The Pixar film Coco was recognized at the start of 2018 with three awards, including a Golden Globe for best animated feature film. It was released on November 22, 2017. The movie took six years to make, but the time was worth it after earning 621.7 million dollars in box office sales upon release. The audience for this film ranged from small children to the elderly. It received a lot of positive feedback through its ratings, as well as reviews, and much of its success is due to the cultural accuracy of the film showcasing the traditions and beliefs of the Mexican people.

The film was centered around the Mexican holiday, El Dίa de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), that is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd. Families celebrate the memory of their loved ones through memorable shrines and offerings depicting some of the things they loved in life. Then, these things are taken to the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and their graves are decorated with bright, vibrant colors. It is a belief in Mexico that loved ones do come back to visit every Dίa de los Muertos, as the film portrayed, and rejoice with the living.

Coco really emphasized the celebration of life, symbolizing that our loved ones are always with us, even if it’s not in a physical aspect.

I also believe that a feeling of nostalgia resonated with some of the audience members throughout the film because of the small details, such as including very common dishes like tamales. It really captured the beauty of Mexican culture and gave these lifelong traditions the recognition they deserve.

I was always aware that many people knew of El Dίa de los Muertos, but I never understood what its true meaning was. Coco was such a fun, light-spirited, and hilarious film, but it also had such deep underlying meanings that brought the movie together. It showed the strength and loyalty that family represents and reminded me that my family will always be there to have my back, no matter the differences. I was even brought to tears at the end and I’d definitely recommend it to everyone. Coco moved me and made me appreciate my culture all the more, and I’m sure it had the same “happy tears” effect on millions of others, too.