Crosthwait, G. (2020). The afterlife as emotional utopia in Coco. Animation, 15(2), 179-192.
Crosthwait’s article contextualizes “Coco” within broader narratives of the afterlife, suggesting it offers a space for reflection and emotional connection. Utilizing Dyer’s notion of “entertainment utopia” and Wallace’s idea of “new cinematic sincerity,” the author examines how “Coco” guides viewers on an emotional journey, encouraging contemplation through its music and animation. The analysis underscores how the film’s depiction of the Day of the Dead and the Land of the Dead, influenced by Paz’s writings, facilitates exploration of life’s transitions and authentic emotions. Crosthwait assesses the film’s narrative and artistic elements, particularly emphasizing the role of music in connecting viewers to its themes. This resource is crucial for understanding “Coco’s” emotional impact and its representation of cultural heritage.
Diah, I., Anisa, S., & Budiarto, B. (2021). The Representation of Mexican Culture in Disney Pixar’s Movie Entitled “Coco”. JELL (Journal of English Language and Literature) STIBA-IEC Jakarta, 6(02), 99-114.
This study examines how “Coco” portrays Mexican culture, focusing on the Day of the Dead holiday. By analyzing the film’s content, the authors dissect its portrayal of cultural symbols, customs, and family relationships. They argue that “Coco” serves as a cultural bridge, fostering global appreciation for Mexican traditions. Through an analysis of the film’s narrative and visuals, Diah, Anisa, and Budiarto highlight how “Coco” celebrates and educates on the significance of memory, family, and cultural heritage. This research is vital to my project as it provides a detailed assessment of the film’s cultural accuracy, reinforcing its role in promoting cultural understanding and identity exploration.
Hastuti, F. D., Linda, L., Olyvia, O., & Tomy, T. (2022). The Effects of Family Values in Overcoming Conflicts in the “Coco” Film. BLESS, 2(2).
The researchers in this study investigate how family values contribute to conflict resolution in “Coco,” highlighting the film’s depiction of duty, allegiance, and truthfulness. By qualitatively analyzing character relationships and plot development, the paper demonstrates how these fundamental principles guide Miguel, the main character, and his relatives toward harmony and understanding. This reference is crucial to my project, as it elucidates the narrative complexity of “Coco” by showing how family values are integrated into the plot to address conflicts and foster cohesion, thereby enhancing the film’s examination of identity and inclusion.
Walsh, A. S., & Azmitia, M. (2022). Mexican-heritage ethnic identity: How Coco serves as context for ethnic socialization. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 44(1), 44-70.
This study explores how Mexican-heritage families use the Pixar movie Coco for ethnic socialization. Researchers surveyed 23 parent-child pairs, using screening and discussion. They found that the film prompts discussions about cultural customs, principles, and behaviors, particularly in families with strong ethnic identities. Combining surveys and interviews, the study offers insight into Coco’s influence on ethnic identity and socialization. It is relevant to my project because it examines how Coco fosters dialogue about cultural identity among Mexican-heritage families, highlighting its role in ethnic socialization.