Analysis of the Movie “Coco”

 

Analysis of the Movie “Coco”

Part 1: Movie Details

a) Title of the movie: Coco.
b) Director and year of production: Directed by Lee Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina. The movie was released in 2017.
c) Major characters and their relationships:Miguel Rivera: The protagonist and aspiring musician. He is a young boy who yearns to pursue his passion for music despite his family’s ban on it.
Hector: A charming trickster from the Land of the Dead. He helps Miguel navigate the afterlife and discover the truth about his family history.
Mama Coco: Miguel’s great-grandmother and the oldest living relative. She suffers from memory loss but plays a significant role in Miguel’s journey.
Ernesto de la Cruz: A famous musician and Miguel’s idol. He has a complicated relationship with Miguel, which unfolds throughout the movie.

Part 2: Conflict/Theme

a) The major conflict in Coco revolves around Miguel’s desire to pursue music, which conflicts with his family’s strong opposition due to a past incident involving a musician. The conflict is resolved when Miguel learns about his great-grandfather’s true identity and reconciles his passion for music with his family’s values.
b) The major theme of Coco is the importance of family, honoring ancestors, and preserving cultural traditions. Other minor themes include pursuing one’s dreams, the power of music, and the significance of remembering loved ones who have passed away.

a) The cultural background of Coco is rooted in Mexican culture and traditions. It showcases the celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a vibrant holiday in Mexico that honors and remembers deceased loved ones.
b) In the movie, Día de los Muertos serves as a central theme. It is depicted as a joyous occasion where families come together to celebrate and remember their ancestors. The movie highlights the importance of the “ofrenda” (offering) and how it serves as a way to keep the memories of loved ones alive.

Part 3: Cultural Elements

The movie utilizes various decorations and music to underscore its cultural content. Brightly colored papel picado (decorative paper banners), marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and traditional clothing are used to create an authentic Mexican atmosphere. The music features traditional Mexican folk music, including mariachi and ranchera songs, which add depth and cultural richness to the story.

a) Two scenes I enjoyed most:

Scene 1: The opening scene where Miguel introduces his family’s history through a narrated montage. This scene captivated me with its beautiful animation and storytelling, providing essential background information.
Scene 2: The emotionally charged climax where Miguel performs the song “Remember Me” to Mama Coco, triggering her memories and ultimately resolving the conflict. This scene was emotionally impactful, showcasing the power of music and love.

b) Scene 1 began with vibrant visuals showcasing Mexican traditions and ended with Miguel expressing his passion for music despite his family’s disapproval. Scene 2 began with Miguel singing to Mama Coco and ended with her remembering her father through Miguel’s performance.

The major takeaways from Coco include the significance of family bonds, the value of remembering and honoring ancestors, the pursuit of one’s dreams despite obstacles, and the power of music to heal relationships and connect generations.

a) Coco can be compared to the movie “Moana” in terms of thematic development. Both movies explore the themes of family, self-discovery, and following one’s passions against societal expectations. They showcase vibrant cultures (Mexican and Polynesian) while emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage and traditions in shaping identity.
b) Yes, I would highly recommend Coco to my family and friends. It is an emotionally powerful and visually stunning film that celebrates Mexican culture, family values, and the beauty of remembering loved ones. Its universal themes resonate with people from diverse backgrounds, making it a heartwarming experience for all audiences.