Coco: "Never Forget How Much Your Family Cares For You"

Director: Lee Unkrich
Writer:    Adrian Molina
Starring: Anthony Gonzalez
                Gael Garcia Bernal
                Benjamin Bratt
                Alanna Ubach
                Renee Victor
                Ana Ofelia Murguia
                Edward James Olmos
Rating:    *****

Release Date: 19/1/18

Disney and Pixar are known for releasing cinematic gems that are filled with heart and wonder. Their latest release, Coco, is no exception! This story of family, music and the after life is a magical tale that engulfs you like a big warm hug; and as always, packs an emotional punch! Disney Pixar has got itself a classic on its hands, and I can’t wait to watch it again!
Coco follows young Miguel, a dreamer who’s life long ambition is to be a world famous musician like his great-great grandfather...Ernesto de la Cruz. Unfortunately for him, his family has a baffling generations-old ban on music. Hoping to prove his talent and potential, Miguel somehow finds himself in the stunning and colourful Land of the Dead. Along the way, he falls in with the charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.

The thing that really makes Coco stand out among other animated films is the colourful pictures and art that is unfolding in front of your eyes. The animators have clearly put their heart and soul into every aspect of bringing the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), to life. Once Miguel passes through into the Land of the Dead the colours, the creatures and the characters truly pop, and you are transported to a magical and immersive world that will truly take your breath away.


The characters themselves are bursting with heart, and each one has been written with care and thought. From Miguel’s eccentric family in the other side, to his egotistical idol, the characters are fully formed. The stand out character for me was Hector, who enjoys a fully formed and intriguing backstory that gives him real depth. Gael Garcia Bernal fills Hector with cheekiness and fatherly love; his voice work is the final piece in the beautifully created Hector puzzle. It is the relationship between he and Miguel, voiced confidently by Anthony Gonzalez, that provides the emotional centre to the film, and it is stunning and poignant.

The writing is equally funny as it is deeply emotional, and that is something Disney and Pixar do best. Each scene is created with thought and despite being on the supernatural side, it feels very natural and grounded, with the underlying theme of childhood dreams and remembering those you’ve lost being threaded throughout the whole tale. When all of the aspects; animation, voice work, script, characters and music, come together; Coco proves to be a wonder to watch and a bravely heartfelt family movie.


Coco - Trailer

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