Disney Pixar’s Coco directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina is special for many reasons. In addition to being Pixar’s first movie featuring non-Caucasian characters, Coco delves into the Mexican tradition of the ‘Day of the Dead’ through the character of Miguel and his adventure in the underworld.
Coco, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures is a 3D computer-animated ‘musical fantasy’ that dwells into the character of Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), a 12-year-old boy who longs to make it big as a musician just like his idol Ernesto De La Cruz (Benjamin Bratt).
It is a refreshing change to see a Pixar movie not focused on North American setting and characters. The movie portrays Mexican tradition in an apt manner without stereotyping the land and its people, therefore the movie looks authentic and real.
In the midst of proving his talent and going against his family’s wishes of pursuing music, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead and goes through a series of baffling events that give him a taste of his family’s history and change his perspectives all along.
It wouldn’t be wrong to state that Coco is Pixar’s best after Inside Out. Just like Inside Out, Coco easily resonates with your emotions. With heavy themes being explored in the movie, you are bound to think about your own life and the decisions you have made.
Coco isn’t just a movie for children, it is a movie for people of all age groups and the beauty of this movie is that anyone can relate to the characters of the movie, may it be Miguel who wants to desperately pursue his passion or his family members who are against the idea of music that once tore their family apart.
The movie celebrates family and love; this celebration of the family is the beauty and the uniqueness of Coco. Though the plotline isn’t innovative or new, the inclusion of Mexican culture is what makes the movie authentic in the world of animation that is predominantly white.
Although the movie is predictable, the storytelling is witty, making it one of Pixar’s funniest movies with a genuine tenderness that is likely to make you immensely emotional and nostalgic. There are a few twists and turns as the movie progresses. Although you might have seen the end coming just like you had imagined, a few tears would naturally be evoked.
The bond between Miguel and Miguel’s great-grandmother Coco is also something you can relate to. Although Coco is old and cannot remember Miguel’s name most of the time, Miguel loves his great-grandmother and shares everything with her.
This bond seems real and does not look like a made up relation for the sake of the movie for which the directors should be applauded for. Members of the Nepali audience can easily relate to Mexican culture and will realise that it isn’t different from our culture that gives the family a number one priority. This is also one of the many reasons for you to watch Coco.
The music of Coco is bound to melt your heart. Songs like Help You Remember Me, which has a big significance to the movie, make you ask questions about your own life and death. It might seem funny that a song can single-handedly carry so many things relevant to your life.
To conclude, Coco is a genuine, heartfelt movie, full of bright colours that offer a tribute to the importance of family and love. The directors are successful in delving into complex issues and themes in simple and subtle manner. Go watch this movie with your family!
Screening at QFX
Director: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
