Disney – Pixar Animated Coco

One of the pleasures Disney can offer is the chance to be amazed by what animation can do. We have witnessed most of the big, bold breakthrough film with the computer-assisted rendering in fur, Monster Inc., of metal in Cars, and of water in Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. The studio’s latest collaboration, Coco, is no less satisfying with human bones, flower petals and hairless dogs that look exceptionally real.

What makes Disney so special? The animation usually contains memorable and important moral lesson to ponder of. With its fascinating animation and heartwarming message, Coco is far different from the other Pixar hits such as Toy Story, Inside and Up. The reason Coco apart is it’s authentic and depiction of Mexican culture, art and tradition.

Coco directed by Lee Unkrich is a vibrant, colorful film that explores the tradition of the Day of the Dead of Mexican. A tale about a child desire to become a musician despite the rejection from his family who strictly banned all form of music and at the same time, this film reveals the power of unconditional love. Miguel voiced by Anthony Gonzales features with the Latino voice cast, Gael Garcia Bernal and Benjamin Matt, and not to forget Latino co-director and Latino crew members who assisted the tale that unfolds Mexican traditions and customs.

We will find ourselves in Mexico where the annual Day of the Dead comes and Miguel inadvertently finds himself trapped on the other side, afterlife; Land of The Dead. An exciting yet dangerous journey begins when he enters a world inhabited by dead people and in the meantime, he must find his way back before he permanently becomes one of the dead people. Apart from that, this film successfully captured the ‘family comes first’ Mexican culture.

One of the significant features of the film is it captures Mexican family culture beautifully. The story is quite simple but it is quite drenching with the culture that it feels fresh. First, the tradition of celebrating the dead, Day of the Dead, second, the animation gives a concrete visualization of how Mexican traditions and customs look like, third, the film opens with a mariachi band and the list goes on. For those who haven’t been to Mexico, this film offers a great experience deep into a real-world culture without a visa.

Does Coco consider as one of Pixar's best works? No. But all aspects of Coco are appealing, from the plots to the character, the graphics to the music. Spare some time to watch it; you will be captivated by the lively cultural masterpiece that is Coco.