Coco (2017 film)

Coco (2017 film)
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Name	Coco
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina (co-director)
Producer	Darla K. Anderson
Writer	Adrian Molina, Matthew Aldrich
Story	Lee Unkrich, Jason Katz, Adrian Molina, Matthew Aldrich
Starring	Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía, Edward James Olmos
Music	Michael Giacchino
Cinematography	Matt Aspbury, Danielle Feinberg
Editing	Steve Bloom
Studio	Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios
Distributor	Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Runtime	105 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English, Spanish
Budget	$175–200 million
Gross	$814.3 million

Coco (2017 film) is a computer-animated fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Lee Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina, the story follows a young boy named Miguel who is transported to the Land of the Dead while seeking to become a musician against his family's wishes. Celebrated for its vibrant animation and heartfelt exploration of Mexican culture, family, and memory, the film received widespread critical acclaim and numerous major awards.

Plot

In Santa Cecilia, Mexico, young Miguel Rivera dreams of becoming a musician like his idol, the late Ernesto de la Cruz, but his family has banned music for generations due to his great-great-grandfather abandoning them. On Día de los Muertos, Miguel accidentally enters the Land of the Dead, where he meets his deceased relatives and a charming trickster named Héctor. To return to the Land of the Living and receive his family's blessing, Miguel must uncover the real story behind his family history and de la Cruz's legacy before sunrise. The journey reveals profound truths about identity, forgiveness, and the enduring power of familial love.

Voice cast

* Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel Rivera, a spirited 12-year-old with musical aspirations. * Gael García Bernal as Héctor, a skeletal resident of the Land of the Dead who helps Miguel. * Benjamin Bratt as Ernesto de la Cruz, the revered but enigmatic singing idol of Mexico. * Alanna Ubach as Mamá Imelda, Miguel's stern great-great-grandmother and matriarch. * Renée Victor as Abuelita Elena, Miguel's living grandmother who enforces the family's ban on music. * Ana Ofelia Murguía as Mamá Coco, Miguel's elderly and memory-fading great-grandmother. * Edward James Olmos as Chicharrón, a forgotten spirit in the Land of the Dead. * Additional key voices include Alfonso Arau, Selene Luna, Dyana Ortelli, and Herbert Siguenza.

Production

Development began in 2010 under director Lee Unkrich following the release of Toy Story 3. The creative team, including producer Darla K. Anderson and co-director Adrian Molina, conducted extensive research trips throughout Mexico, consulting with cultural advisors like Marcela Davison Avilés and Lalo Alcaraz. To ensure authentic representation of Día de los Muertos traditions and Mexican folklore, Pixar collaborated with the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia. The animation utilized advanced rendering technology to create the film's luminous alebrije spirits and intricate ofrenda displays, marking a technical achievement for the studio.

Music

The film's score was composed by Michael Giacchino, blending traditional Mexican music with orchestral themes. Key original songs, including the Oscar-winning "Remember Me", were written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Additional music was provided by Germaine Franco and Mexican artists like Luis Miguel and Natalia Lafourcade. The soundtrack features performances by Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, and Ana Ofelia Murguía, with mariachi influences arranged by Camilo Lara of the Mexican Institute of Sound.

Release

Coco held its world premiere at the Morelia International Film Festival in Mexico on October 20, 2017, before its theatrical release in the United States on November 22, 2017, by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film was accompanied by the Olaf's Frozen Adventure short in some markets. It saw major international releases in territories including China, Japan, and the United Kingdom, with a Spanish-language version featuring voice work by Angélica Vale and Marco Antonio Solís.

Reception

The film received universal acclaim from critics, who praised its emotional depth, cultural authenticity, and visual artistry. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported a 97% approval rating, while Metacritic assigned a score of 81. Commendations came from publications like The New York Times, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter. It performed strongly at the box office, grossing over $814 million worldwide against a budget of $175–200 million, becoming a major hit in Mexico and breaking records in China.

Accolades

Coco won two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Remember Me". It also received the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film and the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film. The film earned the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature and recognition from the National Board of Review. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for its soundtrack and honored at ceremonies like the Critics' Choice Movie Awards and the Saturn Awards.

Category:2017 animated films Category:Pixar films Category:Walt Disney Pictures films