Cultural & Symbolic Elements
In Coco, what is the name of the holiday that celebrates the remembrance of ancestors?
Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead
What is the main conflict that Miguel faces regarding his passion in Coco?
His family bans music, but he dreams of becoming a musician.
Who is the main antagonist in Coco?
Ernesto de la Cruz
What type of animation is used in Coco?
3D computer animation by Pixar.
What type of character is Miguel in Coco: Round or Flat?
Round, because he has a well-developed personality with strengths and flaws.
In Spirited Away, what does Yubaba taking Chihiro’s name symbolize
Loss of identity and control over one’s self.
In Spirited Away, how does Chihiro change from the beginning to the end of the movie?
She grows from a scared, dependent girl into a brave and independent person.)
What is the name of the mysterious spirit who helps Chihiro in Spirited Away?
Haku
What animation studio created Spirited Away?
Studio Ghibli.
Is Yubaba in Spirited Away a Static or Dynamic character?
Static, because she remains greedy and manipulative throughout the film.
In Coco, what object allows spirits to cross over to the Land of the Living?
A photo on the ofrenda (a table that is decorated and covered with things such as photographs, flowers, and candles for Day of the Dead)
How does Héctor’s identity play a crucial role in Coco?
He is actually Miguel’s great-great-grandfather, and his legacy was stolen by Ernesto de la Cruz.
What role does Mama Imelda play in Coco?
She is the matriarch of the Rivera family and enforces the music ban.
How does color change in Spirited Away when Chihiro first enters the spirit world?
It becomes darker and more surreal, showing her transition into a new realm.
Which character in Coco is an example of a Flat character?
Ernesto de la Cruz, because he is only shown as a self-centered villain.
In Spirited Away, what does the bathhouse represent in Japanese culture?
A metaphor for capitalism, industrialization, and traditional Japanese bathhouses called "onsen."
What lesson does Chihiro learn about identity by remembering Haku’s real name?
Remembering one's true self is key to freedom and breaking control.
What does No-Face symbolize in Spirited Away?
Greed, loneliness, and the impact of society on an individual.
What unique visual element is used in Coco to represent the Land of the Dead?
Bright, neon colors and glowing marigold bridges.
Why is Chihiro considered a dynamic character?
She grows from a scared, passive girl into a brave, independent person.
How does the use of food serve as a symbol in both Coco and Spirited Away?
In Coco, food represents tradition and memory (offering food to ancestors), while in Spirited Away, food symbolizes greed, transformation, and control.
How does Coco challenge the idea of who we should be based on family traditions?
It suggests that while traditions are important, individuals must also follow their passions and find their own identity.
Compare Héctor and Haku - how are they similar in helping the protagonists?
Both serve as mentors guiding the main characters toward self-discovery and truth.
What camera techniques does Hayao Miyazaki use in Spirited Away to emphasize emotions?
Long shots for loneliness, close-ups for emotion, and slow panning to show magical realism.
Compare No-Face (Spirited Away) and Héctor (Coco): Who is more dynamic, and why?
Héctor is more dynamic because he evolves from a seemingly mischievous character to a loving father figure, whereas No-Face is more reactive than transformational.