Family Rules & Feelings
Because Mama Imelda was abandoned by her husband, this specific thing was completely banned from the Rivera household for generations.
What is music?
Miguel spends most of the movie worshiping this famous musician, believing he is his great-great-grandfather.
Who is Ernesto de la Cruz?
When Miguel yells, "I don't want to be in this family anymore!" and runs away, he is reacting to his family ignoring his feelings and crossing his __________.
What are boundaries?
When Mama Imelda finally forgives Héctor, she doesn't say what he did was okay. Instead, she is letting go of decades of heavy __________.
What is anger (or resentment/bitterness)?
This bright orange flower is sprinkled all over the bridges and altars to help guide the spirits back to the world of the living.
What is a marigold?
When Abuelita Elena catches Miguel playing guitar, she violently smashes it. This strong reaction was driven not by hate, but by this powerful, protective emotion.
What is fear (or anger)?
For decades, the family believed Héctor abandoned them because he didn't care. In reality, he was trying to come home but was tragically poisoned. This shows how trauma can be based on a major __________.
What is a misunderstanding (or lie)?
Miguel loves music, but he also loves his family. His main struggle is finding a way to have both his freedom and their __________.
What is love (or acceptance/support)?
To help save Héctor, Miguel returns to the living world and uses a guitar to sing "Remember Me" to this elderly character.
Who is Mama Coco?
Miguel’s loyal, silly, and hairless canine companion is named after the horse ridden by his musical idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, and his name is?
Who is Dante? (Bonus point if they know his breed)
By forcing Miguel to make shoes instead of letting him play music, the family was trying to force him to be just like everyone else. This term describes what a family expects you to show them, even when it hurts your own dreams.
What is loyalty?
In the Land of the Dead, Héctor is physically glowing and starting to fade away. This happens because of this heartbreaking reason.
What is being forgotten?
Instead of accepting his family's strict rules, Miguel risks staying in the Land of the Dead to find a blessing that allows him to play music. This shows he is standing up for his own __________.
What are choices (or dreams)?
Because the older generations finally forgave the past, Miguel’s new baby sister grows up in a house full of music and love. Forgiveness is a gift we give to the next __________.
What is generation (or children)?
When Miguel accidentally crosses over into the Land of the Dead, he realizes he is turning into this—and has to put on makeup to blend in.
What is a skeleton?
To protect their family history, the Riveras literally tore this character’s face out of the main photo on the altar.
Who is Héctor?
Héctor actually wrote the famous song "Remember Me" for this specific family member when she was a little girl.
Who is Mama Coco?
During the big concert scene, Mama Imelda finds herself singing on stage again. By doing this, she realizes she can love music and love her family, showing that life isn't always black and __________.
What is white?
At the end of the film, Héctor’s photo is finally placed back onto this traditional altar during Día de los Muertos. This means that he is __________ ?
What is he is officially welcomed back into the family heart?
Mama Imelda’s giant, colorful spiritual guide (Alebrije) is named Pepita. She is a magical mix of two real-life animals: a giant ram and this big wild cat.
What is a jaguar (or leopard/tiger)?
Mama Imelda tells Miguel he can have her blessing to go home, but only if he promises never to play music again. This is an example of putting this on love, rather than accepting someone for who they are.
What are conditions (or rules)?
When Miguel finds out that Héctor is his real grandfather and that he loved his family deeply, Miguel's anger turns into this warm, understanding emotion.
What is empathy (or compassion/love)?
At the very end of the movie, Miguel is happily playing guitar at home with his family around him. This happy ending is the result of both sides willing to __________.
What is compromise (or listen)?
By bringing the truth to light and choosing love over old rules, Miguel successfully broke the family's toxic __________.
What is cycle (or pattern/curse)?
This real-life Mexican holiday is the entire setting for the movie, where families gather to remember and celebrate their ancestors.
What is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)?