Coco (2017)

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Coco (2017)

Directors: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina

Writers: screenplay by Adrian Molina, Matthew Aldrich; original story by Lee Unkrich, Jason Katz, Matthew Aldrich, Adrian Molina

Stars: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renee Victor, Jaime Camil, Alfonso Arau


Although Miguel is raised in a loving family that has rejected music ever since his great-great grandmother was abandoned by her musician husband, he longs to be a musician himself and idolizes the late, great Ernesto de la Cruz. 


An attempt to borrow de la Cruz’s iconic guitar for a talent show results in an adventure in the Land of the Dead that will lead to astonishing revelations and moving lessons. 


This wonderful movie has so much to offer. 


I am in no position to judge its cultural authenticity, but from what I read it appears to be a success in that regard. 



This is the ideal time for a film that provides such a rich appreciation of Mexican culture, a time when, sadly, too many Americans need to be reminded that our neighbors south of the border are human, too.  


It also delivers on sheer entertainment value, bursting with spectacle, music, and comedy. 


There are also valuable lessons about an individual’s responsibility to the family and the family’s responsibility to individual members. 


The complex story is never confusing. 


I must admit to tearing up a few times.


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