Coco: A Celebration of Life and Legacy

Part 1:

1. a. Title: Coco

b. Director and Year: Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, 2017

c. Major Characters and Relationships:

• Miguel Rivera: A 12-year-old aspiring musician who accidentally travels to the Land of the Dead.
• Mamá Coco: Miguel’s great-great-grandmother, who is slowly fading from memory due to a broken family tradition.
• Héctor: A charming trickster Miguel meets in the Land of the Dead, who becomes his guide and confidante.
• Ernesto de la Cruz: Miguel’s deceased idol, whose true nature is revealed in the Land of the Dead.
• Imelda Rivera: Miguel’s stern grandmother, who enforces the family’s ban on music.

2. Title and Cultural Theme:

The title “Coco” refers to Mamá Coco, the bridge between Miguel and his family’s musical heritage. It signifies the importance of remembering ancestors and keeping their legacies alive. The movie celebrates the Mexican cultural tradition of Día de los Muertos, emphasizing the enduring bond between the living and the dead.

Part 2:

3. Conflict and Themes:

a. Major Conflict: Miguel accidentally gets trapped in the Land of the Dead and must return to the Land of the Living before sunrise or become permanently a spirit. He resolves this by playing music for Mamá Coco, which restores her fading memory and allows him to return home.

b. Major and Minor Themes:

• Family & Legacy: The importance of honoring ancestors and carrying on their traditions.
• Music & Passion: The power of music to bridge generations and express emotions.
• Death & Remembrance: The cyclical nature of life and death, and the importance of remembering loved ones who have passed on.
• Breaking Free: Embracing one’s individuality and pursuing dreams despite family expectations.

4. Cultural Focus:

a. Cultural Background: The movie is set in Santa Cecilia, Mexico, and revolves around the vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos.

b. Relationship to Día de los Muertos:

• The Land of the Dead is depicted as a colorful and lively place, mirroring the joyful atmosphere of Día de los Muertos.
• Food offerings (ofrendas) are prepared for deceased ancestors, and their photographs are displayed on altars.
• Music and dancing play a central role, just as they do in real-life Día de los Muertos celebrations.

c. Celebration of Life:

• The movie portrays death not as an ending, but as a continuation of life in a different form.
• Remembering and honoring ancestors brings them back to life in a sense, ensuring their legacies live on.
• The joy and vibrancy of the Land of the Dead celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones rather than mourning their loss.

Part 3:

5. Decorations and Music:

• Vibrant marigolds, skeleton figures, and traditional altars adorn both the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead.
• Upbeat mariachi music and soulful ballads weave through the narrative, reflecting the cultural richness of Mexico.

6. Important Scenes:

a. Miguel playing music for Mamá Coco: This heartwarming scene shows the power of music to touch souls and bridge generations. It’s visually stunning with Mamá Coco reconnecting with her memories and family photos coming to life.

b. Héctor revealing his true story: This unexpected twist exposes the deception surrounding Ernesto de la Cruz and sheds light on Héctor’s sacrifice for his daughter. It’s emotionally charged and adds depth to the plot.

7. Takeaways:

• Family is always there for you, even after they’re gone.
• Never give up on your dreams, even in the face of obstacles.
• Remember and honor your ancestors, they live on in your heart and legacy.

8. Conclusion:

a. Comparison to Another Movie: Similar thematic development can be found in Pixar’s “Soul,” which explores the meaning of life and the importance of living fully. Both movies deal with themes of legacy, finding purpose, and appreciating the journey we’re on.

b. Recommendation: Absolutely! Coco is a beautiful and heartwarming film suitable for all ages. It celebrates life, family, and cultural traditions in a captivating way. You’ll laugh, cry, and walk away with a renewed appreciation for loved ones, both living and deceased.