In addition to “Encanto”, remember other Disney films that also feature different regional cultures
‘Encanto’, the new animation from Disney, is showing in cinemas, with success at the box office. The production tells the story of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family that lives hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a wonderful place known as ‘Encanto’.
Magic has blessed every boy and girl in the family with a unique gift, from super strength to the power to heal. All except Mirabel. But when she discovers that the magic surrounding Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only Madrigal without magical powers, may be her exceptional family’s last hope.
The production is set in Colombia and features dance, food, architecture and typical customs of the region. However, ‘Enchantment’ is not the first Disney production that addresses a culture other than American culture. Remember below some other animations that also bring unique characteristics from other countries:
Raya and the Last Dragon (South East Asia)
Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save mankind. Now, 500 years later, the same evil has returned and it is up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the shattered land and its divided people. ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ (2020) has Southeast Asia as its setting inspiration, making it possible to see the typical cultural elements of the region, such as clothing, food, architecture and fights.
Moana: A Sea of Adventure (Polynesia)
‘Moana: A Sea of Adventures’ (2016) features a young woman who goes on a mission to save her people. During the journey, Moana meets the once powerful demigod Maui, who guides her in search of her. Together they sail across the ocean on an incredible journey. Production is based on the islands of French Polynesia, located in Oceania. The Polynesian culture is approached in the film with the insertion of typical elements, such as: tattoos, flower arches, dance, music, and the exuberant landscape of the production with the ocean and mountains in the background.
Frozen: A Freezing Adventure (Norway)
‘Frozen: A Freezing Adventure’ (2013) presents the story of Anna and Elsa, two sisters who grew up isolated in a castle. When the day comes for Elsa to be crowned queen, an accident involving her ice power happens and she decides to flee and live in isolation, causing the kingdom to freeze.
Her sister Anna decides to venture out and find Elsa to bring her sister back and end the cold. The kingdom of Arendelle, where the film takes place, is based on the city of Bergen, located in Norway. The architecture, the clothes, the typical animals (for example, the Sven moose) and, of course, the snow, are some features present in the country’s culture that served as inspiration for the production.
Source: Recreio
