The newest Disney animated tale, Coco, was released this Thanksgiving season. On release day, Facebook was full of extreme reactions, and I must admit, I was not very interested in seeing a movie about Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). I did not understand this Mexican holiday and was not intrigued by what I had read online. I decided to go to the movie anyway with my husband Bobby and here is what I discovered

A young boy named Miguel lives in a Mexican village with his great-grandmother Coco and other members of the extended family.  Coco’s father had left her mother to chase his dream of being a musician which began a hatred of music enduring four generations.  The entire story rotates around the resentment for this one event and creates generations of people who hate music and musicians.  I won’t spoil the rest of the plot but just know,  there are many unpredictable moments.

Día de Los Muertos

Many social media posts stated that people were taking their children out of the theatre when the movie began showing the celebration of the day of the dead.In the movie, Miguel’s family believes that ancestors who have passed on can visit the earth on one specific day, Día de Los Muertos.  The only way the deceased can cross over to this world is if their descendants put their picture up and light a candle.

This movie is a Mexican cultural experience and if you were raised in America that probably does not fit your religious beliefs.  But, if you think about the concept and not focus on the ritual you will LOVE this movie.  The day of the dead is about celebrating the lives of your ancestors.  It’s about remembering them and the lives they’ve led.

Coco Animation

The artwork in Coco is one of the most beautiful pieces Disney has ever produced. When I saw the city of the dead, I was in awe! It is visually stunning with amazing music.

Final Review

The movie Coco is a beautiful story with stunning animation and music. The twists and turns of the storyline kept me intrigued to find out what was going to happen next after every scene!  My heart changed because of the one hour and forty-nine minutes I spent in Mexico with Miguel and his great-grandmother Coco.  I laughed, I cried, and I left inspired!

P.S. I am going through my pictures and will be sure to have one of every grandparent hanging on my wall every day!  Oh, and take tissues.  You are going to need them.

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