In Coco, the movie tells the vibrant and moving story of Miguel Rivera, a young boy with a secret passion for music who accidentally finds himself transported to the Land of the Dead during Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. To return to the Land of the Living, Miguel must seek the blessing of a deceased family member, navigating a world of fantastical creatures and learning the true meaning of family and remembrance.
The Unveiling of a Musical Secret
Coco is more than just a visually stunning animated film; it’s a profound exploration of cultural heritage, family bonds, and the enduring power of music. The narrative hinges on Miguel’s deep-seated desire to pursue his musical dreams, a passion vehemently opposed by his family. For generations, the Rivera family has banned music, tracing its origin back to Miguel’s great-great-grandfather, a musician who abandoned his family to pursue his musical career.
Miguel’s fervent admiration for the legendary musician Ernesto de la Cruz fuels his rebellious spirit. He identifies with Ernesto’s artistry and dreams of following in his footsteps. On Día de Muertos, Miguel attempts to participate in a talent show, convinced that Ernesto’s guitar, which he finds in a mausoleum, will be his ticket to success. However, touching the guitar, believing it to be Ernesto’s own, triggers a magical transformation, rendering him invisible to the living and transporting him to the Land of the Dead.
Navigating the Land of the Dead
The Land of the Dead is a vibrant and bustling metropolis populated by the deceased, who are remembered and celebrated by their living relatives. Miguel learns that he is cursed because he has stolen from the dead. To return to the Land of the Living before sunrise, he must receive a blessing from a deceased family member.
He seeks out his great-great-grandmother, Mamá Imelda, the matriarch who banned music. Imelda is willing to grant him her blessing, but only if he promises to abandon music forever. Miguel refuses, as he clings to his dream. Desperate, he sets out to find Ernesto de la Cruz, believing him to be his great-great-grandfather, the ancestor who understood and valued music.
Seeking Ernesto de la Cruz
Miguel’s journey is filled with encounters with colorful characters, including Héctor, a down-on-his-luck musician struggling to be remembered in the Land of the Living. Héctor promises to help Miguel reach Ernesto if Miguel promises to put Héctor’s picture on the family ofrenda in the land of the living so that he won’t disappear altogether in the Land of the Dead.
Together, Miguel and Héctor navigate the challenges of the Land of the Dead, uncovering secrets and learning about the true meaning of family. Miguel’s unwavering belief in Ernesto de la Cruz is constantly challenged as he witnesses the vibrant culture and the complex relationships of the deceased.
The Truth Revealed
The climax of the film occurs when Miguel finally reaches Ernesto de la Cruz. However, the encounter takes a dark turn. Miguel discovers that Ernesto isn’t the noble artist he imagined. Ernesto stole Héctor’s songs, poisoned him, and left him to die so he could achieve fame.
The revelation is devastating for Miguel, who must now confront the reality that his idol is a fraud and that his family’s history is built on a lie. In the ensuing struggle, Héctor’s photograph is lost, jeopardizing his existence in the Land of the Dead.
A Blessing and a Legacy
The film concludes with a race against time as Miguel, with the help of Imelda and the other Rivera ancestors, attempts to expose Ernesto’s treachery and ensure Héctor’s remembrance. They manage to expose Ernesto’s misdeeds to the spectators during a singing competition.
Back in the Land of the Living, Miguel, armed with a fragment of Héctor’s song, plays it for his great-grandmother, Coco, Héctor’s daughter. The music triggers Coco’s memories of her father, and she reveals his preserved letters and a photograph that proves his authorship of the songs Ernesto stole.
With Coco’s revived memories, Héctor is finally remembered in the Land of the Living, preventing his final death and allowing him to visit her. Miguel receives Imelda’s blessing without conditions, and returns to the Land of the Living, free to pursue his musical dreams while honoring his family’s history and remembering his ancestors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the movie Coco, delving deeper into its themes and cultural significance:
H3 What is Día de Muertos and why is it important to the story?
Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It is a time when families honor and remember their deceased loved ones. The holiday is filled with vibrant colors, elaborate decorations, and offerings of food and drink. In Coco, Día de Muertos serves as the backdrop for Miguel’s journey and highlights the importance of remembering and honoring ancestors. It is during this time that the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest, allowing Miguel’s extraordinary adventure to unfold.
H3 Why does Miguel’s family ban music?
The Rivera family’s ban on music stems from a painful event in their history. Miguel’s great-great-grandfather abandoned his wife, Imelda, and daughter, Coco, to pursue his musical career. This act caused immense hardship for the family, leading Imelda to establish a shoemaking business and vow to never allow music into their lives again. This ban represents a deep-seated fear of abandonment and a commitment to family loyalty.
H3 Who is Ernesto de la Cruz and why does Miguel idolize him?
Ernesto de la Cruz is a legendary musician in Coco, revered for his charisma, talent, and inspiring songs. Miguel idolizes Ernesto because he represents everything Miguel desires: fame, artistic recognition, and the freedom to pursue his musical dreams. Miguel views Ernesto as a symbol of success and believes that following in his footsteps will bring him happiness.
H3 What are spirit guides (“alebrijes”) and what role do they play in the Land of the Dead?
Alebrijes are brightly colored, fantastical creatures originating from Mexican folk art. In the Land of the Dead, they serve as spirit guides, helping souls navigate the afterlife. Mamá Imelda’s alebrije, Pepita, is a particularly powerful and loyal protector. The presence of alebrijes adds a layer of magical realism to the film and underscores the connection between the living and the dead.
H3 What is an ofrenda and why is it important?
An ofrenda is an altar created to honor deceased loved ones during Día de Muertos. It is adorned with photographs, food, drinks, flowers (especially marigolds), and other items that were cherished by the departed. The ofrenda serves as a welcoming place for spirits to return and reconnect with their families. In Coco, the ofrenda is crucial because a deceased person needs their picture on the ofrenda in the Land of the Living to cross over and visit on Día de Muertos. If their picture is not there, they risk fading from existence in the Land of the Dead.
H3 What does it mean to be “forgotten” in the Land of the Dead?
In Coco, the ultimate fate worse than death is being forgotten in the Land of the Living. If no one remembers a deceased person, their spirit fades away and they disappear completely from the Land of the Dead. This concept emphasizes the importance of remembrance and the enduring power of family bonds. Héctor’s struggle to be remembered underscores this poignant theme.
H3 What is the significance of music in the film?
Music is a central theme in Coco, representing both conflict and connection. It is the source of Miguel’s passion and the cause of his family’s historical pain. Ultimately, music becomes the bridge that heals the family rift, revives Coco’s memories, and allows Miguel to pursue his dreams while honoring his heritage. It is a symbol of creativity, expression, and the enduring power of cultural traditions.
H3 Why is the song “Remember Me” so important to the plot?
The song “Remember Me” initially seems to be a grand anthem celebrating Ernesto de la Cruz’s fame. However, its true meaning is far more personal and intimate. It was written by Héctor as a lullaby for his daughter, Coco, expressing his love and longing to be reunited with her. The song’s layered meaning reveals the deceptive nature of fame and the enduring power of familial love.
H3 What are the rules for crossing between the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead?
Souls in the Land of the Dead can only cross over to the Land of the Living on Día de Muertos if their picture is displayed on an ofrenda. They must also be remembered by someone living. Miguel’s ability to cross over stems from his being cursed for stealing from the dead and not being in the right state to cross back easily. He needs the blessing of a family member from the Land of the Dead to return.
H3 What does Miguel learn about family throughout his journey?
Miguel’s journey is a transformative experience that teaches him the true meaning of family. He learns that family is not just about shared blood or obedience to tradition; it’s about love, support, and understanding. He comes to appreciate the sacrifices his ancestors made and the importance of honoring their legacy. He also learns that following one’s dreams does not have to come at the expense of family loyalty.
H3 What is the cultural significance of the Rivera family’s shoemaking tradition?
The Rivera family’s shoemaking tradition represents resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to overcome adversity. After being abandoned by her husband, Imelda established the shoemaking business to provide for her family. The tradition symbolizes the family’s strong work ethic and their commitment to creating a stable and secure future.
H3 What is the overall message or moral of the movie Coco?
Coco conveys a powerful message about the importance of family, remembrance, and pursuing one’s dreams while honoring one’s heritage. The film emphasizes the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and the importance of staying true to oneself. It celebrates Mexican culture and traditions while reminding viewers of the universal values that connect us all. The movie argues that pursuing your dreams shouldn’t require sacrificing family or your heritage.