Anything to declare?
As a matter of fact, yes.
It’s no secret that Coco is well-known as a Pixar classic and animated film classic. Coco has quickly become one of my favorite Pixar films (right after Up).
This film has received over 24 awards, including an Academy Award for Best Animation. I love this film. I love it. Pixar has consistently been recognized for creating innovative ideas, and the display of Coco’s premise on the big screen was exciting. Coco instantly became a beloved classic, and its expectations have held up.
Miguel Rivera (Anthony Gonzales) is a solid protagonist, a kid who is viewed differently from his family because he sees his future as a musician. However, Miguel’s family strongly opposes this idea ever since Miguel’s musician great-great-grandfather abandoned Mama Imelda, Miguel’s great-great-grandmother. Miguel is a very sweet and lovable character, and his reckless attitude caused by his love of music benefits the story, as it presents the idea that nothing is more important than family. Not only is Miguel’s character arc dynamic, he also drives other characters and the plot forward.
Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal) is easily just as memorable because his role, prior to it being revealed that he is Miguel’s great-great-grandfather, is executed rather well. Hector plays a major role in helping Miguel escape The Land of the Dead, and his redemption arc was absolutely well done. In addition, the duet he had with young Coco was amazing, especially considering that this is done by Hector’s voice actor, Gael Bernal, and his daughter, whose voices were a great addition to the film and its message of family.
Imelda (Renee Victor) is just as pivotal, as she is the family matriarch of the Riveras. I was really glad to have her role in this film developed the way it was — with her resentment towards music after her husband abandoned her and her daughter and how strongly she holds her self-will. Luckily, by the movie's end, Imelda gets over her hatred of music and forgives Hector, giving the audience a heartwarming closure between the two characters.
Ernesto de la Cruz, Benjamin Bratt’s role as a villain, worked surprisingly well. It does feel like Disney has been going through a phase of having many plot-twist villains to the point that it becomes predictable. However, Ernesto’s plotline fits since there is a proper build-up to the reveal that he is the story’s central villain. Adding on, the connections that Ernesto shares with Hector and Miguel are helpful in setting Ernesto as an adversary to Hector and building Ernesto up as an alternate version of who Miguel could have become had Miguel abandoned his family. Regarding Ernesto, let's just say that the world could “forget him.”
As with Mama Coco (Ana Ofelia Murguia), it seems odd why the film would be named after her. But with a more significant meaning at the end of the film, the reasoning behind naming this movie Coco was one of the most heartwarming aspects of the story. With Mama Coco’s very old age, she was seen minimally throughout the movie. However, in the end, Miguel and Mama Coco sing the song “Remember Me,” which provides a sincere tone leaving the audience in tears. Here, Mama Coco, who was losing her memory, remembers her father, Hector, who used to sing her the very same song, further demonstrating the beauty and power of music.
As a story, this film has excelled in many forms: music, scenery, animation, characters, and the fact that all ages and cultures can enjoy this film is proof of how great of a movie Coco is.
In addition, this film provides audiences with many interesting aspects of Mexican culture in a creative way by presenting Mexico for its beauty of religion, music, and, specifically, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
Overall, this film was so wonderful that it left my family in tears when watching it. Even years after its release, Coco still holds a special place in my heart. It is no question why I give this film a strong 10 out of 10— amazing for Pixar standards, and Disney, too, for that matter. While Coco has its flaws, it’s definitely worth the watch, and it will leave you pondering about the importance of never forgetting your family.
Section Editor: Fernando Leiva
Editor-in-Chief: Mariam Mkrtchian
