If you are anything like me, you are a Disney/Pixar fanatic. I’ve always been a fan of storytelling, fantasy, and fairytales. I first became interested in "Coco" because of the diversity in the trailer and story. This is Pixar’s first film where the main character isn’t white. Actually, every character in "Coco" is Mexican, and celebrating Mexico’s biggest holiday. The Day of the Dead is a popular Mexican celebration for dead relatives. Families put up photos and food for their relatives. If you do not put up their photo, they can not cross over to visit you.
"Coco" is a film about a young boy named Miguel, who dreams of being a musician. Sadly, his family does not support this because Miguel’s great-great-grandfather left his family to become a musician. The Rivera's believe all musicians leave their families and don’t want Miguel to do the same. During the Day of the Dead celebration, Miguel becomes one with the dead by accident and tries to come home.
"Coco" official trailer!
The first reason why you should watch "Coco" is because of the artwork. "Coco" is a vibrant film full of color. I personally think this is the best animated film visually in Disney/Pixar history. The film uses an orange and purple contrast and it is very pleasing. Also, they do an amazing job with the lighting. During the Day of the Dead, many families use orange marigold flowers to guide the dead. In the trailer, Miguel discovers a bridge made of marigold flowers that brings the dead over to Earth. Each petal glows in the inside and it is a beautiful scene. Another great scene is when Miguel learns to play the guitar. Each time Miguel picks a guitar string, the note accurately plays. This is an animated first, and the hardest thing for the animators to create. Pixar broke history by animating this scene. Trust me, this scene is amazing to watch!
Secondly, the music alone in the film is enough to bring people in. This film is not a musical, no one breaks out into song in order to narrate what is happening. All characters purposely sing and play music. Pixar never made a film that involves original songs. Some songs make me want to dance while others make me want to cry! After the film, I went to buy the sound track because it was so good. The voice behind Miguel is only 12 and does an amazing job singing. Since this is a Mexican film, some songs are in Spanish, but you can still understand what they are talking about. I truly enjoyed the music and how culturally accurate it is. The music style fits to the film and you can tell that Pixar did their research.
The film is also culturally accurate, which is why it is getting so much appraise! Many films have stereotyped and made fun other minority groups. Pixar truly cares about representing diverse groups, and making sure they get the culture right. I think Pixar did a great job explaining the Day of the Dead to those who are not Mexican. The film has mariachi bands, alebrije, sugar skulls, ofrendas, and a xoloitzcuintli dog! I learned a lot about the Mexican heritage, even though it’s not a film about Mexico.
The fourth reason why I like this film is how it’s diverse, without being a film strictly about diversity. Many American films make diverse films in order to discuss diversity, and to teach about other cultures. "Coco" teaches kids about Mexican culture, but not once mentioned Mexico, or being Mexican. It was just an interesting film with an amazing plot and story!
Lastly, the moral of the story in "Coco" is just simply beautiful! "Coco" is about choosing family or you dreams. It teaches children that both are equally important, and you can balance both! You think the film is going one way, but their are many plot twist. At the end, you will be in tears and understand why your family and your dreams both matter, and you can combine both.
Miguel, with his great-grandma called "Mama Coco!"
Please watch "Coco" if you can! The film is still in theaters and the #1 movie right now!
