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Raphael Madrid
The following paragraphs contain the summary of the story.
A dilemma of breaking tradition was faced by the protagonist, Miguel (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez). Who, despite was raised to hate music, wanted to pursue the life of a musician.
He then faces the criticism and judgment of his family, while constantly struggling to find a way to convince them that music is his passion, and to not join the family business.
In his endeavor to ‘follow is dreams’ he finds himself walking amongst the departed souls when he attempted to steal the guitar that was once owned by his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voiced by Benjamin Bratt), a legendary singer who he recently just concluded to be his great-great-grandfather.
Upon meeting the souls of his ancestors, he finds out that the only way back to the human dimension was to receive a blessing from a relative; however, they may create a condition that once broken, will send him right back to the world of souls.
Mama Imelda (voiced by Alanna Ubach), his great-great-grandmother then agrees to give her blessing with the condition that Miguel goes home, puts up her picture on the ofrenda, and promise to never play music again.
Miguel agrees only to break the promise a few seconds later, and gets sent back to the world of the dead.
Infuriated, Miguel sets on an adventure in the world of souls to find his great-great-grandfather to receive a blessing, while expecting him to understand his situation. He then meets Hector (voiced by Gael Garcia Bernal) who he comprehends to be Ernesto’s ‘old-time friend’. Hector agrees to bring Miguel to Ernesto under the condition that Miguel must set up the picture of Hector in the living world that he may finally cross the bridge connecting both dimensions on Dia de los Muertos.
They embark on a long and tiring trip only to find out that Ernesto is not who he seems to be. A revelation appears when Hector finds out that Ernesto, who was his musical partner and friend, poisoned him to get the songs that he wrote. Miguel soon realizes that his long-time idol and relative is an evil person, but also learns that his true great-great-grandfather is really Hector.
A series of action filled adventure occurs, but by the end of the story, Ernesto’s true identity is reveled, and Miguel goes home with the blessing of his ancestors without any condition. He then runs home holding the white guitar which originally was owned by his real great-great grandfather, and sings to his great-grandmother, Coco, the song Hector wrote entirely for her: “Remember me”
As Coco hears the song she immediately regains her memories and gets the strength to tell her childhood story which she claims to be filled with music and happiness. The entire family, who was listening the whole time begins to understand everything and finally accepts music back into their life.
The story concludes with a family reunion in the world of the souls, and a change in tradition for the living members of the family.
MY LESSONS:
- The best way to prove a point is by doing it (youth). That means Sieze your moment
The first thing I observed while watching the animation was that Miguel relates to many of today’s youth. His constant struggle to pursue his dreams, the conflict of having a non supportive family, and endless hope for belongingness.
Today’s youth consist of two generations, the Generation Y (Millenial) and the Generation Z (iGen). Both, are known for many things including their non-conformity to the norms of society, and their perpetual efforts for social acceptance. Compared to their predecessors who were willing to follow traditions and practices, today’s youth are more reluctant to carry on the customs of their parents to be able to present themselves according to their preferred character and personality.
In the animation, Miguel not only hesitates to join the family business, but also falters to carry out their long old tradition of banning music in their home. He then creates a secret room wherein he watches his idol’s movies while learning to play music on his own with his home-made guitar.
Throughout the movie he portrays a flat characteristic of a rebel teenager who just wants to be heard and understood. Who could blame him? Don’t we all just want to be loved for who we are?
Miguel faced many challenges in his journey for acceptance. Him moving forward despite being chased by his ignorant family is quite similar to how we move on despite being haunted by the memories of our past. Also, the way that Mama Imelda, and Pepita, her spirit guide tries to chase after Miguel symbolizes the people around us who want to stop us or misguide our path. While some may have good intentions, you’d never truly know if it’s worth it, if you don’t try.
If Mama Imelda succeeded in stopping Miguel before he reaches Ernesto, then he’d probably never achieved his dream to become a musician, and Hector would have been totally forgotten. So, the next time your parents tell you to take a college program you don’t like, better start working on a good argument.
Adults don’t really seem to understand until they see it for themselves. Reality does make an individual skeptic about life, and no child is spared from such changes in time.
Never lose your principles while following your dreams (young working adults).
Tell your story, and those before you to the younger generation (Adults).
Family Matters ( family love and family legacy)
Learn to forgive and forget.
Those who loves us never really leaves us.
Live right and focus on your dreams and talent because you only live once. Show excessive love to your family and give the an opportunity to pursue a dream different from others.
Some Animations isnt just for children's view but for adult too.