11 Life Lessons In Coco | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

7 Life Lessons Exhibited in Disney Pixar's 'Coco'

Life is short, so learn these before you go to the Land of the Dead!

22903
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjudmcSxzpc
Disney/Pixar

In This Article:

The movie Coco is about a young boy in Mexico whose family is preparing for Día de Muertos. If you haven't seen the movie yet, I suggest you stop reading this now, find it on Netflix, and watch it ASAP. Coco is my favorite Pixar movie of all time, and I promise you'll be blown away by every detail of it. As any Disney movie does, Coco provides the viewer with some key life lessons that can even impact an adult.

1. Respect your family and its roots

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/...546695/

Miguel did not want to follow in his family's footsteps when it came to the family business. This decision did not offend his family, as he was able to remind everyone in his family what was actually important to them. What was important to them wasn't making shoes but being together, supporting each other, and keeping values passed on through generations.

2. Do what you believe in

http://www.startribune.com/meet-pixar-s-preteen-st...

Miguel wanted to play music because he saw how it created harmony between people and happiness through entertainment, even when everyone around him was ignorant of the benefits of music. When you truly believe in something, you are easily able to justify why you believe in it. If what you believe it is doable, then do it! Be proud of what you do, and always remember why you're doing it.

3. Seize your moment

http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Remember_Me_(song)

Miguel was given the opportunity to prove to his family why music was important to himself and why his family should support his self-determined path. This moment came at an expected time, and it might have been his only chance to make his point. When you're given the spotlight in any situation, focus on making that moment exactly what you want it to be, since you might not have another chance. Seize your moment by being fearless of what others think and inspire!

4. Forgiving in relationships can take time, but it's never too late...

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2380307/mediaviewer/r...

Imelda did not forgive Hector for leaving her and Coco in the living world. It wasn't until she found out in the afterlife that he was coming back to them, but was killed. She was able to forgive him before he was permanently gone and their relationship was restored. Forgiving someone creates peace within yourself by releasing negative feelings from a grudge or focusing on someone's fault.

...until they're gone

I have heard that some people believe your forgiveness in relationships only affects you. I have to disagree with that statement since I believe it affects you and the person who has done something to you. Imelda and Hector's relationship was not restored until she forgave Hector. The peace created in forgiveness can lead to renewal, happiness, and restoration of a relationship.

5. Do not idolize anyone

https://www.bustle.com/p/is-ernesto-de-la-cruz-bas...

Miguel idolized Ernesto de la Cruz and saw no fault in him. He was willing to put his life and dreams in the hands of Ernesto de la Cruz, which led to his temporary downfall. By idolizing someone, you are ignoring their faults, and putting yourself at risk of following the lead of someone who may not be able to benefit your life. You won't be happy by wishing you had someone else's life. You do not know their whole story and will be more happy by being unique and finding out what sets you apart from others.

6. Don't judge someone by their position

https://www.slashfilm.com/coco-foreshadowing-plot-...

In the end, Hector definitely seems like a better person compared to Ernesto De La Cruz. Everyone judges Hector and never gives him the opportunities he deserves because he was forcibly placed in a position lower than he deserved. Ernesto cheated his way to the position that Hector should have been in. Miguel stated that Hector was an upgrade as a great-great-grandpa because of who he was as a person (not his position in life). Not everyone gets the recognition they deserve. Be willing to learn about someone that defines them more than their status. There is a chance you can learn something from them and end up like Miguel by being appreciative of how someone really is, instead of focusing on what they were given.

7. Never name a street dog

http://video.disney.ph/dante-is-a-xolo-dog-featurette

Miguel forms a bond with a dog he named Dante. Abuelita tells Miguel to never name a street dog because the dog might follow him forever. I take this lesson literally. If you see a stray dog and name it, you'll have to be willing to put in the effort to care for the dog, because it knows you're showing love for it and might look for attention from you again. If you can't handle the attention, take it to someone who can.

Never take your family or traditions for granted. Although Miguel said that he didn't care about being on their family's ofrenda (a sort of altar which is set up in remembrance of deceased family members), he later reconsidered if his music meant more than his heritage. Don't let your passions overshadow who you truly are!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2803
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

2395
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments