Coco (2017)
Film details
Family · Animation · Music · Adventure · Lee Unkrich · 1h 49min
Synopsis
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.
Verdict
A vibrant celebration of family, memory, and the passion for music.
In-depth analysis
The film Coco is an animated gem that celebrates with wonder and joy family bonds and the rich Mexican cultural tradition. The story of Miguel, a young boy with an irrepressible passion for music, becomes a moving journey into the heart of his heritage. Despite the family's prohibition of music, Miguel seeks his identity and his place, discovering that true fulfillment lies not in rupture, but in the reconciliation of his dreams with the love and memory of his own. The depiction of the Land of the Dead is a visually dazzling metaphor for remembrance and legacy, inviting reflection on the importance of honoring those who came before us, without falling into theological overreach. It is a work that, with a joyful realism, underscores the value of family, forgiveness, and perseverance, offering a profoundly human and hopeful message. A solid and enriching choice for the entire family.