‘Coco’ celebrates Mexican culture through film

Angie Rumbo

Guitars, skulls and papel picado are all expected to be seen and premier on Nov. 22 with Pixar’s new Day of the Dead film “Coco.”

Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) is a young Mexican boy who loves music and a desire to play the guitar ever since birth. His great grandma’s father, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), was a guitar legend that Miguel looked up to and dreams of being as talented some day. His family members do not approve of the passion he has toward music because of an untold family secret. The film follows Miguel on his journey to discovering his family’s mysterious past.

“Coco’s” director Lee Unkrich, who has directed films such as “Monster Inc.,” “Toy Story 2,” “Toy Story 3” and “Finding Nemo,” pitched to create the film in 2010. “Coco” features an all Latino cast including Gael García Bernal, Edward James Olmos, Jaime Camil and Gabriel Iglesias. Olmos has been in movies and television shows such as “American Me,” “Dexter” and “Stand and Deliver.” Camil has been in “La fea más bella” and “Jane the Virgin.”

The Mexican community in the United States are filled with excitement and anticipation to watch, celebrate and honor their culture in the film. It allows non-Mexican viewers to see how beautiful and vibrant the Mexican culture is.

“I can’t wait to see something as beautiful as my culture up on the big screen,” senior Desiree Davila said. “From the trailer alone, I know it’s going to be good.”

“Coco” was released in Mexico on Oct. 27 but will premiere in the U.S. on Nov. 22.