“Coco” There are no walls! What kind of “border crossing” was only possible because of Disney/Pixar?

A thorough visualization of the crossing of borders

"Coco" begins with a story of the meeting and parting of the protagonist Miguel's great-grandfather and great-grandmother, told through paper-cut ornaments called papelpicados. Papel picados are essential for decorating the altar, an altar used to welcome the souls of deceased relatives on the Day of the Dead, and in Japan they have recently become popular as interior decorations that tickle the hearts of young girls, hung from the ceiling like flags or pasted on walls. Through elaborate paper-cut patterns, the story of Miguel's great-grandfather, who left home to become a musician, is told, and an introduction is given explaining that playing music is therefore strictly prohibited in Miguel's house.

However, Miguel has a strong dream of becoming a guitarist. Why did his great-grandfather leave home? What was it like to live a life where music took priority? These questions are revealed along with his adventures as he gets lost in the Land of the Dead. Of particular note is the beauty of the Day of the Dead celebrations, and the bright golden color of marigolds, whose scent is said to summon souls, serves as a striking accent color in the film.

“Coco” (C) 2018 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved. (C) 2018 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

The bridge connecting the world of the living and the land of the dead is also made of a large number of marigold petals, and the movement of these flowers is reminiscent of the flight of the orange monarch butterfly, a migratory butterfly that travels 4,000 km from Canada to Mexico. The monarch butterfly leaves its nest in the suburbs of Toronto, Canada, and heads for the central plateau of Mexico, arriving at its final village just before or after the Day of the Dead. For this reason, the monarch butterfly is also said to be the spirit of the dead in Mexico, and in this sense, too, the image of "crossing borders" is beautifully visualized.