Coco (Film)

Coco (2017) is an American 3D computer-animated musical-fantasy film produced jointly by Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures, centered on Mexican culture and particularly the tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The film was directed by Lee Unkrich, with Adrian Molina serving as co-director and screenwriter. The screenplay was written by Unkrich, Molina, Jason Katz, and Matthew Aldrich.

Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition observed annually on November 1–2 to honor and celebrate deceased loved ones. This special day is dedicated to keeping the memories of the departed alive and honoring their spirits. Celebrations are filled with colorful decorations, traditional foods, and rituals. In 2008, it was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Plot

The film tells the story of Miguel Rivera, a 12-year-old boy living in the Mexican town of Santa Cecilia. Despite his family’s ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming a musician. On Día de los Muertos, while stealing a guitar from the tomb of the famous musician Ernesto de la Cruz, he finds himself transported to the Land of the Dead. There, he uncovers secrets about his family’s past and meets his great-great-grandfather, Héctor. Miguel embarks on this mystical journey to change his family’s attitude toward music and discover his true identity.

Coco (2017), (Source: IMDB)

Production and Cultural Context

The production of Coco was shaped by a deep commitment to accurately representing Mexican cultural heritage. The production team conducted field visits to the Mexican states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Oaxaca to support their research. During these trips, they studied local traditions, architecture, and family dynamics, incorporating their findings into the film’s visual design and narrative structure. The film was produced with a budget estimated between $175 million and $225 million. It is also the first major-budget animated film to feature an entirely Latinx principal cast.

Coco (2017) Production, (Source: IMDB)

Main Characters

• Miguel Rivera: A 12-year-old boy with a dream of becoming a musician. His passion for music leads him on an adventure to the Land of the Dead despite his family’s prohibition of music.
• Héctor Rivera: A cheerful and helpful skeleton living in the Land of the Dead who helps Miguel uncover the truth about his family’s history.
• Ernesto de la Cruz: Miguel’s idol, a famous musician whose true nature is revealed as the story progresses.
• Mamá Imelda: Miguel’s great-grandmother and the person behind his family’s ban on music.
• Mamá Coco: Miguel’s grandmother and Héctor’s daughter. She holds key memories of the family’s past.
• Dante: Miguel’s loyal dog and guide who accompanies him through the Land of the Dead.

Coco (2017), (Source: IMDB)

Awards and Accolades

Upon its release, the film received numerous awards at national and international film festivals.

90th Academy Awards (2018):

BAFTA Awards:

Golden Globe Awards:

Annie Awards:

Critics’ Choice Awards:

Producers Guild of America Awards:

Saturn Awards:

Grammy Awards:

The film earned over $800 million in global box office revenue.

Music

The film’s score was composed by Michael Giacchino. The song “Remember Me,” written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 90th Academy Awards. Coco also won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film at the same ceremony. The film achieved commercial success with over $800 million in box office revenue.

Soundtrack Album: The official soundtrack album was released on November 10, 2017, under the Walt Disney Records label. It features 11 songs performed by various artists and 27 instrumental pieces composed by Michael Giacchino.

“Remember Me” Song

“Remember Me”, written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, is the emotional centerpiece of the film. Thematically, it serves as both a farewell and a tribute. In the film, the song is interpreted in different ways by various characters: as a stage performance, a lullaby, and a memory melody. Particularly poignant is the scene where Miguel sings the song to his great-grandmother Mamá Coco, symbolizing memory and familial bonds. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2018.

Coco - Remember Me, (Source: IMDB)

The song is presented in multiple versions throughout the film’s narrative. First, it is introduced as a lullaby composed by Héctor Rivera for his daughter Coco. Later, it is performed as a stage number by Ernesto de la Cruz. Finally, it is reinterpreted emotionally by Miguel as a heartfelt memory directed toward his great-grandmother Mamá Coco.

“Remember Me” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018.

“Un Poco Loco” Song

“Un Poco Loco” is a song performed by Miguel and Héctor during a music competition in the Land of the Dead. With its humorous lyrics and rhythm, the song embodies the film’s lighthearted tone. It also marks the first time Miguel showcases his musical talent before a crowd. “Un Poco Loco” is composed in the cumbia style, enriched with cultural elements.

Coco (2017), (Source: IMDB)

“La Llorona” Song

La Llorona is a traditional Mexican folk ballad performed dramatically in Coco by the character Imelda in the Land of the Dead. Thematically, the song explores intense emotions such as loss, longing, and regret.

The film interprets the scene with a theatrical style through its staging and visual storytelling techniques.

Cultural Impact and Criticism

Coco is an animated film centered on Mexican culture and particularly the Día de los Muertos tradition. It has been widely praised by critics for its detailed and respectful portrayal of these cultural elements. Thematically, it focuses on family bonds, individual and collective memory, and questions of identity.

History and Meaning of Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos is a two-day celebration held on November 1 to honor children (Día de los Inocentes or Día de los Angelitos) and on November 2 to honor adults (Día de los Muertos). These dates coincide with the Catholic observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. According to belief, on these days, the spirits of the deceased return to the world of the living to spend time with their families.

Coco (2017) Ofrenda, (Source: IMDB)

Traditions and Symbols

• Ofrenda (Altars): Altars built in homes or cemeteries are decorated with photographs of the deceased, their favorite foods and drinks, candles, and marigold flowers (cempasúchil). These altars guide the spirits on their journey back to the living world.
• Calavera (Skull) Symbols: Colorful sugar skulls symbolize the joyful acceptance of death. People also paint their faces with skeleton makeup to participate in processions.
• Pan de Muerto: A sweet bread traditionally baked for Día de los Muertos, often decorated with bone-shaped designs and placed on altars.
• Graveyard Visits: Families visit the graves of their loved ones, clean and decorate them, and share meals to honor their memories.