Coco (film)
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| Coco (film) | |
|---|---|
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| Name | Coco |
| Caption | Theatrical release poster |
| Director | Lee Unkrich |
| Producer | Darla K. Anderson |
| Writer | Lee Unkrich |
| Music | Michael Giacchino |
| Studio | Pixar Animation Studios |
| Distributor | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Released | November 22, 2017 |
| Runtime | 105 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $175 million |
| Gross | $807 million |
Coco (film) is a 2017 American 3D computer-animated fantasy adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Lee Unkrich and produced by Darla K. Anderson, the film follows a young Mexican boy who journeys into the Land of the Dead to seek his deceased great-great-grandfather, a famous musician, and to uncover family secrets. The film blends elements of Mexican culture, including Día de Muertos, with original storytelling, and features a score by Michael Giacchino.
Plot
In modern-day Santa Cecilia, Mexico, young Miguel Rivera aspires to be a musician despite his family's centuries-old ban on music following a historical rift tied to his ancestor. During Día de Muertos preparations, Miguel discovers a link to his supposed idol, the famous performer Ernesto de la Cruz, and seeks the acclaimed guitarist’s blessing to pursue music. After stealing a guitar from de la Cruz's mausoleum, Miguel is transported to the Land of the Dead where he meets trickster Héctor and encounters generations of Rivera ancestors. Together they journey through vibrant neighborhoods and across the Land of the Dead’s municipal structures to unlock truths about Ernesto de la Cruz, the Rivera family’s past, and the nature of remembrance, confronting themes of legacy, identity, and forgiveness before returning to the living world with reconciled family bonds.
Voice cast
The principal voices include Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel Rivera, Benjamin Bratt as Ernesto de la Cruz, Gael García Bernal as Héctor, and Alanna Ubach as Mamá Imelda. Supporting performances feature Renée Victor as Abuelita, Edward James Olmos as Héctor’s skeletal counterpart, Ana Ofelia Murguía as Mamá Coco, and Jaime Camil as Papá. Additional cast members include Rene Garcia, Lalo Garza, Lupita Nyong'o—note: cast list emphasizes major named performers from cinema and television industries tied to the production.
Production
Development began at Pixar Animation Studios after director Lee Unkrich proposed an original project inspired by trips to Mexico and research into Día de Muertos. The production involved cultural consultants and specialists from institutions such as the Museo Nacional de Antropología to ensure authentic representation of Mexican traditions and iconography. Storyboard, concept art, and character design progressed across Pixar facilities, with animation pipelines integrating new rendering techniques for skeletal characters, marigold petals, and cityscapes inspired by Oaxaca and Guanajuato. Producers coordinated with Walt Disney Pictures and international partners for voice casting, motion capture, and post-production at facilities linked to Industrial Light & Magic-era workflows adapted for Pixar’s proprietary software. The film’s development intersected with industry conversations about cultural appropriation and authentic casting practices, prompting outreach to Mexican and Mexican-American creatives.
Music
Composer Michael Giacchino composed the film score, blending orchestral elements with traditional Mexican instrumentation informed by consultations with regional musicians. Original songs were written for the narrative, including the Oscar-winning song "Remember Me", co-written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who are known for previous collaborations on Frozen (2013 film). Musical supervision incorporated performances by the principal cast, local mariachi ensembles, and studio musicians to create a soundtrack that evokes ranchera, mariachi, and bolero styles. The soundtrack release featured collaborations that connected the film’s music to recording industries and award bodies such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Release and marketing
The film premiered in the United States on November 22, 2017, and was distributed worldwide by Walt Disney Pictures. Marketing campaigns included trailers debuted through partnerships with ABC (American Broadcasting Company), promotional tie-ins with retail chains and fast-food companies, and appearances at fan conventions such as San Diego Comic-Con International. Theatrical release strategies coordinated localization for Spanish-language markets and limited festival screenings at events like the Morelia International Film Festival and special cultural screenings in Mexican cities. Home media releases and streaming windows were negotiated with distributors in line with contemporary exhibition practices involving theatrical, digital, and physical formats.
Reception
The film received widespread critical acclaim for its animation, voice performances, emotional storytelling, and cultural representation, garnering positive reviews from outlets and critics associated with institutions such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Variety. Box office performance exceeded projections, with global grosses surpassing domestic totals and rivaling other animated releases from DreamWorks Animation and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Scholarly and cultural commentators debated its portrayal of Día de Muertos, leading to panel discussions at academic forums connected to University of California, Harvard University, and cultural centers focused on Latin American studies.
Accolades
The film received numerous awards including Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Remember Me" at the 90th Academy Awards. Additional honors included awards from the Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA Awards, Annie Awards, and recognition from film critic circles and industry guilds such as the Producers Guild of America and the American Film Institute's year-end lists.
Category:2017 films Category:Pixar films Category:Animated films set in Mexico