to just demonize abuela, but they didn't. It's amazing to see that they managed to, not only portray the damage she's done, but to also make it understandable after all the pain she (herself) went through. They perfectly showcased the nuance of the characters, and for that I am grateful. I think one of the things that the movie excelled at (but nobody seems to realize) is communication. The only way that the household starts to heal is through communication. And that (specially for the children watching) is an amazing message.
I would like to add to this, that “your sisters older” part in Luisa’s song was put there by design. In many Hispanic communities, the older sister is sadly expected to behave like a third parent, so I see it as a look into the sister’s psyche. Luisa may not be the oldest but her strength kinda puts her there. (My personal interpretation)
I'm the youngest in my family, and seeing Mirabel trying to help and make mistake after mistake, failing to meet expectations and to be an afterthought hurt me deeply. I've always hated myself and felt like a failure and a disappointment, her predicament hit me where I live.
I can't get over how my friend thought this movie was racist. I remember when I told my friend group three of them were happy and were ready to start discussing it and then my other friend said "As a Mexican I found this movie to be very racist and offensive" and when me and my other friends went "bitch where" she was like "Mirabel was light skinned" and she provided zero nuance The kicker? My friend is light skinned and isn't of Colombian decent
The best Part I loved in Enchanto is that when Bruno finally appeared infront of Abuela Alma and his 2 Sisters, is that they embrace him they hugged and missed him. Even after all his misfortunes he said and prophecies His sisters just Hugged him there long lost triplet brother withouylt knowing the reason why he Ran.
Disney has kinda been in a funk for a while now (though 2016 was definitely a good year for them with Zootopia and Moana) but after seeing the quality, care, and nuance of Encanto, I hope this is a sign of a new renaissance.
Coming from an immigrant family with expectations aswell as being the eldest son of the eldest family line alot of pressure was put on me from such a young age. Being the only male in my house aswell as having 2 younger sister I need to take care of, one having autism, Encanto hit me so hard. From Surface Pressure onward the movie had me in shambles. Being always told I had to be the man of my family I was forced to "mature" quickly. I grew up thinking my worth was only as much as I can provide, and I *had* to provide. My self-worth was down to all the actions I can provide. And ngl. It broke me Especially growing up and making the choice of straying from everyone's expectations. I didn't go to college, instead chose to work straight out if High school to help my mom provide to my family. I had none of my family's support but I kept going. I just put my head down and kept working and working. I now own my own business and am doing well for myself and still provide for my family in any way that I can. And only now, after I've made my success that my extended family have come around to bring proud of me. But Ive never forgott the past and I don't think I will. But I did it, and I did it on my own power and I'm proud of myself for that. So when I watched Encanto it really really tore me down
My father was put into a fostercare when he was young and lived in the cities for his entire childhood, his family was mixed. He had Latino, African American, Caucasian and Native American brothers and sisters, he was then brought back to live with his mom and her boyfriend, and he's lived up here on the reservation for the rest of his life to now, but he made sure that we knew who are family are by going to see our grandparents on different holidays. Lorna (dad's bio mom) during Easter and sometimes on summer break, Beverly (moms mom) on Thanksgiving and whenever mom and dad had to be with our sister in the hospital, and Melony (dad's fostermom) during Christmas break and during birthdays. Today I am thankful that my father and mother made sure we connected to our family and have taught me that you cannot choose your family, but you can choose to connect to them. We may be scattered now due to her passing but I will always love my uncles, aunts and cousins and I wish them well. I am sorry for this long comment thank you for taking time to read this random strangers story.
My homie showed me one of your videos in 2018 and I've been hooked since. Laid-back like the video essay community, but you actually have substance. I'm here until the end, man.
Honestly I love Alma (sorry I can't spell) trauma is such an amazing character, I do believe she loves her family but her trauma made her focus solely on being the piller of her whole community not just her family. I've personally seen what trauma can do to a person and abuse physically and mentally, I went from a girl who couldn't be pinned down to a girl and women who struggles to even leave my bedroom due to to abuse I suffered after my dad died the abuse done to me by a family that was getting paid to look after me even if only for a year that year of being locked in a room with the only time I left was to go to school or to eat a meal has left a horribly deep scar on me that I'm still struggling to overcome even nearly 11 years later... I can relate heavily to mirabelle but I also strongly feel for Alma and I feel like that makes me love this film so much more.
This movie wrecked me. Throughout the run time Luisa and Mirabel put little cracks into my ability to keep it together. Luisa for the issues that come with being a middle child. Mirabel because I know what it's like to work so hard for your Family and still be overlooked or disregarded because I was born different. Then right near the end when Bruno yells "I don't care what you think of me!" shattered me and I almost sobbed. I've had that moment. I've had to face down the people that have treated me like crap my entire life, and like Bruno it wasn't for me. It was for a younger cousin who was being treated like I used to be.
I've just felt a connection between Encanto and the musical Fiddler on the Roof. There's a song in Fiddler called Matchmaker, Matchmaker, where three daughters are destined to be married thanks to a matchmaker. The younger two have no understanding about how they have no agency in choosing their match, but the eldest calls them out on it, and by the end of the song, it's clear what they actually fear about marriage and the burden of being "expected" to marry. While the town in the musical is more united by the Jewish faith, which almost expects community spirit, it shows how deviating from the norm can have consequences beyond one family.
I know I'm really late, but I just recently saw Encanto. Another interesting thing I noticed was how the townspeople treated Mirabel. The older ones who were alive during her ceremony would bring up how disappointed they were that SHE didn't get a gift to help THEM, as if living with a family in which all natural members besides her have a gift isn't a reminder enough. The children, who weren't alive during her ceremony still look up to Mirabel after they are told she didn't recieve a gift. The three children from the start of Family Madrigal were devastated when she ran away.
Oh, my god! Thank you, Sage’s Rain. I love this movie so much! The characters, story and songs has been stuck with me ever since I saw it. - Thank you so much!
SO glad you covered Encanto. Thanks for the vid! Your analysis of the characters, especially Abuela, made a lot of sense. I feel so proud that girls and boys, men and women, can look at two female main characters in this film and understand them in a such a nuanced way. I am happy you loved the film. As an immigrant from several generations before to mine twice over, this film does hit close to home. It is so rich that you can focus on any one main or secondary character for the entire film and learn something so special about them, regardless of their powers.
“With great power, comes great responsibility.” It’s the motto of Spider-Man that makes him a hero, using his remarkable gifts to serve others instead of himself. And it’s the motto of Alma that makes her an antagonist to her own family, insisting that her loved ones serve the community to the detriment of their own dignity and agency. It was fascinating to see a story criticize the ideal of the collective good and argue for the individual with this level of empathy and complexity. I think Encanto’s depth really sets it apart in this way.
I love the entire community of Encanto. Thanks, Sage. I felt like I'm always part of something bigger yet I'm still myself, still human, vulnerable and curious about the world and other cultures. In fact, I don't even know if I belong to a culture anymore. I have so much in common with so many cultures that I consider myself not truly a part of any of them. It's just that aspect of me that keeps me curious until I find a place where that sense of belonging is strongest.
That is what I like about characters development in there background. You can't blame them for what they have become. In other words Don't Judge. Whether it's a Villian, Protagonist, or Side Character as you witness and Listened through there past event what lead them to what they are now. You can't blame them, a Criminal is the great example. How they are raised is shown to who they are Now the Present, or if a Life changing event occured for them to experience. Growing is Knowing what/who you are finding your purposes and goals while living up to the principles that you believed in or raised in you. Be yourself and don't judge.
I feel like my generation finds it easy to harshly judge elders like abuela without taking anything into account. Yes abuela was strict and even mean to her family but she's also human. Speaking from experience, someone that has lost so much and went through trauma alone you feel like you have to put on a front to keep everyone around you happy and together. You have to be the rock no matter what kind of turmoil you have in your own head. Abuela had to do that for a whole community and she probably had to act so much that she even started believing it (saying Bruno didn't care about the family to justify his leaving to herself and try to lessen the pain of his absence). Like SR said no trauma justifies abuelas actions but it makes it understandable. She sees the gift as Pedro's last gift to her and her last connection to him. She grew too protective of it and because of this lashed out at the ones closest to her that loved her deeply aka Mirabel. For me if anything abuelas story is one of going through trauma alone and never confronting it and healing from it. It shows what you could become later in life and what it can do to your family if you never seek help from your loved ones.
understanding and forgiving are very different things. I understand Abuela but I will never forgive her. And if this wasn't disney neither Bruno or Mirabel should have forgive her either let's be honest a decade of emotional abuse and neglect is nothing to scoff at.
@@berilsevvalbekret772 , they should’ve told Abuela that if it really matter to her, she could’ve helped the family years ago if she just accepted fate, instead of letting her own pride and ego get the best of her. And maybe, have her say that they’re right, showing that maybe they won’t forgive her now, but they can at least know that she admits she was wrong.
I remember me and my friends were watch the moive. We're are from immigration families. 1st , 2nd or even 3rd generations in our own respective families. We of course were giving Abuela a hard time as many of our own families are toxic and abusive. Having trume that we have yet to fully heal from but we do understand her. While we joke about the end being the most not realistic thing about the whole moive. It mostly because many of our own families refuses to accept their fault and blame everyone else. They rather pretend there's no issue and just have black sheeps in the family. However if Abuela was real, I would forgive her because she apologized then put effort into fixing her relationships. I feel many would actually forgive because it coming from the heart and she putting the effort to changes. She was willing to heal herself and the family, which is something that sadly a lot of people refuse to do.
It's hard to believe that I made fun of the posters for this movie. I thought it would be just another classic Disney film. I am so.. glad I was wrong. This is by far my favorite Disney movie. And now they have something good besides marvel.
I like from time to time come back with thought to Encanto. And when TH-cam post some analyse, or commentary about it I click and watch. And must say, this one is one of the best summary and analyse I was find of TH-cam. Really good work.
i always love this movie cause it shows how cycle of trauma how you can repeat it or you can try to change break the cycle. find yourself what mades you happy !
You are one of my favorite TH-camrs. Your voice, the subjects you tackle, the way you can break down an animated storyline and help others realize just how relatable it is and why we may find ourselves drawn to it. You're awesome! Keep up the fantastic work!
Half of my friends live in a house with their hole family -I'm peruvian-.I've always found this a little bit outdated ,probably because I never saw an example of this in movies,now I'm about to move to a new house with my cousins and uncles and It doesn't feel as bad as I thought
Excellent work, as always! Encanto does such a good job of illustrating what love is BECAUSE it also does a good job of illustrating what love is NOT. You represented that here, beautifully 🥰
After this movie came out I saw a lot of comments from black people and people of South American decent saying, "God, white people, how do you do it? How are you always tearing this band-aid off? How are you always adressing the wrongs of your elders and ancestors?" It was an odd sentiment to hear repeated over and over, but I think it's because we come from a more independent culture rather than a collective culture. We put some distance between ourselves and our family members instead of keeping them under the same roof. We have expectations, but they aren't as severe because of that. We've put enough distance between ourselves and our family name that we can take a step back and look at the bigger picture and see the problems. There are a lot of downsides wlto living this way, but there's a lot of freedom that comes with it.
Just wanted to say you put out such good content brother. This is awesome stuff and you really oughta be proud. Up there with the best TH-camrs in my mind
Oh sweet Sage how baffled I will always be that your words always come in a time of extreme resonance. Recently I too have seen just how far the reach of intergenerational trauma can reach. Especially when wield like a scythe rubbed in snake venom. Piercing and culling and causing lasting pains in the victims long after inflicted. It took living with, loving, and learning from my own sisters and *their children* to open my eyes to exactly how broken and cracked our family had become. The people we had to become in order to meet the ever rising expectations would break us all, even physically myself included. The violence we suffered causing the very same rift in our hearts, that love and abuse cannot coexist in what should be home. Living with them taught me that it really is love, care, understanding, and compassion that starts you on the path of healing. It was real family that taught this lesson. These cracks need to heal, and if the inflictor of and blind eye to trauma won't see it, then it will fall to their children like rain off shingles to the gutters of our lives too. I chose to redirect the flow of these gutters but it may not be that easy for all. I'd like to take a moment to do something I haven't done since I volunteered for NA/AA and drop a number to the national domestic abuse hotline. If anybody reading needs this resource then please, please, don't let it continue to traumatize you and your loved ones, because healing can and needs to start with you. For you. It's (800) 799-7233, for those here in the states. Maybe it was fate that I watched this movie with my nieces and nephews and sister. It and them would give me the resolve to flee the same violent abuse that had been normalized over decades. It works. For me it took putting a literal billion tons of rock between the problem, but that is enough to stem the flow of our intergenerational trauma. If all it takes is an act of love to cause change then I love you, find your path to healing. And this one would thank you again, for your light always shines brightly upon our path.
Amazing essay dude! I love your content and I agree with your point on this video. Being latino and being the youngest of 3 I understood the complexities this movie showed. Keep it up man!
watching this movie with my family that is similar to Latino is so important since we know were toxic and don't realize it and don't want to admit but this movie help us to start talking about it.
Something else I noticed: The children in the family who aren't really the favored (Bruno, Mirabel.) have talents that take work, IE, how Mirabel is really good at sewing, or how Bruno goes through with his vision seeking and how it takes work.
I'm loving the cites your pulling from the books you've read. A road less traveled was my favorite book I read last year I'll def be looking into All About Love!! great work Sage :)
Wow this video really helped me to appreciate this movie. It also helped me to understand my relationship with my father in a deeeper way. So thank you
The amount of people who had a visceral hatred for Abuela and wanted her to either be exiled from the family or die is wild. Naturally, the vast majority of those people weren’t or Latinx nor from immigrant families of collectivist cultures. While yes, not all family members deserve forgiveness; Abuela is far from a soulless monster. She’s mean and judgmental, but like, have people never met a grandparent? That’s how they all are, and many of them aren’t nearly as nice as Abuela. Yet people were putting her attitude and treatment of the family on the same level as actual rapist and murders. Then there’s the false statement that she was forgiven without apologizing. Did people not watch the ending? She didn’t say the words “I’m sorry,” but she did apologize in her own way. Plus, like it or not, the family still loves her. That’s how a family is. They’re not perfect, there’s not always nice, and sometimes they make you want to pull your hair out, but no matter what you stick by them and love them. Encanto is one of the most honest depictions of a family I’ve ever seen in any piece of media.
if only my abusive father was able to understand this concept. even though he’s tried to act as a dad, the damage was already done through his mistreatment of my family
I come from a Latino family and we definitely have a collectivist mindset. Especially the older generations. With each generation, it’s become less collective, especially since all of my cousins are boys and are more encouraged to make their way in the world. As the only girl out of the grandchildren, I’ve been selected as the one to carry the collective. To participate in and continue every tradition. I can’t wait for my cousin’s daughters to be old enough to help because I genuinely cannot do all of that on my own when it’s been done by my mom and her three sisters as a team for decades.
who was your favourite Encanto character?
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The bald guy
Mirabel and Bruno!
Lisa
Bruno. This guy didn't deserve to be villanized by his family Especially since they didn't try to help him when he felt like he wasn't good enough.
Uh huh, we all of course talk about Bruno.
An elderly leader realizing and admitting that they were wrong and striving to improve their toxic behavior? Now THAT’S the real miracle. XD
Lmao fr NEVER happens in real families
Yea lol bigger fairytale than snowwhite
Encanto: Uprising is an upcoming monster film directed by Guillermo del Toro!
It happens but it is rare, I do admit that. I had that in my own family. And even tho the is far from healthy unconditional love, it was a massive step towards improving toxic behavior. I just wanted to say: don't lose hope, it's not just a fairytale. Maybe it's not as fast as in encanto but it will be visible.
@@user-lh2bg2sc5h ah i must agree with your statement though i haven't had this situation occur in my own family due to nof having a elderly type character in it i have had a front row seat to it occurring in another's family quite the scene it really was beautiful
As a Latino with immigrant parents and grandparents, this movie hit different. The complexity and dynamics of a large family, with trauma and hardship passed on. Definitely my favourite Disney movie now
I definitely have to check it out. Been interested in Latino culture/family dynamics ever since my ex girlfriend took me to dinner with her family during the holidays it was cool
@@TrevieTrev was she a Latina
@@randommonkey4900 yes Peruvian
@@TrevieTrev nice
@@randommonkey4900 😅 lol she an ex now but I learned a lot from her
I just realized that Bruno actually heard his family singing about how they dont talk about him, villainizing him in some way, especially Camillo. That hurts
It's easy for them to criticize him because hes been criticized his whole life by Amuela. What's really sad is that no one stood up for him, how no one really stands up for themselves. It's always about what Amuela wants. If she said you were a failure then you're a failure, If she says you don't care about your family then you don't care about your family. Her voice is the law of the house.
He was also jamming to it in Dolores’ part 😂
@@xRaiofSunshine part of it is probably cuz her part was the most sympathetic to him compared to just about everyone but Isabella
its like when your family talks about you when they don't think you can hear them
@@kevins8500 idk
Her knowing Bruno was there but not saying or doing anything was... Questionable 😂
I loved your analysis of Abuela's love. The quote "love and abuse cannot coexist" really made me think. Abuela truly cares for her family: it's just that she cares in a way that fits her needs. She showed true love towards Mirabel and her whole family when she finally learned to care in a way that embraces their needs as well.
well-said
I believe that her actions were also fueled by fear. The fear of losing her home, the fear of losing people she loves, because it’s happened to her once already (I honestly wonder if she suffers from some form of PTSD). Fear can make us do horrible things, and make us act in a horrible manner, but this doesn’t necessarily make us horrible people. Once Abuela faced her fears, insecurities, and her pain head on, and allowed herself to be vulnerable with Mirabel, and with Mirabel showing her love, acceptance, and understanding, Abuela was finally able to let go of this idea/shield of toxic perfectionism and allow herself and her family to be true to themselves. That even if she or anyone else in her family and/or community get hurt, that’s okay, because like Mirabel essentially told Abuela, “Nothing is broken that can’t be fixed.” Really sorry! That was really long. 😣
@@TheWiseguyt this exactly. Alma is afraid. the miracle came immediately after she watched her husband be brutally murdered, leaving her a widowed mother raising triplets without any other family. it makes sense that she'd cling to the thing that saved her and become afraid of losing it (and her family)
I think that another possible factor to consider in all this is that when you get used to a form of pain, when you see it as a normal, perhaps inescapable, part of life, it is really, really hard to not pass that way of life on to others - especially those you share the most with.
(A series of examples, you can probably understand without them, but maybe they'll express it better than my summary, idk)
- If you view the world as something that is out to get you, you teach that to the ones you wish safest so that they learn to stay safe.
- If you view people as untrustworthy, prone to betrayal and cruelty, you will teach that to the ones you most wish to protect from cruelty and betrayal.
- If you view the hiding of pain as necessary to be safe from people you fear would exploit vulnerability, you will teach your loved ones not to be vulnerable.
- If you think you are alone in the world, that no one will help you and you must do everything yourself, you will pass this on to your loved ones so that they won't get let down by others, and their burdens will be carried, even if they do it all alone.
- If you think you have to be strong to survive, that any weakness is a danger that can and/or will be used against you, you will teach your loved ones to be strong and to shirk weakness.
- If you criticize yourself in a manner the people who most look up to you can see, they may very well pick it up, because if even their hero isn't good enough, how can they be? This can happen even if you try to tell them they are good enough, because habits can speak louder than directions sometimes...
I honestly think that the sharing of genuinely believed and used unhealthy coping strategies is one of the ways trauma spreads across families. I've seen it in family, friends, and myself in moments that hurt to see and that I try to amend. It's terrible seeing your loved ones grapple with the things you've grown tired of fighting off in yourself. I try to learn to be better so I have a better view of life and ways to live it to show the people who look up to me, but it is so, so hard when you're so tired that you'd probably have given up if you were just fighting for yourself.
It comes off as "love as an act of self soothing"
Bruno was a realist and everyone just couldn’t stand to hear the truth.
They thought that his truth was ruining their utopia which is really sad
True. Mirabel was the only one who actually heard him out, plus when she's visibly upset by his vision involving Isabella, she doesn't blame him. She's not like "Really Bruno are you kidding me?" She's upset at what the vision shows, not at the messenger.
Typical in a toxic culture and family
Fr he wasn't even trying to be a realist, he just told them what he was shown. He was just the frickn messenger lol
@@jazz-cat00 ikr
I think something that I noticed after I thought about it for a while was that Isabella might've felt guilty. That she allowed Abuela to live through her because she knew Abuela had a hard life and she never got to have her own perfect life. I don't think she followed Abuela out of fear, or at least it wasn't ALL fear. I think she did this for Abuela because she also loves Abuela. She loves her enough that she was willing to let Abuela live through her.
I also have a different interpretation of what Bruno predict about her. "He told me that the life of my dreams would be promised and someday be mine" I don't think the line is to be so literal that THOSE were the exact words that Bruno, but rather this is a summary of what he said (so that mine would rhyme with vine in the next line). I think Isabella told Bruno about if she'll ever be free like her dreams and he told her that one day it was going to be possible. I think that maybe because of that, she was ok with Abuela living through her because she had a prediction that would mean someday her dream will come true. And maybe that was enough for her to deal with being Abuela's doll for years.
You have a point, but I still think there was a lot of fear in her, when it comes to being a shining example for everyone. If you can't manage expectations that were put onto you, you will slowly get replaced by someone else when certain things have to be done, by younger siblings for example. You will just slowly fade from your families life, slowly being forgotten, as you long as you aren't needed right now. As an oldest child in this generation, you are supposed to "chart the waters", be able to help anyone at anytime with any problem, be good at everything that you do. Be almost perfect. But again, if you fail to be as good as they want you to be, you will slowly be faded out into the backround, only to be remembered when you are needed. Say what you want, but that is scary. Maybe even worse than Brunos fate, bcs it was at least his own decision.
Sry for any typos, English isn't my first language.
I’m enjoying how this film is bringing families out to speak on their experiences. That’s fucking beautiful
And in the song What else can I do her powers grew like the grapes on the vine and the doorway to the life of her dreams was opened. So there, Bruno doesn't always predict bad futures 😊
"You can't put everyone else's lives ahead of yours and think that counts as love"
I think fear is the wrong word, shame would be the better one
I swear this man could analyze a cookbook and make it sound deep and philosophical
I’m a huge fan Sage. Keep up the awesome videos
Fr bro
Couldn’t agree more
Honestly, his voice and the way he crafts his words is amazing
The only downside is that his voice is so smooth and soothing that it could lull me to sleep.
@@me0101001000 I listen to him at 1.2x speed. Still get the smooth and soothing but a little more pop
I think Bruno's propehcy for Isabella was exactly her self discovery. "Life of her dreams", "power would grow", all refer to her realizing her true potential during her song.
Biggest flex, my guy. He sees everything and knows everything he can about his nieces..
That's how I've interpreted it, too. She's lived years thinking that "the life of her dreams" was one where she was unhappy, so her verse in We Don't Talk About Bruno is just as negative as the others. It makes sense that Bruno was actually referring to her awakening her true self, not the "perfect life" with Mariano
Luisa's struggle can also apply to the 1st born sibling, or anyone in the family who is expected to be the "reliable" one. To my knowledge, Lin Manuel Miranda wrote the song in part as an apology to his older sister, who was the "Luisa" in their family.
I'm the Luisa in my family, so her struggle resonates with me.
Very true. She's socialised like the eldest
@@chrystianaw8256 Yeah, Isabella is the “perfect golden child”, still immature. Had no teenage rebellion, probably - it’s only happening now with her song. So Luisa is actually fulfilling the role of the eldest child.
My favorite Encanto character is Luisa cause I relate HEAVILY to just fading in the background and doing what is asked without much input. Luisa having that “keeping stuff inside of you and just go forward” is something that I sympathize with
One of the hardest things about living by someone else's expectations Is that you feel like you'll never live up to them because you don't really know what they're expecting. How Far does it go, how do they Expect you to do it, and more importantly how much of it is Yours and not Theirs.
Exactly. So well said.
Mirabel and Alma fight was the best part of the movie. I was like "Oh my God, are they serious? Are they really going to show us that a place that it is supposed to support you and feel you safe can become a place of anxiety, unease and toxicity? I love it!"
No wonder Casita collapsed.
Abuela did not understand that a miracle and love is never earned. So in trying to earn their miracle, she neglects the real gift.
I hate when people talk about Mirabel's metaphorical "gift."
To me, not having a gift is the whole point of the movie.
Because of the generational trauma, Abuela valued the gifts, but not the people who had the gifts. She valued the wrong things. Mirabel was able to see what is truly important precisely because she had no gift of her own. Whatever Abuela did to her, Mirabel's parents taught her to value herself, gift or no gift, which is why she was able to see Bruno, Luisa, and Isabela for themselves instead of just containers for their gifts.
And yes, this has metaphorical value for immigrant families with intergenerational trauma. It's too common for the family elders to value the younger for what they can do than for who they are or how they feel.
Numerous Latinos have pointed out that it is unrealistic for a Latina matriarch to admit she was wrong and apologize to younger members of her family. As someone who is half Asian, I can tell you this would also be completely unrealistic for an Asian matriarch. They just don't do that. They would literally destroy their own children's lives rather than admit that they were wrong about something. If that last point seems harsh, I know it firsthand.
Thanks for your video. Your analysis is always insightful and allows me to see more in the TV shows and movies that I love.
I think Mirabel actually got a gift. After her song “waiting on a miracle” that’s when Casita began to break. And in Isabella’s song “What else can I do” the cracks begin to heal. During the argument between Mirabel and Alma, casita completely shatters. I believe her gift is to keep the miracle together, mostly the family itself.
The movie is based around “not having a gift” but it’s also based around generational trauma due to not being the perfect vision your family wants you to be.
Gift or not, it has a huge message.
not just matriarchs, patriarchs too, those stuck with their own ways and those who never bother to look at the other side are bound to be toxic like that, whether there is "love" or not
@@msk-qp6fn you get it! Mirabel didnt need a gift because being herself is enough.
My Grandma is like Abuela her parents died when she was very young so she’s had to raise herself and all her siblings from the start. She came over to the states from the Philippines and was able to raise her 5 children but all her hardships have made her not willing to listen to the problems of others. All she ever seems to ask is if I’ve chosen what I want with my life. She can be so rude when I try to express myself and I can’t say anything to defend myself since she’s the head of the family. All my cousins are or went to universities and star athletes and I’m not. Since I refused to be forced into a role I didn’t want I wanted to choose my life. I’m still searching for what it is want and every time I talk to her it feels like I’m walking on a mind field. Since I have to choose my words so carefully and it feels I don’t have worth like all my cousins. I feel like Bruno because I was destructive, loud and I was impulsively ADHD so everyone saw me as a burden. I’m oldest of the youngest set of children from my grandmas kids. So I’ve tried to set an example all though I’ve had no older cousin or sibling type to really show me how to do it. They are not much older than me but so distant it feels as if they are never there for me to begin with. Luckily I have my parents but even we still stick out like a sore thumb. There’s so much pressure on me as well since I am the fourth boy to carry my great grandfather’s name “Martin”. Yet they show me not to be a failure like some in the family and to be successful like others in the family. It feels I don’t belong with them because they are just strangers who don’t seem to care for me only putting on a front. For those who have close bonds with family hold on to it dearly because some people just aren’t lucky to have them.
Listening to how insightful and careful you write these words, I can tell you how fond of you those should be that have you in their lives. You "deserve" that name Martin because of what you already created maybe not in the outer but in the inner world. That they can't see it, doesn't mean it's not there or no worth. It just shows their incapability due to whatever they experienced.
It's so hard to endure that. And I can so much relate, as I went through daily mine fields as well.
You speak of what I'm working on. So thank you dearly. I wish you all the best.
@@lyannawinter405 Thank you for your kind words Lyanna. Thank you for understanding.
What help me stand my ground is "They already did their part." They came to the States for them to have better life's, for you and the rest of the family to have a better opportunity to reach that "Better life."
That's your part, to live a life that you are happy and safe. That's it. Sure, that might complain and be like "But your cousin did this!" or "Your sister is that." And? If they are happy to do that, cool. You don't own them you life and to fulfill their dreams. You're a person who trying to make it in the world. They are not gonna died if your not a Rockstar and they need to grow up if they think every kid gonna make it big or even wants to make it big.
Some of us just want to live normal and boring life's. That's ok, Wasn't that kinda the point anyway? To have opportunity that they could have. Their sacrifices are for us to have a better life and we are trying to do that.
You might feel guilty as you thinking
but "they didn't get here for me to-" or "They lived a harder life." Which is true in some level but times change. You also have your own experience and hardship that you went through.
Sometimes being happy, healthy, and safe is the best life we can have. This might be our better life and that ok. Their sacrifice are worth it if we make our goals.
Im also Filipino and i live far away from my family im the only male of my grand parents grand children so i have to "carry on the family name" but im not good with girls im tall and they always want me to play basketball but i hate basketball because they always want me to play it my other cousins ones athletic and extremely smart and the other is attractive and popular and then theres me whos always on his phone not talking to family i genuinely feel fear from talking to them not alot but like how you avoid looking at something because of how you feel about it i dislike talking to them text is easier cause when my dads side of the family first contacted me while i was independent and moved away i asked if my uncle would send someone to harass or hurt me cause i said i didnt want to do what he said he was hurt that i said that but it was this irrational fear that took hold of me i didnt know where it was from but like this is a small part of why i need therapy and i dont know why i havent gone yet
As Colombian, aware of all the symbolism at each corner/ frame of Encanto, I am very grateful for your review, with such detailed in your character analysis, and your understanding of my culture. I love all your videos and always eager to see them. Thank you, because in the middle of such a troubled time in the world, your humanity is a gift to us 💝
thank you!
Growing up in an African American family with similar dynamics, this movie hit way hard and I am grateful for every moment.
Favorite character: Isabela...as I am an oldest child, and GIRL I GET IT!!
Bruhhh same. Isabella is a quite relatable
I feel Isabella too. Not in the same regards of pressure and cruelty, but I understand the need for perfectionism and fear of mistake. Of course, most of the time, I don't care about failing something I try unless it's something I really like, or something to give me a reward I want. That's my standard, and boy, I just need to know everything so I know what's going on.
The community even after they lost their powers helped them build their house again. The community loved this family as much as the family loved the community.
8:55 I interpreted Bruno's vision about Isabella diffently. "The life of her [Isabella's] dreams would be promised". I think it means that the life that Isabella herself really wants would some day be hers. And we see her heading in that direction by the end of the movie when Abuela has loosened her grip and Isabella is embracing her new look and experimenting with her powers. She's finally happy without a facade
The thing I love about Encanto (also Coco and Turning Red) is the depiction of extended family.
Also, thought it was interesting that in the very last verse of "We Don't Talk About Bruno," Isabella's lyrics change from being about how "perfect" her life was predicted to be, to literally her repeating the words "I'm fine"
I'm really happy you did a video on Encanto, you've opened my eyes to some of the smaller details i missed, like how Abuela plucked the one discolored flower from Isabela's hair- man, they go all out with the details these days!! I never would've picked up on that if you didn't point out how obsessive she is with the idea of perfection to do this.
Also, I remember in another video (different channel) that pointed out how each family has distinguishing colors, like how Mirabel's parents, Luisa and herself wear blue but Isabela wears pink/pastel shade closer to Abuela's dress. Thanks to your video I just noticed Isabela's earrings are blue, literally the only blue thing she wears to represent her family's color, and now I'm wondering if she wore them as a small way to rebel against Abuela.
Immigrant parents, 1st gen Chicana, middle child but eldest sister, and our family has been ripped by generational abuse and trauma. I relate to SO many characters in this movie, especially Luisa and Mirabel. Encanto hit so close to home. I felt seen. I felt understood. I feel hopeful for my family to continue healing.
I loved Encanto.
I'm almost surprised that you didn't talk about how in we don't talk about Bruno, miribella was very reluctant to dance along with the song
She is either only moving half assed because the family is looking at her or she is prompted physically, its almost like she doesn't want to dance to the tune, a great metaphor
Watched this movie for the first time few nights and man, this was an experience unlike any Disney movie I've watched. So many relatable characters and themes that resonate so much for not only myself, but for so many people in my life such as other family members and friends. And that's on top of how amazing the songs and visuals. Probably my favourite Disney movie now.
This Movie is one of the ones that every time you watch it you find something new!
I definitely agree that the emotional core of Encanto is fantastic and it's clear that the writers really spent time thinking about the nature of intergenerational trauma. I still think that there are major problems in the execution, especially when presenting the resolution of the conflicts. These issues don't surface (ha) until after Luisa's song "Under the Surface." I feel like the movie up to that point wrote a check that Disney was neither able nor willing to pay. The songs are great and full of insight into the characters, and I really appreciate your thorough exploration of the subtle hints in the lyrics, I only cannot help but wish that the rest of the movie, especially the resolutions with Abuela and Bruno, were as carefully considered rather than effectively being waved away in the third act.
Might be a bit late in the party but I completely agree with you.
I was curious of the run time of the movie, it was barely under 2 hours. Watching the movie for the first time ('cause I didn't ride the hype-train), it was evident that it felt lacking in some parts, it's just that I couldn't exactly pinpoint what was missing. Reflecting on it again, it hit me that the issues they were exposing in the movie were there, but not to the extent that they are fully fleshed out.
The way the resolutions were carried were too idealistic. It takes a blue moon for them to be that quick to resolve their problems. Even though I am a sucker for happy endings, I wished the movie didn't end in that note at all. But given that this is a Disney movie, I suppose it carried an expectation on itself to have a happy ending, even though it's not warranted by its narration.
When I was watching the movie, I instantly thought of Tai Lung. The expectations and things that the characters had to do to meet those expectations. What all the characters and mainly Isabella did to try to meet them and finally gain recognition from them.
I'm Asian American, and so is my girlfriend (Indian/Persian and Filipino, respectively). Both of us resonated with this film. I relate most to Luisa, because I believe I always have to be useful to those around me, in spite of my own emotions. And when I felt weak and burnt out, I had to hide it from my extended family (only my parents and brother knew, which I was grateful for). My girlfriend related to Isa, since she's the golden child, the breadwinner. She's only starting to explore herself and what she wants.
As the oldest child, this movie hit hard, especially Isabella’s song. I was literally in tears by the end of the movie, because this movie was just so well made, and the themed really resonated in me. Thank you for this analysis
My eldest cousin’s wife is half Latino, and I’m really close with her. She’s originally from Venezuela and she’s the best sister-in-law I could have asked for.
I have a German grandmother who left her birthplace of Hannover when Hitler took power, and many of her best friends who were Jewish died in concentration camps.
Even though it is a beautiful country and I have yet to see it for myself, my grandma could never bring herself to be associated with Germany again, even down to keeping her married name when she and my grandpa divorced, and not speaking German, never talking about what she had gone through.
Her trauma affected her so badly that she was never able to vent her frustrations with her family, even though we would have understood her pain.
It'd have been all too easy for the movie to just demonize abuela, but they didn't. It's amazing to see that they managed to, not only portray the damage she's done, but to also make it understandable after all the pain she (herself) went through. They perfectly showcased the nuance of the characters, and for that I am grateful.
I think one of the things that the movie excelled at (but nobody seems to realize) is communication. The only way that the household starts to heal is through communication. And that (specially for the children watching) is an amazing message.
I would like to add to this, that “your sisters older” part in Luisa’s song was put there by design. In many Hispanic communities, the older sister is sadly expected to behave like a third parent, so I see it as a look into the sister’s psyche. Luisa may not be the oldest but her strength kinda puts her there. (My personal interpretation)
Its a really deep film about family and relationships. I consider it one of the best few films from the modern Disney area worth watching.
Wow, you summed up all my thoughts…perfectly. The only complaint I have is that Isabella did not apologize to Mirabel, but that’s pretty much it.
That would be weird though. Isabella said thank you which lines up with her character more
Also it’s a step. Can’t say everything at once
Nobody apologized to Bruno either. Both Mirabel and Bruno deserved better treatment than what they got at the end.
I'm the youngest in my family, and seeing Mirabel trying to help and make mistake after mistake, failing to meet expectations and to be an afterthought hurt me deeply. I've always hated myself and felt like a failure and a disappointment, her predicament hit me where I live.
I can't get over how my friend thought this movie was racist. I remember when I told my friend group three of them were happy and were ready to start discussing it and then my other friend said "As a Mexican I found this movie to be very racist and offensive" and when me and my other friends went "bitch where" she was like "Mirabel was light skinned" and she provided zero nuance
The kicker?
My friend is light skinned
and isn't of Colombian decent
sounds like your friend needs to confront her own traumas lol
The best Part I loved in Enchanto is that when Bruno finally appeared infront of Abuela Alma and his 2 Sisters, is that they embrace him they hugged and missed him. Even after all his misfortunes he said and prophecies His sisters just Hugged him there long lost triplet brother withouylt knowing the reason why he Ran.
Encanto and Tangled are the movies I can watch over and over without ever getting tired of them
I haven't even seen this movie and here you got me crying. This video hit way too close to home.
Disney has kinda been in a funk for a while now (though 2016 was definitely a good year for them with Zootopia and Moana) but after seeing the quality, care, and nuance of Encanto, I hope this is a sign of a new renaissance.
Coming from an immigrant family with expectations aswell as being the eldest son of the eldest family line alot of pressure was put on me from such a young age. Being the only male in my house aswell as having 2 younger sister I need to take care of, one having autism, Encanto hit me so hard. From Surface Pressure onward the movie had me in shambles. Being always told I had to be the man of my family I was forced to "mature" quickly. I grew up thinking my worth was only as much as I can provide, and I *had* to provide. My self-worth was down to all the actions I can provide.
And ngl. It broke me
Especially growing up and making the choice of straying from everyone's expectations. I didn't go to college, instead chose to work straight out if High school to help my mom provide to my family. I had none of my family's support but I kept going. I just put my head down and kept working and working.
I now own my own business and am doing well for myself and still provide for my family in any way that I can. And only now, after I've made my success that my extended family have come around to bring proud of me. But Ive never forgott the past and I don't think I will. But I did it, and I did it on my own power and I'm proud of myself for that.
So when I watched Encanto it really really tore me down
My father was put into a fostercare when he was young and lived in the cities for his entire childhood, his family was mixed. He had Latino, African American, Caucasian and Native American brothers and sisters, he was then brought back to live with his mom and her boyfriend, and he's lived up here on the reservation for the rest of his life to now, but he made sure that we knew who are family are by going to see our grandparents on different holidays. Lorna (dad's bio mom) during Easter and sometimes on summer break, Beverly (moms mom) on Thanksgiving and whenever mom and dad had to be with our sister in the hospital, and Melony (dad's fostermom) during Christmas break and during birthdays. Today I am thankful that my father and mother made sure we connected to our family and have taught me that you cannot choose your family, but you can choose to connect to them. We may be scattered now due to her passing but I will always love my uncles, aunts and cousins and I wish them well.
I am sorry for this long comment thank you for taking time to read this random strangers story.
My homie showed me one of your videos in 2018 and I've been hooked since. Laid-back like the video essay community, but you actually have substance. I'm here until the end, man.
thank you!
Honestly I love Alma (sorry I can't spell) trauma is such an amazing character, I do believe she loves her family but her trauma made her focus solely on being the piller of her whole community not just her family. I've personally seen what trauma can do to a person and abuse physically and mentally, I went from a girl who couldn't be pinned down to a girl and women who struggles to even leave my bedroom due to to abuse I suffered after my dad died the abuse done to me by a family that was getting paid to look after me even if only for a year that year of being locked in a room with the only time I left was to go to school or to eat a meal has left a horribly deep scar on me that I'm still struggling to overcome even nearly 11 years later... I can relate heavily to mirabelle but I also strongly feel for Alma and I feel like that makes me love this film so much more.
This movie wrecked me. Throughout the run time Luisa and Mirabel put little cracks into my ability to keep it together. Luisa for the issues that come with being a middle child. Mirabel because I know what it's like to work so hard for your Family and still be overlooked or disregarded because I was born different. Then right near the end when Bruno yells "I don't care what you think of me!" shattered me and I almost sobbed. I've had that moment. I've had to face down the people that have treated me like crap my entire life, and like Bruno it wasn't for me. It was for a younger cousin who was being treated like I used to be.
I've just felt a connection between Encanto and the musical Fiddler on the Roof. There's a song in Fiddler called Matchmaker, Matchmaker, where three daughters are destined to be married thanks to a matchmaker. The younger two have no understanding about how they have no agency in choosing their match, but the eldest calls them out on it, and by the end of the song, it's clear what they actually fear about marriage and the burden of being "expected" to marry. While the town in the musical is more united by the Jewish faith, which almost expects community spirit, it shows how deviating from the norm can have consequences beyond one family.
I know I'm really late, but I just recently saw Encanto. Another interesting thing I noticed was how the townspeople treated Mirabel. The older ones who were alive during her ceremony would bring up how disappointed they were that SHE didn't get a gift to help THEM, as if living with a family in which all natural members besides her have a gift isn't a reminder enough. The children, who weren't alive during her ceremony still look up to Mirabel after they are told she didn't recieve a gift. The three children from the start of Family Madrigal were devastated when she ran away.
I love it. This movie makes me very emotional...
Oh, my god! Thank you, Sage’s Rain. I love this movie so much! The characters, story and songs has been stuck with me ever since I saw it.
- Thank you so much!
SO glad you covered Encanto. Thanks for the vid! Your analysis of the characters, especially Abuela, made a lot of sense. I feel so proud that girls and boys, men and women, can look at two female main characters in this film and understand them in a such a nuanced way. I am happy you loved the film. As an immigrant from several generations before to mine twice over, this film does hit close to home. It is so rich that you can focus on any one main or secondary character for the entire film and learn something so special about them, regardless of their powers.
My parents just told me they’re getting a divorce. This makes me feel better for some reason. Thank you.
Bruno is my fav character. also, you deserve so much more subscribers, your work is amazing
“With great power, comes great responsibility.” It’s the motto of Spider-Man that makes him a hero, using his remarkable gifts to serve others instead of himself. And it’s the motto of Alma that makes her an antagonist to her own family, insisting that her loved ones serve the community to the detriment of their own dignity and agency. It was fascinating to see a story criticize the ideal of the collective good and argue for the individual with this level of empathy and complexity. I think Encanto’s depth really sets it apart in this way.
I love the entire community of Encanto. Thanks, Sage. I felt like I'm always part of something bigger yet I'm still myself, still human, vulnerable and curious about the world and other cultures. In fact, I don't even know if I belong to a culture anymore. I have so much in common with so many cultures that I consider myself not truly a part of any of them. It's just that aspect of me that keeps me curious until I find a place where that sense of belonging is strongest.
YES I WAS WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT EPISODE! I love these videos no matter what they are on. Keep going sage no matter what.❤️
That is what I like about characters development in there background. You can't blame them for what they have become. In other words Don't Judge. Whether it's a Villian, Protagonist, or Side Character as you witness and Listened through there past event what lead them to what they are now. You can't blame them, a Criminal is the great example. How they are raised is shown to who they are Now the Present, or if a Life changing event occured for them to experience.
Growing is Knowing what/who you are finding your purposes and goals while living up to the principles that you believed in or raised in you.
Be yourself and don't judge.
This is Disney's best movie.
Sage: *Deeply, Thoroughly, and Intelligently explains his love for Encanto*
Me: "The music is so good, fav Disney movie"
this dude can look at a children's colour book and make it deep and philosophical
I feel like my generation finds it easy to harshly judge elders like abuela without taking anything into account. Yes abuela was strict and even mean to her family but she's also human. Speaking from experience, someone that has lost so much and went through trauma alone you feel like you have to put on a front to keep everyone around you happy and together. You have to be the rock no matter what kind of turmoil you have in your own head. Abuela had to do that for a whole community and she probably had to act so much that she even started believing it (saying Bruno didn't care about the family to justify his leaving to herself and try to lessen the pain of his absence).
Like SR said no trauma justifies abuelas actions but it makes it understandable. She sees the gift as Pedro's last gift to her and her last connection to him. She grew too protective of it and because of this lashed out at the ones closest to her that loved her deeply aka Mirabel.
For me if anything abuelas story is one of going through trauma alone and never confronting it and healing from it. It shows what you could become later in life and what it can do to your family if you never seek help from your loved ones.
understanding and forgiving are very different things. I understand Abuela but I will never forgive her. And if this wasn't disney neither Bruno or Mirabel should have forgive her either let's be honest a decade of emotional abuse and neglect is nothing to scoff at.
@@berilsevvalbekret772 , they should’ve told Abuela that if it really matter to her, she could’ve helped the family years ago if she just accepted fate, instead of letting her own pride and ego get the best of her. And maybe, have her say that they’re right, showing that maybe they won’t forgive her now, but they can at least know that she admits she was wrong.
I remember me and my friends were watch the moive. We're are from immigration families. 1st , 2nd or even 3rd generations in our own respective families. We of course were giving Abuela a hard time as many of our own families are toxic and abusive. Having trume that we have yet to fully heal from but we do understand her. While we joke about the end being the most not realistic thing about the whole moive. It mostly because many of our own families refuses to accept their fault and blame everyone else. They rather pretend there's no issue and just have black sheeps in the family.
However if Abuela was real, I would forgive her because she apologized then put effort into fixing her relationships. I feel many would actually forgive because it coming from the heart and she putting the effort to changes. She was willing to heal herself and the family, which is something that sadly a lot of people refuse to do.
It's hard to believe that I made fun of the posters for this movie. I thought it would be just another classic Disney film. I am so.. glad I was wrong. This is by far my favorite Disney movie. And now they have something good besides marvel.
I like from time to time come back with thought to Encanto. And when TH-cam post some analyse, or commentary about it I click and watch. And must say, this one is one of the best summary and analyse I was find of TH-cam. Really good work.
9:18 during we dont talk about bruno, when mirabel is putting the vision together, isabella's face when shes dancing is so very sad
i always love this movie cause it shows how cycle of trauma how you can repeat it or you can try to change break the cycle. find yourself what mades you happy !
You are one of my favorite TH-camrs. Your voice, the subjects you tackle, the way you can break down an animated storyline and help others realize just how relatable it is and why we may find ourselves drawn to it. You're awesome! Keep up the fantastic work!
Half of my friends live in a house with their hole family -I'm peruvian-.I've always found this a little bit outdated ,probably because I never saw an example of this in movies,now I'm about to move to a new house with my cousins and uncles and It doesn't feel as bad as I thought
Amazing vdo. This movie is far more deep as it appears. Really amazing
Thank you for the character analysis and the complexity of Encanto
Keep making these your voice just makes this videos go on another level because of it love the work keep it up Sage
Excellent work, as always! Encanto does such a good job of illustrating what love is BECAUSE it also does a good job of illustrating what love is NOT. You represented that here, beautifully 🥰
After this movie came out I saw a lot of comments from black people and people of South American decent saying, "God, white people, how do you do it? How are you always tearing this band-aid off? How are you always adressing the wrongs of your elders and ancestors?"
It was an odd sentiment to hear repeated over and over, but I think it's because we come from a more independent culture rather than a collective culture. We put some distance between ourselves and our family members instead of keeping them under the same roof. We have expectations, but they aren't as severe because of that. We've put enough distance between ourselves and our family name that we can take a step back and look at the bigger picture and see the problems.
There are a lot of downsides wlto living this way, but there's a lot of freedom that comes with it.
I honestly appreciate all the work you put into this video
It's time to watch this movie.
Just wanted to say you put out such good content brother. This is awesome stuff and you really oughta be proud. Up there with the best TH-camrs in my mind
Oh sweet Sage how baffled I will always be that your words always come in a time of extreme resonance.
Recently I too have seen just how far the reach of intergenerational trauma can reach. Especially when wield like a scythe rubbed in snake venom. Piercing and culling and causing lasting pains in the victims long after inflicted. It took living with, loving, and learning from my own sisters and *their children* to open my eyes to exactly how broken and cracked our family had become. The people we had to become in order to meet the ever rising expectations would break us all, even physically myself included. The violence we suffered causing the very same rift in our hearts, that love and abuse cannot coexist in what should be home. Living with them taught me that it really is love, care, understanding, and compassion that starts you on the path of healing. It was real family that taught this lesson. These cracks need to heal, and if the inflictor of and blind eye to trauma won't see it, then it will fall to their children like rain off shingles to the gutters of our lives too. I chose to redirect the flow of these gutters but it may not be that easy for all. I'd like to take a moment to do something I haven't done since I volunteered for NA/AA and drop a number to the national domestic abuse hotline. If anybody reading needs this resource then please, please, don't let it continue to traumatize you and your loved ones, because healing can and needs to start with you. For you. It's (800) 799-7233, for those here in the states. Maybe it was fate that I watched this movie with my nieces and nephews and sister. It and them would give me the resolve to flee the same violent abuse that had been normalized over decades. It works. For me it took putting a literal billion tons of rock between the problem, but that is enough to stem the flow of our intergenerational trauma. If all it takes is an act of love to cause change then I love you, find your path to healing.
And this one would thank you again, for your light always shines brightly upon our path.
Amazing video yet again Sage's Rain!! I love Encanto and you really hit the nail on the head
Probably what got me back into Disney never stop doing what you’re doing
Amazing essay dude! I love your content and I agree with your point on this video. Being latino and being the youngest of 3 I understood the complexities this movie showed.
Keep it up man!
watching this movie with my family that is similar to Latino is so important since we know were toxic and don't realize it and don't want to admit but this movie help us to start talking about it.
"Middle children are often peace keepers"
*looks at my 26 year old brother the middle child climbing a 50ft tree*
"IM DANGER STEVE BABY!!!!"
Is it Christmas or am I getting an almost 30 min video from sage?! I got soooo happy seeing this pop up on my feed
Wow this video just amplify the enjoinment and understanding of this fantastic film.
Amazing❤
Something else I noticed: The children in the family who aren't really the favored (Bruno, Mirabel.) have talents that take work, IE, how Mirabel is really good at sewing, or how Bruno goes through with his vision seeking and how it takes work.
I really like this, thank you for making it.
I'm loving the cites your pulling from the books you've read. A road less traveled was my favorite book I read last year I'll def be looking into All About Love!! great work Sage :)
I think Isabella verse on we don't talk about Bruno is about owning up to her own dreams rather than be withhelded by abualas dreams placed upon her
Wow this video really helped me to appreciate this movie.
It also helped me to understand my relationship with my father in a deeeper way.
So thank you
Someone get bro on Blue Eye Samurai
I feel so at home when coming to watch these videos from sages rain
Hey sage I love your videos thanks for doing an Encanto video keep up the great work 😁😁
The amount of people who had a visceral hatred for Abuela and wanted her to either be exiled from the family or die is wild. Naturally, the vast majority of those people weren’t or Latinx nor from immigrant families of collectivist cultures. While yes, not all family members deserve forgiveness; Abuela is far from a soulless monster. She’s mean and judgmental, but like, have people never met a grandparent? That’s how they all are, and many of them aren’t nearly as nice as Abuela. Yet people were putting her attitude and treatment of the family on the same level as actual rapist and murders. Then there’s the false statement that she was forgiven without apologizing. Did people not watch the ending? She didn’t say the words “I’m sorry,” but she did apologize in her own way. Plus, like it or not, the family still loves her. That’s how a family is. They’re not perfect, there’s not always nice, and sometimes they make you want to pull your hair out, but no matter what you stick by them and love them. Encanto is one of the most honest depictions of a family I’ve ever seen in any piece of media.
Still not a fan of this movie, but I watched it again after this video and found a level of appreciation for it. Thank you for the perspective
What people failed to see is this movie is about Trauma as much as it is about family….amazing movie though
I always happy to see a sage video in my box
God damn your voice is like pure unfiltered honey from the gods to my ears
if only my abusive father was able to understand this concept. even though he’s tried to act as a dad, the damage was already done through his mistreatment of my family
As an American with European Ancestry raised in Florida, my family and step family seems to be both individualistic, but also, a team based.
I come from a Latino family and we definitely have a collectivist mindset. Especially the older generations. With each generation, it’s become less collective, especially since all of my cousins are boys and are more encouraged to make their way in the world. As the only girl out of the grandchildren, I’ve been selected as the one to carry the collective. To participate in and continue every tradition. I can’t wait for my cousin’s daughters to be old enough to help because I genuinely cannot do all of that on my own when it’s been done by my mom and her three sisters as a team for decades.