If you thought 2017’s 'Coco' was just another charming Pixar animated film for kids, think again! This vibrant tale of a young boy named Miguel who embarks on a journey through the colorful and mystical Land of the Dead actually cloaks an agenda more suited to a political debate than a popcorn flick night. Directed by Lee Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina, 'Coco' hit theaters on November 22, 2017, perfectly timed for the Thanksgiving holiday when families fill the cinema seats. Set in the quaint fictional town of Santa Cecilia in Mexico, it’s a story about family, music, and culture, but there's much more simmering under the surface.
Let's start where it all begins: the storytelling. There's no doubt Pixar nailed it with jaw-dropping visuals and heartwarming tales. Yet, amidst this visually appealing spectacle is a definite leaning towards celebrating a particular culture’s narrative so intensely that one wonders if we’re seeing the sidelining of other narratives in the process. This isn’t necessarily about cultural appreciation; it’s about where the focus lies when it should be on diverse viewpoints.
The familial angle this movie serves up in heaps is undoubtedly charming, but upon closer inspection, one can ask if 'Coco' provides a nudge towards collectivist ideals. The emphasis on family unity is woven deeply into the narrative, virtually erasing individualism, which many would argue is a core tenet of American—and by wider extension, Western—values. Our protagonist Miguel learns about his family's history, leading to a predictable climax where collective cultural memory triumphs. We can celebrate heritage, but the storyline here suggests a one-size-fits-all unity, potentially suppressing individual ambitions and narratives as mere subplots.
Of course, 'Coco' indulges in the idea of the 'Day of the Dead', a Mexican tradition. The Land of the Dead, with its glowing bridges, flower petal paths, and nearly feel-good skeletons, is painted almost as appealingly as the world of the living. Maybe, it's time we asked whether romanticizing death in such a manner serves any purpose other than dulling those instincts that value our one undeniable reality: life as we know it. The movie leverages the theme to advocate for remembrance and legacy, sure, but it might just mislead the young into underestimating the finality of mortality.
Then there’s the apparent music-worship narrative. Of course, music is a wonderful thing, but in 'Coco', it's portrayed as the pinnacle of one life’s goal—enough to betray family values, sneak into the cosmos-spanning realm of the dead, and risk it all for a guitar strum. The intense music theme feels like a mild dig at other successful life choices where such unrelenting precision is generally reserved for sports or academia. Focus, however, is rarely on other significant contributions that uphold societal values.
Let's not ignore how 'Coco' downplays the traditional foundation of family structures. Coco’s family saga unravels a deeply flawed ancestor, leaving the viewer to question the stability of family guidance molded through several generations. It’s an effort to convey forgiveness and acceptance, but one doesn't dismiss the fact that almost the entire legacy is built on deception. Is this what we want future generations to find comfort in—a veil of falsehoods tempered by a dying wish? Here, we can see a narrative loophole misunderstanding how holistic family dynamics actually function, in favor of something more contrived for emotional response.
One cannot address 'Coco' without examining its political appropriation of art. The animation is full of vibrant representations of a specific culture, and while beautiful, it plays into a game of exclusivity rather than universality. The issue isn’t that cultural tales shouldn’t be depicted; it’s that they should exist in harmony alongside many others. It streamlines audiences into a singular experience at the expense of the varying historic and cultural landscapes thriving across the globe.
Even amidst this critique, it’s worth recognizing the undeniable draw 'Coco' offers. It’s a wonderful movie with emotional depth, poignant storytelling, and visual masterpieces. But strip it down and we’re left with a deliberate agenda wrapped in a tickertape parade of animation. The liberal camp of Hollywood surely sees this as a victory—a bright and bold self-expression flick that seamlessly melds cultural motifs with dramatic motifs—but it ought to reflect on balancing the scales. For this audience, 'Coco' is a cinematic experience bearing the hallmarks of classic storytelling, yet, it appeases a singular pool at the cost of universal intent.
So as you pop in that Blu-ray or start streaming 'Coco' for your family movie night, think beyond the smiles and eye-popping views. Behind that rhythmic strumming of the guitar and bright marigold bridges lies a narrative open to interpretation...and dare I say, even a provoke-worthy discussion.