Coco Film Review

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Land of the Dead with *Coco*, a film that beautifully weaves music, family, and tradition into a captivating narrative.

Introduction to Coco

The 2017 film Coco, directed by Lee Unkrich, is a masterpiece of storytelling that delves into the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, exploring themes of family, tradition, and the importance of remembering one's roots. The movie follows Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family's generations-old ban on music. ## Performances and Direction The voice cast, including Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel and Gael García Bernal as Héctor, brings depth and warmth to their characters. The direction by Lee Unkrich is meticulous, blending stunning visuals with a heartfelt story. The film's vibrant depiction of the Land of the Dead is a visual feast, filled with intricate details and loving references to Mexican culture. ## Why It's Worth Watching Coco is a film that will resonate with audiences of all ages, thanks to its universal themes and stunning animation. One specific reason Coco is great for English learners is its rich dialogue and song lyrics, which provide ample opportunities to learn new vocabulary and practice listening comprehension.

6 hidden details

Origins of Coco

The idea for *Coco* was born out of director Lee Unkrich's interest in the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos. The film took six years to produce and features a predominantly Latino voice cast. This was a deliberate choice to ensure the authenticity of the story.

Music in Coco

The music in *Coco* was composed by Michael Giacchino, with original songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The film's soundtrack is a blend of traditional Mexican music and original compositions, reflecting the movie's themes of heritage and innovation.

Animation Process

The animation process for *Coco* involved the creation of detailed models of the characters and environments. The animators used a combination of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and traditional animation techniques to achieve the film's distinctive look.

Cultural Research

The filmmakers conducted extensive research on Mexican culture and the Dia de los Muertos holiday to ensure the accuracy and sensitivity of the film's portrayal. This included consulting with cultural experts and visiting Mexico to experience the holiday firsthand.

Voice Casting

The voice cast for *Coco* was chosen for their ability to bring depth and nuance to their characters. Anthony Gonzalez, who voices Miguel, was a relative newcomer to acting at the time of his casting.

Awards and Recognition

*Coco* received widespread critical acclaim and won several awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for 'Remember Me'.

The Takeaway

The takeaway from Coco is the importance of honoring one's heritage and the power of music to bring people together. For learners, watching the scene where Miguel meets Héctor in the Land of the Dead with subtitles can be particularly beneficial, as it introduces key vocabulary related to family and tradition. This scene also showcases the film's ability to balance humor and emotion, making it an engaging and educational watch.

Watch this film. Speak better English by Sunday.

Vocabulary, idioms, cultural context, and one scene broken down for shadowing practice.

Vocabulary (16)

ban

early

an official rule that forbids something

"The family had a ban on music."

vibrant

middle

full of energy and life

"The Land of the Dead was vibrant and colorful."

heritage

late

the traditions, customs, and beliefs passed down from ancestors

"The film explores the importance of honoring one's heritage."

intricate

middle

having many complexly arranged parts

"The animation in the film features intricate details."

generations

early

groups of people born and living around the same time

"The family's ban on music had been in place for generations."

universal

late

applicable or true for everyone

"The film's themes are universal and relatable."

meticulous

middle

showing great attention to detail

"The direction of the film was meticulous."

depiction

middle

a representation or portrait of something

"The film's depiction of the Land of the Dead is stunning."

ancestors

late

people from whom one is descended

"The film honors the ancestors and the traditions they passed down."

authenticity

middle

the quality of being genuine or real

"The film strives for authenticity in its portrayal of Mexican culture."

innovation

late

the introduction of new or original ideas

"The film's music is an innovation that blends traditional and modern styles."

consulting

middle

seeking advice or information from someone

"The filmmakers consulted with cultural experts to ensure accuracy."

nuance

late

a subtle difference or shade of meaning

"The voice cast brings nuance to their characters."

acclaim

late

praise or recognition for something

"The film received widespread critical acclaim."

ancestral

middle

relating to ancestors

"The film explores ancestral traditions and customs."

captivating

early

attracting and holding someone's attention

"The film's narrative is captivating and engaging."

Idioms & Expressions

bring to life

to make something seem real or exciting

Used in the context of the film's animation and storytelling.

pass down

to give something to someone of a younger generation

Used in the context of family traditions and heritage.

set off

to start a journey or begin an adventure

Used in the context of Miguel's journey to the Land of the Dead.

unlock

to discover or reveal something

Used in the context of Miguel uncovering the secrets of his family's past.

chain of events

a series of things that happen one after another

Used in the context of the plot's progression and the events that lead Miguel to the Land of the Dead.

Cultural References

Dia de los Muertos

A Mexican holiday honoring the deceased, characterized by the use of altars, decorations, and offerings for the spirits of the dead.

Mexican culture

The film is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, showcasing its traditions, music, and customs. Learners can gain insight into the importance of family, respect for ancestors, and the celebration of Dia de los Muertos.

Land of the Dead

In the context of the film, the Land of the Dead is a spiritual realm where the deceased reside, awaiting the annual visit from their living relatives during Dia de los Muertos.

Latin American music

The film features a blend of traditional and modern Latin American music, highlighting its significance in Mexican culture and the story's narrative.

Scene Breakdown for Shadowing

around 00:42:00

Miguel: 'I've always loved music.'
Héctor: 'Music is a part of our heritage.'
Miguel: 'But my family doesn't allow it.'
Héctor: 'Sometimes the things we want most are the things our families don't understand.'

This scene is powerful for learners because it introduces key vocabulary related to family, tradition, and heritage. The dialogue is rich with cultural references and nuances of language that can help learners improve their comprehension and vocabulary. For shadowing practice, learners can repeat the lines spoken by Miguel and Héctor, focusing on intonation, rhythm, and pronunciation. This scene also offers a chance to discuss the themes of the film and how they relate to the learners' own experiences with family traditions and cultural heritage.

Coco

Introduction to Coco

6 hidden details

Origins of Coco

Music in Coco

Animation Process

Cultural Research

Voice Casting

Awards and Recognition

The Takeaway

Watch this film. Speak better English by Sunday.

Vocabulary (16)

Idioms & Expressions

Cultural References

Scene Breakdown for Shadowing

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