As someone who has had the pleasure of spending time in Mexico and experiencing the vibrant culture firsthand, I can confidently say that both “Day of the Dad: A Celebration of Life” (2020) and “Coco” (2017) are outstanding choices for exploring Día de los Muertos.
Often, people view Halloween as marking the beginning of the annual festive period. After indulging in an annual sugar spike from candies, many begin planning for Thanksgiving and commence their Christmas shopping. However, right after Halloween, there is a holiday that doesn’t receive the widespread recognition it deserves.
The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is an annual two-day event honoring deceased friends and relatives, typically taking place from November 1st to the 2nd. However, some cultures extend this celebration for a week, beginning on Halloween and concluding on November 6th. Originating in Mexico, it’s now celebrated globally and has served as a source of inspiration for many captivating films.
10 Under the Volcano (1984)
Under the Volcano narrative unfolds around Geoffery Firmin, portrayed by Albert Finney, a troubled alcoholic ex-British consul in Mexico. The story unfolds in a Mexican town during the Day of the Dead festival, where Firmin’s separated wife attempts to rekindle their relationship.
Classic Novel Inspires Praised Performance
1984 saw the debut of the film “Under the Volcano” at the Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered a Palme d’Or nomination. Notably, Albert Finney’s captivating performance earned him an Academy Award nod. The movie opens with people honoring their deceased loved ones during Día de los Muertos, by lighting candles and adorning graves with flowers.
9 De Un Jalón Hasta el Panteón (2023)
In this brief movie, we encounter a character who dozes off only to awaken in a realm of the departed, filled with jubilant skulls preparing for the eve of Día de los Muertos. During his stay among the deceased, he discovers that life beyond is not entirely dismal; famous faces recognize him, there are endless parties, and one can linger as long as desired at the local tavern. However, a sobering truth gradually dawns on him: if his kin fail to recall him, he cannot return to them during the Day of the Dead festivities.
Familiar Ideas, Ahead of its Time
In my humble opinion as a movie enthusiast, “From One Stepstone to the Pantheon” showcases an uncommon and whimsical visual aesthetic that was undoubtedly breathtaking in 2010. However, with the passage of time, the video quality has started to feel somewhat outdated. Yet, it has carved a special niche for itself among many who honor Día de los Muertos, serving as an annual tradition.
8 Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
The third installment in director Robert Rodriguez’s “Mexico” series, titled “Once Upon a Time in Mexico“, continues the story of El Mariachi, portrayed by Antonio Banderas. In this movie, he is enlisted by a CIA operative, played by Johnny Depp, to bring down a corrupt government figure. The film features several actors that Rodriguez enjoys working with, such as Salma Hayek, Cheech Marin, and Danny Trejo. Similar to its prequel, “Desperado“, it’s filled with exhilarating, high-octane action scenes that make for an entertaining movie night experience.
They Send a Lot of People to the Land of the Dead
This film may not explicitly focus on Día de los Muertos, but it does unfold during the holiday celebration. One notable scene showcases a Day of the Dead parade complete with people donning skeleton makeup, floats adorned with marigolds, and large skeleton masks. If we argue that Die Hard, set on Christmas Eve, is essentially a Christmas movie, then following the same reasoning, Once Upon a Time in Mexico could be considered a Día de los Muertos film.
7 Spectre (2015)
Daniel Craig once again solidifies his status as one of the greatest James Bonds in history with his portrayal in “Spectre,” the third film where he assumes the role of 007. In this movie, the world’s most renowned secret agent embarks on a mission to unravel an enigmatic message that sends him from bustling Mexico City to the historic streets of Rome. Along the way, he uncovers and confronts a band of nefarious criminals. As the story progresses, Bond learns about a clandestine organization known as SPECTRE, which becomes his primary objective for this mission.
Day of the Dead Makes For Great Cover
This movie doesn’t focus on the Day of the Dead, yet its opening scene takes place during this Mexican holiday in Mexico City. The audience will witness a more contemporary interpretation of the Day of the Dead, featuring individuals adorned in stylish skeleton costumes and intricate face paint walking together in the streets. Watching Spectre might spark curiosity among viewers to learn more about this intriguing celebration.
6 Día de los Muertos (2024)
In my humble opinion as a movie critic, this poignant short film tells a heartwarming tale from the perspective of a young girl who braves the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations in her city to lay an offering at her mother’s grave. However, instead of returning home, she is drawn into the realm of the deceased, where she encounters a lively band of skeleton mariachis and ultimately reunites with her beloved mother. Initially overwhelmed by fear, the girl gradually comes to understand that it’s all right to grieve her loss but crucial to honor and appreciate the precious moments they shared while living.
Short and Sweet with Beautiful Animation
The “Day of the Dead” movie might be brief in duration, but it packs a punch in every moment. Beyond its stunning visuals, the film effectively conveys a coherent narrative about the Day of the Dead without relying on dialogue. It’s an enjoyable and immersive short animation that could potentially lead to larger projects for its creators.
5 Macario (1960)
The movie titled Macario is based on the Brothers Grimm tale “Godfather Death.” It tells the story of a destitute man on the eve of Day of the Dead. In his desperate longing, he dreams of savoring an entire roasted turkey alone. However, before this dream materializes, he encounters the Devil, God, and Death, each seeking to partake in the meal. He refuses all except Death, who offers him a potion capable of curing illnesses and preventing death as a reward for his denial.
Trailblazing Movie for Mexican Filmmakers
Macario was the first Mexican film to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, and it earned universal acclaim from critics with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This classic film serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of Day of the Dead, and it’s worth mentioning that it deserves a contemporary remake. If A24 were to hire someone like J.A. Bayona to create an updated version, it could potentially be both terrifying and successful in the award circuit.
4 Down to the Bone
In a style reminiscent of Tim Burton’s work, the stop-motion short film titled “Down to the Bone” is both eerie and visionary. The narrative unfolds as a man appears to be interred alive, yet his journey into the realm of the deceased gradually reveals his struggle to acknowledge his own demise. As he’s guided by dancing skeletons, they urge him to consume tequila, allowing the worms in each scene to gradually devour his body and transform him into a skeleton, thus accepting his destiny.
This Is Why We Need More Claymation Films
In a more simplified and conversational manner: The team behind the movie “Down to the Bone” perfectly captures the somber mood appropriate for stop-motion animation. One scene, where a dead rattlesnake is portrayed as a boa constrictor, stands out as particularly stunning. While some parts might seem slightly mature, it’s all done tastefully and isn’t graphic enough to disturb or confuse children. If you were to guess, you might think this was a Tim Burton production, but “Down to the Bone” has its own distinct style.
3 The Book of Life (2014)
A vibrant, captivating film titled “The Book of Life“, mirrors the festive spirit of Día de los Muertos. This movie narrates a love triangle between long-time friends Maria, Manola, and Joaquin. However, their relationship becomes entangled when two married deities from the realms of the Remembered and Forgotten, La Muerte and Xibalba, engage in a playful bet to determine who will win Maria’s affection.
Brilliantly Animated, But the Plot Is a Little Messy
The animation in “The Book of Life” is nothing short of breathtaking; it’s mesmerizing to behold and will undoubtedly keep your attention fixed on the screen. However, packing such an intricate plot that spans across three realms into a movie just 90 minutes long can feel cramped. If the makers had intended for this story to be a trilogy, they could have expanded and clarified the plot for viewers. Despite this, the film successfully introduces children to the Day of the Dead celebration while providing a gentle introduction to more mature themes.
2 Day of the Dad: A Celebration of Life (2020)
Films such as “Coco” and “The Book of Life” are fantastic introductions to Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). For those seeking a more profound exploration, the 2020 documentary titled “Day of the Dad: A Celebration of Life” is highly recommended. This documentary immerses viewers in Mexico, where they can observe and understand every tradition associated with Day of the Dead by following the lives of local residents.
Riveting Eye-Opening, and Emotional
In the movie “Day of the Dad: A Celebration of Life,” the film crew explores the customs surrounding the holiday, not just in one part of Mexico, but rather across various regions within the country. This documentary offers a captivating glimpse into how each area uniquely prepares and honors Día de los Muertos. With its high-quality production and concise 1-hour runtime, this film could spark your interest in planning a trip to Mexico yourself.
1 Coco (2017)
Absolutely, it’s hardly debatable that Coco can be considered nothing less than a masterpiece. This animated film revolves around a young boy named Miguel who harbors a secret dream of becoming a musician, despite his family’s strict prohibition on music. However, when he finds himself mysteriously transported to the realm of the dead, Miguel encounters an unconventional skeleton named Hector who helps him hone his musical talents. The story then unfolds as a thrilling race against time, with Miguel striving to return home before being trapped in the land of the dead, and Hector trying to be remembered by the last living relative who knows him.
Drop Dead Gorgeous Animation & Fun Music
Coco is another timeless masterpiece from Pixar. Just like films such as Up, Wall-E, and the entertaining adventures of Toy Story and Finding Nemo, it evokes a wide range of emotions. Since its debut in 2017, Coco has captured our hearts, winning a Golden Globe and two Oscars. The songs “Remember Me” and “Un Poco Loco” have become cherished additions to the Disney music library. Today, it’s the movie of choice for educating children about Día de los Muertos.
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2024-10-20 18:32