Studio: Pixar
Watched on 09/02/20.
***SPOILERS***
Wtf. I just cried my eyes out at this film.
In terms of comparison to other films/series, it obviously has to be recognised that this is a Disney-Pixar film, so its budget is probably (literally) thousands of times bigger than most others. Backgrounds are luxuriously elaborate and they use this to create active, lively, immersive worlds to serve as the backdrop for this story. They of course get credit for this but to compare smaller studios' films with this wouldn't be fair at all. With that out the way, let me just say this film is absolutely incredible.
In terms of directing, the film was consistently incredible. Each plot point and plot device was clearly explained and served its purpose in laying out the characters' feelings and intentions. For example: in the film, it's critically important for relatives' pictures to be on the Ofrenda, so they gave this extra attention by having the airport-style gates into the land of the dead, verifying the photo of every ghost is appropriately up; to raise the stakes of the story, they introduce 'the final death' but make sure the viewer sees it happen up front (with a brilliant throwaway song), so that there's no mistaking what the characters are so desperately trying to avoid. Unsurprisingly, the directors did an amazing job with visual storytelling and wrote a great story to pair with it.
The plot itself was brilliant. The story was the perfect balance of simplicity (so that kids can follow along) and complexity (to make it genuinely interesting). The twists are good enough to catch most viewers off-guard and considering how much depth there is to the story, the film does a great job of staying concise and keeping its focus. The big moment that ties it all together though is the emotional climax of the film: Miguel singing a heartbreaking arrangement of 'Remember Me' to his great grandmother Coco. This is hinted at just enough throughout the film to give viewers a penny drop moment, yet still catch them off guard and really hit home hard. Pixar at its best and made me cry like fuck. I've also had at least 4 friends tell me they cried real tears at this part. (Also, having Coco die immediately after was also just way too much.)
Another thing that has to be said about this film is how delicately and respectfully it honours Mexican culture. Considering what it might be like to be a Mexican kid living in the States in this day and age, it must be so lovely to see a mainstream blockbuster that's such a brilliant celebration of Mexican culture. Things like Dante being a Xoloitzcuintle and the inclusion of the Alebrijes, which both go beyond the Day of the Dead traditions, are also an excellent way of enriching the story and honouring hugely significant artists from the country. These are also a great example of how additional reading can embellish the enjoyment of a film without it being required to enjoy it in the first place. The story is complete and coherent, but you will likely appreciated the film much more as you read about all of these other inclusions.
The animation in the film was excellent but unfortunately this is simply what's expected of Pixar. There weren't any revolutionary technologies used or excellent examples of ingenuity in animation as far as I could tell from a first genuine watch as a consumer. Again, the context of this coming from the industry leader maybe means I'm judging it too harshly but there wasn't anything that really made my jaw drop in this film.
Characters are admittedly a bit flat on reflection. There isn't too much in the way of character development (parents being mean because they love you surely can't be considered depth any more) but that isn't really what the story is about. Coco does at least have interesting, somewhat flawed characters but overall they tend to be quite straightforward. Needless to say character design however was brilliant - lots of exaggerated proportions, simple shapes and clear communication of personalities from just appearances alone.
Other random thoughts: I like the fact that Mama Imelda accepts the apology from Hector but doesn't accept him back into the family - a good lesson all round; the usual array of great quirks like skeleton travel agents; the songs overall aren't actually that great, even 'Remember Me'; was Frida Kahlo really that weird?; really appreciated that the film had virtually no element of romantic love in its main story.
Overall, I give this film an 8. Some may not enjoy it but I doubt anyone could say it's bad.
