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Many novels and films often reflect challenges and longings found in the present world. These literary works reveal pieces of humanity that should either be changed or preserved. For me, one of the most well-known animated films by Disney/Pixar entitled ‘Coco’ is no exception. The story revolves around a 12-year-old boy named Miguel who is fueled by his dreams to become a musician despite his family’s generations-old ban on music. During his musical pursuit, he is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead, where he meets a unique and charming man named Hector. They then journey together to bring Miguel back to the Land of the Living, facing many challenges and surprising revelations along the way.
Similar to Stephenie Meyer’s ‘Twilight’, the main factor behind the popularity of ‘Coco’ is its ability to pull their viewers’ heartstrings. How people have come to understand and relate to this story, in my opinion, is presented by the 3 main points the story emphasizes. First, and the most evident one of all, is the power of dreams. Growing up in a family who has banned any forms of music for numerous generations did not stop our young protagonist Miguel from following his music-related dreams. At a young age, he has discovered the gifts given to him and his calling to create happiness through music. Because of this, he even enters the Day of the Dead talent show despite his family’s objections. It is evident throughout the movie how Miguel’s love for music became his drive to go back to the Land of the Living. This drive is something that I can greatly relate to one’s vocation. Even if Miguel grew up in a family with a shoemaking business, he was not afraid to stray from the path and continued to listen to his calling. He serves as an example for many children and adults alike who have become consumed and influenced by society’s expectations and standards, thus failing to listen to what they are called to be. We, as individuals, each have our own purpose that we should seek out. Therefore, just like Miguel, we are encouraged to listen to our hearts in order to find joy in what we are doing and serve others with our gifts. It is also important to note, however, that Miguel’s love for music is greatly influenced by the famous deceased musician, Ernesto De la Cruz. He treats Ernesto as his idol and secretly taught himself to play using Ernesto’s old films and a worn-out guitar. Miguel, like the rest of us who have idols varying from actors like Tom Hanks to innovators like Bill Gates, have been influenced by society regarding many inclinations and norms. These influences, however, can either direct or stray us from the path leading to our vocation—making it harder for us to listen to our calling. One famous line by Ernesto that has been repeated multiple times throughout the movie is “Seize the moment”. At first, this quote gives off a positive connotation, showing us how important it is to make the most of every situation life presents us in order to achieve our dreams. Nevertheless, there is still a limit to when we should seize the moment and when we shouldn’t. Ernesto’s case is a great example of what will happen to us if we become too consumed in seizing the moment. As revealed later in the movie, Hector is actually Ernesto’s career partner and Miguel’s great-great-grandfather, the same grandfather which was assumed to have left his family, Imelda and their daughter Coco, in order to pursue his musical career. This assumption, however, is a misunderstanding caused by the very singer that Miguel idolizes: Ernesto. Because of Ernesto’s selfish ambitions for fame and fortune, he went as far as poisoning his friend and partner, Hector, in order to use his songs to boost his career. In this instance, Ernesto chose to seize the moment in a wrong way, showing how some of us have been blinded by personal gains to go as far as abandoning friendship and doing bad deeds. Thus, the movie wants to emphasize how our present society transformed to be one that is desperate for success. Together with the powerful influence of the media as seen in the movie and in real life, the society, itself, becomes the obstacle that hinders us to reach personhood. Overall, in the first point of the movie where the power of dreams is highlighted, it is essential for us to note that although society influences us in various ways, each one of us has the power to decide whether we let it take over our life or stop, listen to our calling, and pursue it in the best way possible, both morally and ethically.
The second point the movie emphasizes is the importance of family and community. Being a person who is part of a moral community means that we do not only belong to ourselves but to others as well. Nonetheless, because of the cultivation of selfishness in our present time, many people have failed to form bonds with one another. The movie turns to Hector to act as an example of this selfishness. Although Hector loves his family especially his daughter Coco very much, the pursuit of his musical career also led to him closing off to his family and failing to give time to them. When Hector finally decides on returning to his family, he is killed by Ernesto, now making it impossible to reunite with them. Hector neglecting his family also leads to a bigger problem, revealing itself as the trauma evident in Coco, his daughter. In the movie, grandma Coco switches her reactions from loving and longing for his father to hating him whenever she remembers Hector, showing how impactful a parent’s absence may be to their child/ren. The movie wants to remind its viewers how important it is to spend time with your family especially in today’s current society, for no amount of success is worth it if you are alone. The movie beautifully transforms this lesson using Miguel, who through his musical gift, revived and connected his family’s love for one another. In the ending scene, both living and deceased family members are bonding and having fun as Miguel and Hector sing.
Lastly, the movie instills the value of forgiveness in each one of us. As Miguel sings ‘Remember Me’ for his grandmother, Coco, she finds herself remembering her father’s love for her, consequently deciding to forgive him and put his picture back in the frame. With Coco as an example, the movie highlights the importance of the parent-child relationship and how this relationship is a two-way street. Since most families today struggle with building a strong relationship, parents must always be present especially during their child’s formative years. At the same time, children should also understand and forgive their parents for not everyone is perfect. It is only through this mutual respect and understanding that a parent and their child/ren can build a strong relationship.
The movie entitled ‘Coco’ is not only a beautifully animated film but also a story knit together with values that we should revive in our current society. To grow as persons, it is not only us that we should keep in mind but everyone else as well. We are all connected, living or not, and are called to go beyond.
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