Disney-Pixar has created a new addition to its’ collection of beloved movies and characters with their latest animated movie “Coco”. Coco is based in Mexico during the Día de Muertos celebration. We are introduced to the Rivera family who makes shoes for a living and everyone absolutely despises anything related to music. Except for little Miguel Rivera, who shines shoes but aspires to be a musician. Through the course of the film, Miguel enters the Land of the Dead and learns the about his family, unleashes his capabilities understands the importance of keeping their memories of his former living family members alive.
Coco is colorful, vibrant, enchanting and mesmerizing by blending unique characters with vivid landscapes and culturally appropriate surrounding. In other words, Disney-Pixar made the conscious effort to hire many Mexican and Mexican American artist to work on the movie to make sure the message was not “White Washed”. The attention to detail that remains astounding (the witty Frida Kahlo jokes, chancla throwing abuelitas and use the “ita” ending as an expression of love is on point).
The voice acting from an all-Latino cast is top-notch, with Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel, Gael Garcia Bernal as Hector, Benjamin Bratt as Ernesto de la Cruz, and Renee Victor as Abuelita. And I have to give props to Dante, Miguel’s dog who doesn’t have any lines but is a scene stealer and plays an important role in the story. The Mexican culture is displayed with dignity, honor and respect. Emphasizing the importance of family and keeping traditions alive for the next generation is shown as not just a “Mexican” thing but something that is common for all non Latinos, which normalizes us.
As a Mexican-American, I want to thank the creators and every person that contributed to make this movie possible. Coco is a beautiful film that honors my culture and I will be proud to show to this film to my future generations. Recuérdame…
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