Despite his family's baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt) . Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.
Having lived in California and visited with folks celebrating La Dia de los Muertos, it holds a very special place in Mexican culture. Similar to All Souls Day, it is a celebration and a remembrance of those who have passed away. Some families build altars or small shrines in their homes; these sometimes feature a Christian cross, statues or pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pictures of deceased relatives and other people, scores of candles, and an ofrenda. Traditionally, families spend some time around the altar, praying and telling anecdotes about the deceased.
Pixar's latest film focuses on family and the traditions around the celebrations. It is a warm, tender film that will leave you cherishing your loved ones and remembering those who have left this world. It is by far, Pixar's best in some time. The animation is magical, of the standard we have come to expect from Pixar. The songs are all instantly loveable.
A word of warning though. This is a PG film. There are some scary scenes and the film is full of skeletons. It's done in a humorous fashion but little ones might get scared.
Not much more to say other than; do a little research on Dia del Muertos before you go to see it and do go to see it.
A heart-warming 3.5 out of 5