No, Disney (specifically through Pixar's film Coco) did not copy The Book of Life. While both animated films draw inspiration from Mexico's vibrant and culturally rich Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), they tell distinctly different stories with unique narrative approaches and artistic styles.
Superficial Similarities vs. Distinct Narratives
The misconception often arises because both films immerse audiences in a colorful, mystical afterlife populated by skeletal figures and adorned with marigolds, elements central to the Día de Muertos tradition. This shared cultural backdrop can lead to an initial impression of superficial similarities. However, a deeper look reveals that Coco and The Book of Life "offer much different takes on Día de los Muertos and Mexican culture," making them unique and "different enough to both be worth a watch" for their individual merits.
The Book of Life: A Romantic Adventure
Released in 2014, The Book of Life, produced by Guillermo del Toro and directed by Jorge R. Gutierrez, is a visually stunning romantic adventure. Its narrative centers on a love triangle involving Manolo, Joaquín, and María, set against the backdrop of a wager between two deities, La Muerte and Xibalba.
- Core Plot: Manolo, a bullfighter with a passion for music, journeys through the Land of the Remembered and the Land of the Forgotten to win the heart of María and discover his true self.
- Key Themes: Following one's own path, the power of true love, and honoring ancestral traditions in a unique way.
- Artistic Style: Features a distinct, highly stylized animation inspired by Mexican folk art, wooden puppets, and papel picado.
Coco: A Musical Family Saga
Released in 2017 by Pixar Animation Studios (a Disney subsidiary) and directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, Coco is a heartfelt musical drama. Its story focuses on themes of family, memory, and the pursuit of one's dreams.
- Core Plot: Young Miguel, who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family's generational ban on music, accidentally enters the Land of the Dead. He embarks on a quest to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary musician, and unravel his family's mysterious history.
- Key Themes: The importance of family bonds, the enduring power of memory (recuérdame), the significance of ofrendas, and following one's passion.
- Artistic Style: Characterized by Pixar's renowned detailed animation, blending realistic textures with fantastical, vibrant imagery, bringing the Land of the Dead to life with stunning visuals.
A Side-by-Side Look
To further illustrate their distinctions, here's a comparison of key aspects of both films:
| Feature | The Book of Life (2014) | Coco (2017) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | Reel FX Animation Studios / 20th Century Fox Animation | Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director(s) | Jorge R. Gutierrez | Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina |
| Main Protagonist | Manolo Sánchez | Miguel Rivera |
| Core Conflict | A love triangle and a quest to break a divine curse to win true love. | A generational ban on music and a quest to reconnect with a family ancestor. |
| Primary Theme | True love, individuality, honor, and destiny. | Family legacy, memory, music, and the importance of remembering ancestors. |
| Artistic Style | Stylized, puppet-like character designs, inspired by folk art and wooden carvings. | Detailed, realistic textures with vibrant, fantastical elements; Pixar's signature style. |
| Tone | Romantic comedy-adventure with mythical elements. | Emotional drama-adventure with musical and comedic elements. |
| Music | Contemporary pop songs covered by characters, traditional Mexican music. | Original songs integral to the plot, traditional Mexican music. |
Creative Independence
It is common for creative works to draw inspiration from shared cultural heritage or universal themes without constituting a copy. Both The Book of Life and Coco are original and independent artistic expressions that celebrate Mexican culture and the profound spiritual significance of Día de Muertos. Their distinct narratives, character developments, and visual aesthetics demonstrate that they were developed on separate paths, each offering a unique and valuable cinematic experience.
