Coco

Coco is a vibrant animated film by Pixar that delves into the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos through the journey of a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician.

Synopsis

In the small Mexican town of Santa Cecilia, young Miguel Rivera (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming a musician like his idol, the late Ernesto de la Cruz (voiced by Benjamin Bratt). However, Miguel’s family has banned music for generations, ever since his great-great-grandfather abandoned his family to pursue a music career. Despite this, Miguel secretly teaches himself to play the guitar, hoping to one day share his talents with the world.

On Día de los Muertos, Miguel’s determination leads him to steal Ernesto de la Cruz’s guitar from his mausoleum, inadvertently transporting himself to the Land of the Dead. There, he meets his deceased relatives and learns the truth about his family’s history. He also encounters a charming trickster named Héctor (voiced by Gael García Bernal), who becomes his guide and ally in his quest to return to the Land of the Living.

Miguel discovers that to return home, he needs a blessing from a family member. However, his great-great-grandmother Imelda (voiced by Alanna Ubach) will only give her blessing if he promises to give up music forever. Refusing to accept this condition, Miguel teams up with Héctor to find Ernesto de la Cruz, whom he believes will provide the blessing he needs.

As Miguel and Héctor journey through the Land of the Dead, they uncover shocking truths about Ernesto de la Cruz’s past and Héctor’s true identity. The adventure culminates in a dramatic confrontation that not only brings Miguel back to the Land of the Living but also restores music to his family’s life.

In the end, Miguel learns the importance of family, heritage, and remembering loved ones, as he shares his newfound appreciation for both music and his ancestors with his family in the Land of the Living.

  • Taglines: “The celebration of a lifetime.”
  • Genres: Animation, Adventure, Family
  • Duration: 105 minutes
  • Year: 2017
  • Rated: PG
  • Metascore: 81

Interesting Facts

  • The film’s creators visited Mexico to research Día de los Muertos and ensure cultural authenticity.
  • Coco won two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Remember Me.”
  • The animators developed new technology to create the skeletal characters, making them expressive and lifelike.
  • The character of Ernesto de la Cruz was inspired by several famous Mexican musicians and actors, including Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete.
  • Anthony Gonzalez, who voices Miguel, was only twelve years old during the film’s production.

What Makes the Film Great?

Coco is celebrated for its stunning animation, heartfelt storytelling, and deep respect for Mexican culture. The film’s vibrant visuals and emotional depth create a rich, immersive experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Director

Lee Unkrich directed Coco, bringing his expertise from previous Pixar hits like Toy Story 3. Co-director Adrian Molina also played a significant role in shaping the film’s cultural authenticity and story.

Cast

  • Anthony Gonzalez: Miguel Rivera
  • Gael García Bernal: Héctor
  • Benjamin Bratt: Ernesto de la Cruz
  • Alanna Ubach: Mamá Imelda
  • Renée Victor: Abuelita
  • Ana Ofelia Murguía: Mamá Coco