By MariaJose Fernandez
As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, it is important to recognize the proud feeling of where many of our Barry students come from. We can all share and learn about the authenticity of Hispanic and Latin culture through their dances, music, food and other traditions.
This year, Barry held a Hispanic Heritage Block Party Sept. 29 on the Dominican Lawn and the Department of Foreign Languages held a Spanish Cinema Day on Oct. 6 where they screened a 1948 film "Embrujo."
To add to your movie collection, The Buccaneer reviewed four Latin movies that highlight the culture, traditions and hard work of the Hispanic and Latino community in the modern era.
Encanto is a Disney animation movie directed by Byron Howard, Jared Bush, Charise Castro Smith and produced by Clark Spencer and Yvett Merino. This captivating musical film is set in a little magical village called “Encanto” in Colombia. The film centers on the story of Colombian family called “Los Madrigal.” It reflects the stereotypical Latino family, with lots of members.
Each of the children of the Madrigal family has been gifted with a unique talent, ranging from superhuman strength to the ability to heal. However, one member, Mirabel, stands apart as the sole ordinary Madrigal. Yet, when Mirabel uncovers a threat to the magic that envelops Encanto, she realizes that she may be the last hope for her exceptional family.
“Encanto” is a film that in addition to demonstrating the Latino culture as hardworking and passionate, demonstrates the important value of family in the Hispanic community. This film proves that life’s hardships are a way to find your purpose on earth and the importance of knowing how to appreciate yourself and value yourself as a person without having to share with others the same purposes. The personal essence makes you authentic, and the love and union of a family makes you stronger and breaks any barriers.
Coco is a Disney Pixar musical-comedy film for children directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina and produced by Darla K. Anderson. This movie portrays the tradition of “El dia de los Muertos," in Mexican culture. A boy named Miguel commences an exceptional expedition into the enchanted realm of his forefathers. And in this place, the affable deceiver Hector assumes the role of an unforeseen companion who assists Miguel in unraveling the enigmas surrounding his family's narratives and customs.
The movie portrays the dances, the traditions, the colors, everything that is done in that celebration that highlights the Mexican culture. It shows how important it is for this community to celebrate those loved ones who have passed on to another life. That love goes beyond death. That the family will always accompany you through thick and thin. This movie reminds us to honor our loved ones and to continue honoring them after death through their teachings and memories that they leave us.
Latin lover is a 3PAS Studios film directed by Ken Marino and produced by Eugenio Derbez and Benjamin Odell. The Latin American film comedy features Maximo Garcia. After enduring the “unfortunate termination” of his 25-year marriage, a gentleman who had dedicated his professional life to captivating affluent, mature women, finds himself compelled to reside with his estranged sister. It is within this new living arrangement that he embarks upon a journey of discovering the significance of familial bonds.
This comedy teaches us that the value of family and love is worth more than having a lot of money or a life with comforts. The film reflects the Latino family, upbringing, values and that of love-thy-neighbor.
Instructions not included is a film directed by Eugenio Derbez and produced by Guillermo Rios, Eugenio Derbez and Leticia Lopes Margalli. The Latin American comedy-drama film centers on Valentin, a Mexican gentleman who has successfully established a fresh existence for himself and his daughter who was abandoned on his doorstep six years ago, but a perilous new situation comes about as the biological mother resurfaces, posing a threat to his family.
This film reflects the many situations of the single father or mother who get ahead to give their children a stable life, and that of the special cases of Latin families. It portrays the sacrifice of parents for their children and the quality time that is vital in their development.
What is your all-time favorite Hispanic film?