Coco (2017)

 

Plot

The story follows Miguel Rivera (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez), a 12-year-old boy from a family of shoemakers in a small Mexican village. Miguel dreams of becoming a musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voiced by Benjamin Bratt). However, his family has banned music for generations, stemming from a painful family history involving Miguel’s great-great-grandfather, who abandoned his family to pursue a career in music.

On Día de los Muertos, Miguel accidentally finds himself transported to the Land of the Dead, a colorful and mystical world where deceased loved ones reside. To return to the world of the living, Miguel must receive a blessing from one of his ancestors. Along the way, he meets Héctor (voiced by Gael García Bernal), a charming but down-on-his-luck skeleton who agrees to help Miguel if Miguel promises to take Héctor’s photo back to the living world to ensure he is remembered.

As Miguel uncovers long-hidden family secrets, he learns the true meaning of family, legacy, and remembrance. The emotional climax involves Miguel singing the heartwarming song “Remember Me” to his great-grandmother, Mamá Coco, rekindling her memories of her father and mending the family's bond with music.

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Themes

1. Family and Tradition:

   • The film emphasizes the importance of family ties, traditions, and honoring ancestors, even in the face of personal dreams and ambitions.

2. Legacy and Remembrance:

   • "Coco" highlights the power of remembering loved ones who have passed away and how memories keep their spirits alive.

3. Following Your Dreams:

   • Miguel's journey reflects the struggle of pursuing one's passion while respecting familial expectations and values.

4. Forgiveness and Healing:

   • The film explores themes of forgiveness, as the Rivera family learns to let go of past grudges and embrace music once again.

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Characters and Performances

1. Miguel Rivera:

   • Anthony Gonzalez brings youthful energy and heartfelt emotion to Miguel, making him a relatable and inspiring protagonist.

2. Héctor:

   • Gael García Bernal delivers a standout performance, blending humor, charm, and vulnerability. Héctor's character arc, revealing his identity as Miguel's great-great-grandfather, is one of the most touching aspects of the film.

3. Ernesto de la Cruz:

   • Benjamin Bratt perfectly captures the charisma and villainy of Ernesto, who initially appears as a hero but is later revealed as a selfish and treacherous figure.

4. Mamá Coco:

   • The depiction of Mamá Coco, with her gentle and fragile demeanor, is one of the film's emotional anchors. Her reconnection with her father through the song “Remember Me” is deeply moving.

5. The Rivera Family:

   • The multigenerational family dynamics are beautifully portrayed, with each member adding depth and humor to the story, particularly Abuelita (voiced by Renée Victor), who fiercely enforces the family’s no-music rule.

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Direction and Storytelling

• Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina masterfully blend universal themes with the specific cultural context of Día de los Muertos. The film's pacing, emotional beats, and narrative twists are expertly handled, creating a story that is both entertaining and profoundly touching.
• The balance between humor, drama, and music ensures the film appeals to audiences of all ages.

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Animation and Visuals

1. Vibrant World-Building:

   • The Land of the Dead is a visual masterpiece, with its towering, neon-lit architecture, floating bridges of marigold petals, and intricately designed skeletons.

2. Attention to Detail:

   • From the textures of Miguel’s guitar to the vibrant decorations of Día de los Muertos, every frame is rich with detail, reflecting the love and respect for Mexican culture.

3. Character Design:

   • The skeletons in the Land of the Dead are uniquely designed with intricate patterns and vibrant personalities, avoiding any sense of creepiness while celebrating the festival's spirit.

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Music

• The music, composed by Michael Giacchino, is integral to the story and deeply evocative of Mexican traditions.
• Songs like “Un Poco Loco”, “La Llorona”, and the Oscar-winning “Remember Me” (written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez) are beautifully woven into the narrative.
• “Remember Me” serves as the emotional heart of the film, embodying themes of love, memory, and connection.

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Humor and Emotional Balance

• The film seamlessly blends humor with its emotional weight. Characters like Héctor, Abuelita, and Dug provide plenty of comedic moments, while the story’s poignant themes are handled with sensitivity and depth.
• The emotional impact of scenes like Miguel singing “Remember Me” to Mamá Coco resonates long after the film ends.

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Memorable Scenes

1. Opening Storytelling:

   • The backstory of the Rivera family is humorously and creatively introduced using papel picado (traditional Mexican paper art).

2. Miguel’s Arrival in the Land of the Dead:

   • The first glimpse of the Land of the Dead is breathtaking, showcasing Pixar’s animation prowess.

3. Héctor’s Backstory:

   • The revelation that Héctor is Miguel’s great-great-grandfather and Ernesto de la Cruz stole his music is both shocking and heart-wrenching.

4. “Remember Me” Scene:

   • Miguel’s emotional rendition of the song to Mamá Coco is the film’s most unforgettable moment, perfectly encapsulating the film’s themes.

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Cultural Representation

• "Coco" is a love letter to Mexican culture, accurately and respectfully portraying Día de los Muertos traditions, family values, and music.
• The film’s commitment to authenticity included consulting Mexican cultural advisors and casting Latino voice actors, making it a landmark in representation.

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Critical and Cultural Impact

1. Box Office Success:

   • "Coco" grossed over $807 million worldwide, becoming one of Pixar’s most successful films.

2. Awards and Recognition:

   • The film won 2 Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Remember Me”).

3. Legacy:

   • "Coco" has become a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its heartfelt story and respectful depiction of Mexican traditions.

4. Emotional Resonance:

   • Its universal themes of family and memory resonate deeply with audiences around the world.

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Criticism

While universally praised, minor critiques include:

1. Predictability:
   • Some viewers felt the plot twists, particularly Ernesto’s villainy, were predictable.
2. Simplistic Villain:
   • Ernesto de la Cruz, while effective, is a more traditional villain compared to some of Pixar’s more nuanced antagonists.

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Conclusion

"Coco" is a visually stunning, emotionally powerful, and culturally rich film that stands as one of Pixar’s finest achievements. It beautifully balances humor, heart, and music to deliver a story that celebrates family, memory, and the traditions that shape us. With unforgettable characters, breathtaking animation, and a poignant narrative, "Coco" is a timeless masterpiece.

Rating 

My rating - 4.5/5

IMDB - 8.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes - 97% fresh