Coco is a 2017 Mexican–American computer-animated musical fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The story follows a young Mexican boy who is drawn into the Land of the Dead while pursuing his ambition to become a musician.
Overview
Directed by Lee Unkrich with Adrian Molina as co-director and primary screenwriter, Coco centers on family, memory and the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The film combines songs and orchestral score with visual designs inspired by Mexican folk art and traditions.
Plot (brief)
The protagonist, Miguel Rivera, lives in a family that has long forbidden music. Determined to follow his musical dreams, Miguel is transported to the Land of the Dead, where he encounters deceased relatives and a charming trickster who helps him uncover his family history and the truth about his identity.
Cast and music
- Anthony Gonzalez voices the lead character, Miguel.
- Gael García Bernal and Benjamin Bratt are among the principal voice cast.
- Alanna Ubach provides the voice for an important ancestor.
Michael Giacchino composed the film's score. The song "Remember Me," written by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, is a key musical theme and plays a central role in the story.
Production and cultural reception
Pixar consulted cultural advisers and Mexican artists during development to shape the film's depiction of traditions and visual motifs. Critics and audiences generally praised Coco for its emotional storytelling and respectful celebration of Mexican culture, though conversations about cultural representation and interpretation also followed the film's release.
Release, box office and awards
Coco premiered in 2017 and opened widely in North America in November of that year. It was a commercial success, earning around $800 million worldwide, and received acclaim from film critics.
At the 90th Academy Awards, Coco won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song ("Remember Me").