Coco

It’s a classic coming-of-age story with the young protagonist learning lessons about his own identity, ambitions and family. The reversals along the way all culminate in an ending that you could probably see coming if you are familiar with Pixar’s previous works. The thematic concepts in Coco are mostly taken from the studios’ tried and true formula, but it is still a story told with substantial wit and heart. Pixar is no stranger to blending the more sophisticated themes with the more kid-friendly ones, which grants their films with an intergenerational appeal that most of their peers have yet to achieve. In Coco, the Pixar team takes the usual grievances of death and loss, and turn it into a warm and arresting celebration of life.

In many Pixar films, the strong sense of place is just as crucial as the story itself. The vitality of these locations transports us into unfathomed worlds that ignite our adventurous spirits. Befitting this tradition, Coco wears its heart on its sleeves visually and spiritually. In this telling, the land of the dead is captivating and filled with personality, painted by a palette of effervescent neon and autumnal colors. Filling up the screen in Coco are the luscious sea of bright petals and skyscrapers of vibrant lights, all connected with criss-crossing bridges and aerial trams up above. The sublime cinematography is an absolutely magnificent thing to look at.

All techniques aside, the most heartening thing about Coco is that it is a film derived lovingly from a deep sense of respect for Mexican culture, and only from this respect can a beautiful tribute like Coco flourish. Pixar’s latest will surely be joining the ranks of the studios’ many creative offerings, as a product of originality and flair that once solidified the studios’ prominence in animated storytelling.

(Originally posted on 2 Jan 2018 @projectunwrapped)