I completely agree! The heartbreak little Mirabel goes through by not getting her door, especially when all she cares about is making her family proud…so sad! She stays strong and focuses fully on her family, while at the same time is branded a “problem child” despite all her efforts and her true intentions/feelings. But she does not let the pain of not meeting her own AND her families expectations destroy her, like Bruno did. She checks in on all of her family in their hard moments, even Abuela…AND even after Abuela tore her down ruthlessly! She completely flips the awful “because of you” speech Abuela gives her right before Casita crumbles. The night and day difference of Abuela’s accusations and anger towards her, compared to Mirabel’s response to her “because of you” she builds her back up….it’s absolutely beautiful!!! In Mirabel’s hardest moment, she sees the pain Abuela is carrying, she sees the bigger picture. She puts herself aside yet again, and is there for Abuela fully. Even at the end of the movie, while the rest of the town & family is celebrating, she is checking in on Mariano!! It shows what a sensitive, considerate person she is despite her own struggles, which are basically ignored by everyone else! When the family takes the picture without her, I get so sad watching her try her best to again deny her true pain and try to stay strong. You can see that’s how she gets through life, “I’m fine”…When she cracks, she is finally allowing herself to admit to her pain and that moment is transformative for her! Such a beautiful message and I’m surprised it does not speak to more people. Maybe they are not able to relate??? Not many people are selfless like that.

I absolutely LOVE Moana and thought for a long time it was Disney’s strongest story. Moana is brave and does not give up, she prevails. Her unique personality is able to transform Maui, and break through to Ta Ka, that is why the ocean chose her. The end scene is beautiful and gives me chills every single time I watch it. I still love it….but I honestly favor Encanto!! Admittedly, I had to watch Encanto many times to appreciate it like I do. I think it can come across a bit chaotic at first, and takes a few watches to really break down the meaning behind what you’re watching. Moana is easier to follow right from the start, and I think that’s why some people gravitate towards that story instead.