Coco Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kid disses his family, goes to a rave in the underworld, and then snitches on a famous dead guy to get his family to love music.

🍿 Coco: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Miguel’s Musical Dreams and Family Ban

In Santa Cecilia, Mexico, Miguel Rivera dreams of becoming a musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, despite his family’s generations-old ban on music. The ban stems from Miguel’s great-great-grandmother, Imelda, who was abandoned by her musician husband. Miguel secretly practices his guitar skills and admires de la Cruz’s legacy, longing to break free from his family’s shoemaking tradition. He prepares to enter a Day of the Dead talent show but faces his family’s disapproval.

Journey to the Land of the Dead

On Día de Muertos, Miguel steals Ernesto de la Cruz’s guitar from his mausoleum to use in the talent show. This action transports him to the Land of the Dead, where he can see and be seen by his deceased relatives. He discovers that he is cursed for stealing from the dead and must receive a blessing from a family member before sunrise to return to the Land of the Living. Imelda offers a blessing with the condition that he abandon his musical dreams, which he refuses.

Meeting Héctor and Unraveling the Truth

In the Land of the Dead, Miguel meets Héctor, a down-on-his-luck skeleton who offers to help him reach Ernesto de la Cruz. Héctor asks Miguel to take his photo back to the Land of the Living so he can visit his daughter before she forgets him and he disappears completely. Miguel soon discovers a shocking truth: Ernesto murdered Héctor and stole his songs, becoming famous using Héctor’s creations. To protect his legacy, Ernesto attempts to erase Miguel and Héctor from history.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez): A passionate young musician who journeys to the Land of the Dead to pursue his dreams and uncover his family’s history.
• Héctor (Gael García Bernal): A charming trickster and forgotten musician in the Land of the Dead who helps Miguel on his quest.
• Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt): A beloved and famous musician, idolized by Miguel, who holds a dark secret about his past.
• Mamá Imelda (Alanna Ubach): Miguel’s strong-willed great-great-grandmother who is a matriarch in the Land of the Dead and founder of the Rivera family’s shoe-making business.
• Abuelita (Elena) (Renee Victor): Miguel’s grandmother who enforces the family’s ban on music and expects Miguel to follow tradition.
• Mamá Coco (Ana Ofelia Murguía): Miguel’s great-grandmother, whose fading memories hold the key to unlocking the family’s past and Héctor’s legacy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Miguel: “I have to sing, I have to play. The music, it’s not just in me, it is me.” – Miguel expresses his deep connection to music and his need to pursue his passion, despite his family’s objections.
• Héctor: “Remember me, though I have to say goodbye. Remember me, don’t let it make you cry.” – Héctor sings this poignant lullaby as a reminder of love and connection that transcends even death, becoming the movie’s emotional core.
• Ernesto de la Cruz: “I have to sing, I have to play. The music, it’s not just in me, it is me.” – He say that to Miguel because they where alike in there love for music.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $175,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $210,460,015
• Worldwide Gross: $814,641,172

💥 Coco Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Coco’ just completely blew me away! I went in expecting a fun, colorful movie, but I got so much more. The scene where Miguel sings ‘Remember Me’ to Coco? I was a blubbering mess. And the Land of the Dead was just stunning. It really makes you think about family, traditions, and how important it is to keep those memories alive. I’m definitely adding this to my list of all-time favorite Pixar movies. Seriously, go see it! You won’t regret it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming movie”
  • “Fans of animation and musical films”
  • “Those interested in Mexican culture and traditions”
  • “Viewers who appreciate stories about family and following your dreams”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with themes of death and the afterlife, which may be sensitive for some viewers.”
  • “Contains some scenes of peril and mild emotional intensity.”
  • “No significant violence or mature content.”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Coco is a visual feast, a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, and a heartwarming story about family and pursuing your dreams. Pixar has crafted a film that is both culturally authentic and emotionally resonant, making it a must-see for audiences of all ages. The music alone is worth the price of admission.
• Rolling Stone: “Coco strikes a chord, quite literally, with its beautiful animation, catchy tunes, and powerful message about the importance of remembering our loved ones. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the film’s emotional depth and cultural richness make it a standout in Pixar’s impressive catalog. Prepare to shed a few tears.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Coco is a triumph of storytelling, animation, and music. Pixar has created a world that is both fantastical and deeply personal, exploring themes of family, legacy, and the power of music with sensitivity and humor. This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, reminding you of the importance of cherishing those you love.

Audience Reactions

The animation and visuals were breathtaking, especially the Land of the Dead.: Viewers were deeply moved by the film’s emotional story and its celebration of Mexican culture and family.

The music was fantastic and the songs were incredibly catchy and memorable.: Many loved the cultural representation and appreciation portrayed in the movie

Overall Consensus: Coco is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant film that celebrates Mexican culture and the importance of family. It is widely considered one of Pixar’s best and most heartwarming movies.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Animated Feature)- 2018
2. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 2018
3. Golden Globe (Best Animated Feature Film)- 2018
4. BAFTA Award (Best Animated Film)- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Miguel was initially conceived as a character who only played guitar, but after the director discovered Anthony Gonzalez’s singing talent, Miguel was given singing parts as well.”
• “The film’s depiction of the Land of the Dead was inspired by the colorful architecture and vibrant culture of real Mexican cities and towns.”
• “The filmmakers consulted with cultural experts and families of Mexican heritage to ensure an authentic and respectful representation of the Día de Muertos traditions.”

🖥️ How to Watch Coco?

Coco is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on Disney+ with a subscription. For rental or purchase, check platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available for purchase from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Coco, you might like these similar films:

• The Book of Life (2014): Shares the same cultural setting and themes of Día de Muertos and the Land of the Dead, with a focus on family, love, and music.
• Kubo and the Two Strings (2016): Features stunning visuals and a story centered around family, legacy, and a journey through a fantastical world inspired by a specific culture.
• The Lion King (1994): Explores themes of family legacy, overcoming adversity, and finding one’s place in the circle of life, with memorable musical numbers.
• Soul (2020): Pixar movie that also deals with the afterlife and themes of finding your purpose in life and making the most of your time.

🛒 Coco Related Products

• Coco (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the magic of Coco with the complete original soundtrack, featuring all the memorable songs and score from the film. Perfect for singing along or immersing yourself in the world of Coco.
• LEGO Disney Pixar’s Coco’s Guitar Building Kit: Build Miguel’s iconic guitar with this LEGO set to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
• Disney Pixar Coco: A Story About Music, Shoes, and Family: Delve deeper into the world of Coco with this storybook. A rich narrative that expands on the movie’s themes and characters that is fun to read.
• Coco – Dante Alebrije Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure: Add a touch of the Land of the Dead to your collection with this adorable Funko Pop! figure of Dante as an alebrije. A must-have for any Coco fan.

🎧 Soundtrack

Coco features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Remember Me (Ernesto de la Cruz)” – performed by Benjamin Bratt
• “Remember Me (Lullaby)” – performed by Gael García Bernal & Gabriella Flores
• “Un Poco Loco” – performed by Anthony Gonzalez & Gael García Bernal
• “La Llorona” – performed by Alanna Ubach & Antonio Solis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Pixar’s Coco: Philosophy of Death – Wisecrack Quick Take

Ever wondered about the deeper meaning behind Pixar’s Coco? This video gives a thought-provoking analysis of the film’s exploration of death and the afterlife, offering a fresh perspective on the movie’s themes.

Is The Book Of Life A Better Version Of Coco?

Curious about how Coco compares to other animated films? This video pits Coco against ‘The Book of Life,’ analyzing their similarities and differences to help you appreciate the unique strengths of each movie.

How Coco Created A Perfect Villain

Coco’s villain is no ordinary baddie! This video dives into the character’s development, uncovering the clever storytelling techniques that make him such a standout in the film.

THE COCO FAMILY TREE EXPLAINED!: Discovering Disney Pixar

Get ready to untangle the family tree in Coco! This video breaks down the complex relationships between the characters, making it easier to follow the film’s heartwarming story about family and tradition.

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