* (Haunting flute music) Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Able 2020 BOY (voice-over): Sometimes, I think I'm cursed. 'Cause of something that happened before I was even born. See, a long time ago, there was this family. The papa, he was a musician. He and his family would sing and dance and count their blessings. But he also had a dream ` to play for the world. (wind whistling) And one day, he left with his guitar and never returned. And the mama... she didn't have time to cry over that walk-away musician. After banishing all music from her life, she found a way to provide for her daughter. She rolled up her sleeves, and she learned to make shoes. - She could've made candy... - (children laughing) ...or fireworks or sparkly underwear for wrestlers, but no, she chose shoes. Then she taught her daughter to make shoes. And later, she taught her son-in-law. Then her grandkids got roped in. (children laughing) As her family grew, so did the business. Music had torn her family apart, but shoes held them all together. You see, that woman was my great-great-grandmother, Mama Imelda. She died way before I was born. But my family still tells her story every year on Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. And her little girl ` she's my great-grandmother, Mama Coco. Hola, Mama Coco. How are you, Julio? (voice-over): Actually, my name is Miguel. Mama Coco has trouble remembering things. But it's good to talk to her anyway. So I tell her pretty much everything. I used to run like this, but now I run like this, which is way faster. And the winner is... Luchadora Coco! I have a dimple on this side, but not on this side. Dimple, no dimple. Dimple, no dimple. Miguel, eat your food. (voice-over): My abuelita, she's Mama Coco's daughter. Oh, you're a twig, mijo. - Have some more. - No, gracias. I asked if you would like more tamales. Si? (laughing): That's what I thought you said! (voice-over): Abuelita runs our house just like Mama Imelda did. (flutelike tones playing) - No music! - (gasps) - (music plays over truck stereo) - No music! - # Aunque la vida... # - No music! MIGUEL (voice-over): I think we're the only family in Mexico who hates music. And my family's fine with that. But me... - Be back by lunch, mijo. - Love you, Mama. (voice-over): I am not like the rest of my family. - Hola, Miguel. - Hola. (playing an uplifting tune) - Muchas gracias. - De nada, Miguel. (playing percussive tones) - (dog yelps) - Hey! Dante! (yelps, barks) Sit. Down. Roll over. Shake. Fist bump. Good boy, Dante. (chiming tones) (voice-over): I know I'm not supposed to love music, but it's not my fault. It's his. Ernesto de la Cruz. The greatest musician of all time. WOMAN: Right here in this very plaza, the young Ernesto de la Cruz took his first steps toward becoming the most beloved singer in Mexican history. MIGUEL (voice-over): He started out a total nobody from Santa Cecilia, like me. But when he played music, he made people fall in love with him. - (horse neighs) - He starred in movies. He had the coolest guitar. He could fly! And he wrote the best songs. But my all-time favourite, it's... - # Remember me # - # Remember me # # Though I have to say good-bye # - # Remember me # - # Remember me # # Don't let it make you cry # # For even if I'm far away # # I hold you in my heart # # I sing a secret song to you each night we are apart # - # Remember me # - # Remember me, remember me # # Though I have to travel far # - # Remember me # - # Remember me, remember me # # Each time you hear a sad guitar # # Know that I'm with you # # The only way that I can be # - # Ah... # - # Until you're in # # My arms again # MIGUEL: He lived the kind of life you dream about. # Remember me... # Until 1942. (singing stops, bell clangs) When he was crushed by a giant bell. I want to be just like him. (upbeat mariachi music playing) Sometimes, I look at de la Cruz, and I get this feeling like we're connected somehow. Like, if he could play music, maybe someday, I could too. If it wasn't for my family. - Ay, ay, ay, muchacho. - Huh? I asked for a shoeshine, not your life story. Oh, yeah. Sorry. I just can't really talk about any of this at home, - so... - Look, if I were you, I'd march right up to my family and say, "Hey, I'm a musician. Deal with it." I could never say that. You are a musician, no? I-I don't know. I mean, I only really play for myself. Ah! Did de la Cruz become the world's best musician by hiding his sweet, sweet skills? No! He walked out onto that plaza, and he played out loud. Mira, mira, they're setting up for tonight. The music competition for Dia de Muertos. You want to be like your hero? You should sign up. Uh-uh. My family would freak. Look, if you're too scared, then, well, have fun making shoes. Come on, what did de la Cruz always say? "Seize your moment"? Show me what you got, muchacho. I'll be your first audience. - ABUELITA: Miguel! - (gasps, yelps) - Abuelita. - What are you doing here? Um, uh... - You leave my grandson alone. - Aah! Dona, please. I was just getting a shine. I know your tricks, mariachi. What did he say to you? - He was just showing me his guitar. - (gasping) - Shame on you. - (grunts) My grandson is a sweet little angelito querido cielito. He wants no part of your music, mariachi. You keep away from him. (yelps) Ay, pobrecito. - Oh, estas bien, mijo. - (muffled grunting) - (gasping) - You know better than to be here in this place. You will come home ` now. (sighs) How many times have we told you? That plaza is crawling with mariachis. - Yes, Tio Berto. - (Dante barking) No, no, no, no, no. - Ah! Go away, you. Go! - (barking) - It's just Dante. - (Dante yelps) Never name a street dog. They'll follow you forever. Now go get my shoe. (Gentle music) I found your son in Mariachi Plaza. Ay, Miguel. You know how Abuelita feels about the plaza. - I was just shining shoes. - A musician's shoes. (gasping) But the plaza's where all the foot traffic is. If Abuelita says no more plaza, then no more plaza. - But what about tonight? - What's tonight? Well, they're having this talent show, - and I thought I might... - Sign up? Well, maybe? (laughs) You have to have talent to be in a talent show. (chuckles) What are you gonna do? Shine shoes? - (groans) - It's Dia de los Muertos. No one's going anywhere. Tonight is about family. - (spits) - Ofrenda room. Vamonos. (children chattering, laughing) Don't give me that look. Dia de los Muertos is the one night of the year our ancestors can come visit us. We've put their photos on the ofrenda so their spirits can cross over. That is very important. If we don't put them up, they can't come. We made all this food, set out the things they loved in life, mijo. All this work to bring the family together. I don't want you sneaking off to who-knows-where. (gasps) Where are you going? - I-I thought we were done. - Ay, Dios mio. Being part of this family means being here for this family. I don't want to see you end up like... MIGUEL: Like Mama Coco's papa? Never mention that man! - He's better off forgotten. - But you're the one who... - (stammering, shushing) - I was just... But I... Papa? Papa is home? Mama, calmese, calmese. Papa is coming home? No, Mama. It's okay. I'm here. Who are you? (sighs) Rest, Mama. I'm hard on you because I care, Miguel. Miguel? Miguel? (sighs) What are we going to do with that boy? (laughing): You're right. That's just what he needs. (grunts) - (yelping happily) - (string plucking) (whines) - (strings plucking) - (wood creaks) - (gasps) - (barks) (sighs) It's you. Get in here. - Come on, Dante. Hurry up. - (barks, grunts) You're gonna get me in trouble, boy. Someone could hear me. I wish someone wanted to hear me. (tuning strings) (chuckling): Other than you. - (Dante whines) - (laughing): Ew. Okay. - (plays bright chord) - Perfecto. (Gentle music) I have to sing. I have to play. The music, it's... it's not just in me. It is me. - (Plays gentle tune) - When life gets me down, I play my guitar. The rest of the world may follow the rules, but I must follow my heart. - Ugh. - You know that feeling like there's a song in the air and it's playing just for you? - (plays same melody) - # A feeling so close # # You could reach out and touch it # # I never knew I could want # # something so much, but it's true. # You must have faith, Sister. Oh, but, Padre, he will never listen. He will listen to music. # Only a song, only a song # # has the power to change a heart. # Never underestimate the power of music. WOMAN (crying): But my father, he will never give his permission. DE LA CRUZ: I am done asking permission. When you see your moment, you mustn't let it pass you by. You must seize it. MAN: Senor de la Cruz, what did it take for you to seize your moment? I had to have faith in my dream. No one was going to hand it to me. It was up to me to reach for that dream. Grab it tight... BOTH: And make it come true. No more hiding, Dante. - I got to seize my moment. - (barks) I'm gonna play in Mariachi Plaza if it kills me. * - (bell tolling) - (children laughing) Dia de los Muertos has begun. No, no, no, no, no. We have to make a clear path. The petals guide our ancestors home. We don't want their spirits to get lost. (voice fading): We want them to come and enjoy all the food and drinks on the ofrenda. - PAPA: Mama! - (gasps) - Where should we put this table? ABUELITA: In the courtyard, mijos. PAPA: You want it down by the kitchen? ABUELITA: Si. Uh, next to the other one. (panting) - Get under. Get under! - (yelps) - Miguel? - Uh, nothing. Uh, Mama, Papa, I... Miguel, your abuelita had the most wonderful idea. We've all decided. It's time you joined us in the workshop! - What? - No more shining shoes. You will be making them every day after school. Oh, our Migueliti-ti-ti-tito carrying on - the family tradition. - (sniffing) And on Dia de los Muertos. Your ancestors will be so proud. You'll craft huaraches just like your Tia Victoria. PAPA: And wingtips like your Papa Julio. But what if I'm no good at making shoes? - (chuckling) - Ah, Miguel. You have your family here to guide you. You are a Rivera. And a Rivera is... A shoemaker through and through. That's my boy! Haha! Berto, break out the good stuff. - I want to make a toast. - (Miguel forces a chuckle) - (smacking lips loudly) - (Miguel grunts, chuckles) - (sighs) - (clattering) (gasps) Dante! No, Dante. Stop! (whining) (gasps) (grunting) (gasps) No, no, no, no, no! No. (gasps softly) De la Cruz's guitar? MAMA COCO: Papa? Papa? Mama Coco, is your papa Ernesto de la Cruz? Papa. Papa! (laughs) Papa! Papa! It's him! I know who my great-great-grandfather was. Miguel, get down from there. Mama Coco's father was Ernesto de la Cruz! What are you talking about? I'm gonna be a musician! ABUELITA: What is all this? You keep secrets from your own family? It's all that time he spends in the plaza. Fills his head with crazy fantasies. It's not a fantasy. That man was Ernesto de la Cruz, the greatest musician of all time. We've never known anything about this man. But whoever he was, he still abandoned his family. - This is no future for my son. - But, Papa, you-you said my family would guide me. Well, de la Cruz is my family. I'm supposed to play music. Never! That man's music was a curse. I will not allow it. - If you would just let... - Miguel... You will listen to your family. No more music. - Just listen to me play. - End of argument. You want to end up like that man? Forgotten? Left off your family's ofrenda? I don't care if I'm on some stupid ofrenda. (all gasping) (grumbles) -No! -Mama! (grunting) There. No guitar. No music. (dogs barking in distance) Oh, come. You'll feel better after you eat with your family. I don't want to be in this family! Miguel! Miguel! (Fast-paced music) (panting) (yelps, barks) (singing in Spanish) I want to play in the plaza, like de la Cruz. - Ca-Can I still sign up? - You got an instrument? No, but if I can borrow a guitar... Musicians got to bring their own instruments. You find a guitar, kid, I'll put you on the list. Excuse me. - Can I borrow your guitar? - Sorry, muchacho. - You guys have a spare guitar? - (chuckling): No. I need a guitar just for a little bit. - Get out of here, kid. - (sighs) (fireworks whistling, popping) Great-Great-Grandfather, what am I supposed to do? - (fireworks whistling, popping) - (applause) (Haunting flute music) - (barking) - No, no, no, no. Dante, stop! - Callate! Shh! - (Dante continues barking) (pants, yaps) (fireworks popping, whistling) - I'm sorry. - (firework whistles, pops) (glass clinking) (glass clinks) (gasps) Senor de la Cruz... ...please don't be mad. I'm Miguel, your great-great-grandson. I-I need to borrow this. Our family thinks music is a curse. None of them understand, but I know you would have. You would have told me to follow my heart. To seize my moment. So if it's all right with you, I'm gonna play in the plaza, just like you did. (wind whistling) - MAN: The guitar! It's gone! - (gasping) Somebody stole de la Cruz's guitar! WOMAN: The window's broken! Look! (panting) (keys jangling) - All right, who's in there? - I-I'm sorry. It-it's not what it looks like. De la Cruz is my... - (gasps) - There's nobody here. (gasping) (frightened grunts) (grunts, gasps) (yells) (panting, whimpering) - MAMA: Miguel! - Mama! Miguel, come home. - (gasping) - PAPA: Where are you, Miguel? (yells, groans) WOMAN: Dios mio. Little boy, are you okay? Here. Let me help you. Thanks. I... (both scream) - (grunting, panting) - (rattling) (yells, grunts) (gasping) Do you mind? - (gasps, screams) - (screams) (gasping) (quiet, indistinct chatter) (panting) (shuddering breaths) (laughter) - Look how big she's getting. - (chuckles) (gasping) (yells) Dante? - You can see me? - (barking) Wait. Wh-What's going on? - (barking) - Dante! - Dante! - (gasps) - (both grunt) - I'm sorry. I'm sorry. - Miguel? - Miguel? - Miguel? (gasping) You're here. Here, here. And you can see us? Our Migueliti-ti-ti-tito! Remind me how I know you. (chuckling): We're your family, mijo. (gasping) - Tia Rosita? - Si. - Papa Julio? - Hola. Tia Victoria? He doesn't seem entirely dead. - (whimpers) - He's not quite alive, either. We need Mama Imelda. She'll know how to fix this. TIO OSCAR: Oye! It's Mama Imelda. - She couldn't cross over. - (gasping) - She's stuck. - On the other side. Tio Oscar? Tio Felipe? Oh. Hey, Miguel. (both gasp) I have a feeling this has something to do with you. But if Mama Imelda can't come to us... Then we are going to her. - Whoa! - Vamonos! (Dante barking) (gasps) (shuddering): Whoa. Come on, Miguel. It-it's okay. (Dante barks) (Dante barking) Dante? Dante! Dante, wait up. You got to stay with me, boy. - (Dante sneezes) - We don't know... where... (Majestic music) This isn't a dream, then. You're all really out there. - You thought we weren't? - Well, I don't know. I thought it might have been one of those made-up things that adults tell kids. Like vitamins. Miguel, vitamins are a real thing. Well, now I'm thinking maybe they could be. - (gasps) - Mija, it's not nice to stare at... Ay, Santa Maria! (whooshing, roaring) MIGUEL: Are those... Alebrijes! - But those are... - TIO OSCAR: Real alebrijes. Spirit creatures. They guide souls on their journey. Watch your step. They make caquitas everywhere. WOMAN (over P.A.): Welcome back to the Land of the Dead. Please have all offerings ready for re-entry. Welcome back. Anything to declare? - Some churros ` from my family. - How wonderful. Next. (over P.A.): If you're experiencing travel issues, agents at the Department of Family Reunions are available to assist you. Next family, please. - (bell dings) - Oh! Your photos are on your son's ofrenda. - Have a great visit. - Gracias. - Gracias. (over P.A.): And remember to return before sunrise. Enjoy your visit. Next. - (bell dings) - Your photo's on your dentist's ofrenda. - Enjoy your visit. - Gracias. Next. Yes, it is I, Frida Kahlo. Shall we skip the scanner? I'm on so many ofrendas, it'll just overwhelm your blinky thingy. - (buzzer sounds) - (chuckling): Well, shoot. Looks like no one put up your photo, Frida. Okay, when I said I was Frida just now, that... that was a lie. And I apologize for doing that. No photo on an ofrenda, no crossing the bridge. You know what? I'm just gonna zip right over. You won't even know I'm gone. - Hey! - (grunts, laughs) (woman screams) (gasping) Almost... there. (straining): Just a little further. (gasping, grunting) (sighs) - Upsy-daisy. - Fine. Okay. Fine. Who cares? (spits) Dumb flower bridge. Aw. I don't know what I'd do if no one put up my photo. - MAN: Next. - Oh! Come, mijo. It's our turn. Welcome back, amigos. Anything to declare? A-As a matter of fact, yes. (chuckles) Hola. * (Grand music) MAN (over P.A.): Paging Marta Gonzales-Ramos. Marta Gonzales-Ramos, please report to Level Seven. (bell clanging, laughter, indistinct chatter) - Whoa. - (gasping) (sighs) I miss my nose. (quiet chatter) Come on, help us out, amigo. We got to get to a dozen ofrendas tonight. We are not visiting your ex-wife's family for Dia de Muertos. I demand to speak to the person in charge. I'm sorry, senora. It says here no one put up your photo. - My family always... - (gasping) ...always puts my photo on the ofrenda. That devil box tells you nothing but lies! Mama Imelda? (gasps) Oh, mi familia. They wouldn't let me cross the bridge. Tell this woman and her devil box that my photo is on the ofrenda. Well... (chuckles) we-we... we never made it to the ofrenda. What? We ran into, uh... um... (chuckles) (gasps) Miguel? Mama Imelda. What is going on? You the Rivera family? (small explosion) - Well, you're cursed. - (all gasp) - What? Dia de los Muertos is the night to give to the dead. You stole from the dead. - But I wasn't stealing the guitar. - Guitar? It was my great-great-grandfather's. He would have wanted me to have it. Ah-ah-ah! We do not speak of that musician. He is dead to this family. MIGUEL: Uh, you're all dead. (sneezes) I am sorry. Uh, whose alebrije is that? That's just Dante. He sure doesn't look like an alebrije. He just looks like a plain old dog. Or a sausage someone dropped in a barbershop. Whatever he is, I am... (sneezes) terribly allergic. But Dante doesn't have any hair. And I don't have a nose, and yet here we are. (sneezes) But none of this explains why I couldn't cross over. Oh. (chuckles nervously) (gasps) You took my photo off the ofrenda? - It was an accident. - How do we send him back? (chuckling): Well, since it's a family matter, the way to undo a family curse is to get your family's blessing. That's it? Get your family's blessing, and everything should go back to normal. But you got to do it by sunrise. What happens at sunrise? Hijole! Your hand. Aah! - (whimpers) - Whoa, Miguel. Can't have you fainting on us. (laughs) But not to worry. Your family's here. You can get your blessing right now. Cempasuchil, cempasuchil... Aha. - (chuckling): Perdon, senora. - Oh. (giggles) Now, you look at the living and say his name. - Miguel. - Nailed it. Now say, "I give you my blessing." I give you my blessing. I give you my blessing to go home, to put my photo back on the ofrenda, and to never play music again. What? She can't do that. Well, technically, she can add any condition she wants. (sighs) - Fine. - Then you hand the petal to Miguel. (gasps) (laughs) No skeletons. (laughs) Mariachi Plaza, here I come. (grunts) Two seconds, and you already break your promise. This isn't fair. It's my life. You already had yours. Papa Julio, I ask for your blessing. - Uh... - Tia Rosita? - (grunting) - Oscar? - Aah! - Felipe? - Aah! Tia Victoria? Don't make this hard, mijo. You go home my way or no way. You really hate music that much? I will not let you go down the same path he did. "The same path he did." He's family. - Listen to your Mama Imelda. - She's just looking out for you. - Be reasonable. - Uh, con permiso. I need to visit the restroom. Be right back. Uh, should we tell him there are no restrooms in the Land of the Dead? (Dante panting) (Dante yelps) (gasps) Vamonos. We got a family looking for a living boy. If I want to be a musician, I need a musician's blessing. We gotta find my great-great-grandpa. - Hold it, muchacho. - (gasps) (screams, stammers) I found that living boy. Oh, whoa, excuse me. Excuse me, folks. Excuse me. (gasps) No, no. Dante! MAN: Disturbing the peace. Fleeing an officer. Falsifying a unibrow. - That's illegal? - Very illegal. You need to clean up your act, amigo. Amigo? Oh, that's... that's so nice to hear you say that, because I have just had a really hard Dia de Muertos, and I could really use an amigo right now. And amigos, they help their amigos. Listen, you get me across that bridge tonight, and I'll make it worth your while. Oh! You like de la Cruz? He and I go way back. - I can get you front row seats to his Sunrise Spectacular show. - (grumbling) I-I-I'll get you backstage. You can meet him. You just got to let me cross that bridge. I should lock you up for the rest of the holiday. But my shift's almost up, and I want to visit my living family. So I'm letting you off with a warning. Can I at least get my costume back? - Uh... no. - (groans) Some amigo. Hey. Hey! You really know de la Cruz? Who wants to... Aah! - Ay! You're alive. - Shh. Yeah, I'm alive. And if I want to get back to the Land of the Living, I need de la Cruz's blessing. That's weirdly specific. He's my great-great-grandfather. He's your gr-gr... Wh-What? (groans) Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Wait, wait. (gasps) Wait. No, wait, wait, wait, wait. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. (gasps) Yes. You're going back to the Land of the Living. You know what? Maybe this isn't such a good... No, no, nino, nino, nino. I can help you. You can help me. We can help each other. - But most importantly, you can help me. - Miguel! - Aah! - I'm Hector. - That's nice. - (gasps) Esperame, chamaco! (grunting) - (screaming, groaning) - Ay, he is going to get himself killed. I need my spirit guide, Pepita. (whistles) (roars) - (purring) - Who has that petal Miguel touched? Here. (nervous chuckle) N-Nice alebrije. -(Pepita blows) -(Papa Julio yells) (sniffing) (snarls) (roaring) (lid clinking on ground) Hey, hey, hold still. Look up, look up. A ver, a ver. Look up, up, up. (Hector muttering) Aqui arriba, eso... - (gagging) - Eh... La rayita. Okay. Hey. Ta-da! Dead as a doorknob. So, listen, Miguel, this place runs on memories. When you're well remembered, people put up your photo and you get to cross the bridge and visit the living on Dia de Muertos. - Unless you're me. - You don't get to cross over? No one's ever put up my picture. But you can change that. This is you? Eh, muy guapo, eh? So, you get me to my great-great-grandpa, then I put up your photo when I get home? Such as, my boy. Yes. Great idea. Yes. One hiccup. De la Cruz is a tough guy to get to, and I need to cross the bridge soon. Like, tonight. So, you got any other family here, you know? Someone a bit more, ah, accessible? Mm... nope. Don't yank my chain, chamaco. You got to have some other family. Only de la Cruz. If you can't help me, I'll find him myself. (Miguel whistles) (groans) Okay, okay, kid. Fine, fine. I'll get you to your great-great-grandpa. (alebrijes chittering) It's not going to be easy, you know? You know, he's a... he's a busy man. Wh-What are you doing? I'm walking like a skeleton. Blending in. No, skeletons don't walk like that. - It's how you walk. - No, I don't. - Stop it! - Whoa. Ernesto de la Cruz's Sunrise Spectacular? Que padre! Ugh. Every year, your great-great-grandpa puts on that dumb show to mark the end of Dia de Muertos. - And you can get us in. - Uh... Hey, you said you have front row tickets. That... was a lie. I apologize for that. Cool off, chamaco. Come on, I'll get you to him. - How? - 'Cause I happen to know where he's rehearsing. * (laughter, chatter) (over stereo): # Remember me # - (sighs) - # Don't let it make you cry # You better have my dress, Hector. HECTOR: Hola, Ceci. - Hey! (grunts) - (Dante barks) # Remember me... # Hola. Ceci, I lost the dress. - Ay, ya lo sabia! - Ceci... - I got to dress 40 dancers by sunrise. - I know I said... - And thanks to you, I'm one Frida short of an opening number! - Dante. Dante. We shouldn't be in here. (Miguel gasps) (grunts, sniffs) (yelps) - (chittering) - (barking) No, Dante! Ven aca! (grunts) - (screeching) - (barking) (screeches) - (barking) - (Miguel grunts) You! How did you get in here? - I just followed my... - (gasps) Oh, the mighty Xolo dog! Guider of wandering spirits. And whose spirit have you guided to me? I don't think he's a spirit guide. Ah, ah, ah. The alebrijes of this world can take many forms. They are as mysterious as they are powerful. (roars) (coughs) (gagging) Or maybe he's just a dog. Come. I need your eyes. You are the audience. - (light clunks) - Darkness. And from the darkness, a giant papaya. (light clunks) Dancers emerge from the papaya, and the dancers... are all me. And they go to drink from the milk of their mother, who is a cactus ` but who is also me. And her milk is not milk... but tears. Is it too obvious? I think it's just the right amount of obvious? It could use some music. Oh, uh, what if you did, like... (vocalizes melody) - (snaps fingers) - (playing Miguel's melody) Uh, oh. And then it could go... (vocalizes melody) (playing Miguel's melody) And what if everything was on fire? - (gasping) - Yes! Fire everywhere! Inspired. You... you have the spirit of an artist. - (playing suspenseful music) - The dancers exit, the music fades, the lights go out, and Ernesto de la Cruz rises to the stage. - (gasps) - (band plays fanfare) - Huh? - He does a couple of songs, the sun rises, everyone cheers... Excuse me, where's the real de la Cruz? Ernesto doesn't do rehearsals. He's too busy hosting that fancy party at the top of his tower. (sighs) Chamaco, you can't run off on me like that. Come on. Stop pestering the celebrities. You said my great-great-grandpa would be here. He's halfway across town throwing some big party. That bum. Who doesn't show up to his own rehearsal? If you're such good friends, how come he didn't invite you? He's your great-great-grandpa. How come he didn't invite you? Hey, Gustavo. You know anything about this party? It's the hot ticket. But if you're not on the guest list, you're never getting in, Chorizo. Hey! It's Chorizo! - (laughter) - Choricito! Haha. Very funny, guys. - Very funny. - Chorizo? (laughing): Oh, you... Oh, this guy's famous. Go on, go on. Ask him how he died. I don't want to talk about it. He choked on some chorizo! (laughter) I didn't choke, okay? I got food poisoning, which is a big difference. (laughter) This is why I don't like musicians. Bunch of self-important jerks. - Hey. I'm a musician. - You are? Well, if you really want to get to Ernesto, there is that music competition at the Plaza de la Cruz. (singsongy): Winner gets to play at his party. No, no, no, chamaco. You are loco if you think... I need to get my great-great-grandfather's blessing. You know where I can get a guitar? (sighs) I know a guy. (Suspenseful music) (low growling) (sniffing) Have you found him, Pepita? Have you found our boy? TIA ROSITA: A footprint! It's a Rivera boot. - Size seven. - And a half. - Pronated. - Miguel. Why the heck would you want to be a musician? My great-great-grandpa was a musician. Who spent his life performing like a monkey for complete strangers. (groans) No. - No, thank you. No. (mutters) - What do you know? So, how far is this guitar anyway? We're almost there. (grunts) Keep up, chamaco. Come on. (whistling) - Cousin Hector! - Hey! - These guys! - Hector! - Hey, Tio! Que onda? - These people are all your family? Uh... uh, in a way. We're all the ones with no photos or ofrendas. No family to go home to. Nearly forgotten, you know? So we all call each other "cousin" or "tio" or... or whatever. - (croaking) - (Dante whimpers, yelps) - Hector! - Tia Chelo! Hey! (laughter) - Oh, muchas gracias. - Hey, hey. Save some for me. - Is Chicharron around? - In the bungalow. I don't know if he's in the mood for visitors. Ah, who doesn't like a visit from Cousin Hector? (gasps) Buenas noches, Chicharron. I don't want to see your stupid face, Hector. Come on. It's Dia de Muertos. I brought you a little offering. - Get out of here. - I would, Cheech. But the thing is, me and my friend Miguel, we really need to borrow your guitar. - My guitar? - Yes. My prized, beloved guitar? I promise we'll bring it right back. Like the time you promised to bring back my van? - Uh... - Or my mini-fridge? - Ah, you see... - Or my good napkins? - Uh... - My lasso? My femur? Uh, no, not like those times. Where's my femur? You... - (sighs) - Oh, oh. You okay, amigo? (grunts) I'm fading, Hector. I can feel it. I couldn't even play that thing if I wanted to. You... play me something? No, you... you know I don't play anymore, Cheech. The guitar's for the kid. You want it, you got to earn it. Ay, only for you, amigo. (tuning strings) Any requests? (Chicharron chuckles) You know my favourite, Hector. (plays gentle melody) # Well, everyone knows Juanita # # Her eyes each a different colour # # Her teeth stick out # # And her chin goes in # # And her... # # ...knuckles, they drag on the floor... # - Those aren't the words. - There are children present. # Her hair is like a briar # # She stands in a bow-legged stance # # And if I weren't so ugly # # She'd possibly give me a chance. # - (Hector plays final chord) - (sighs, chuckles) Brings back memories. Gracias. (exhales slowly) (whimpers) Wait. What happened? He's been forgotten. When there's no one left in the living world who remembers you, you disappear from this world. We call it the final death. Wh-Where did he go? No one knows. But I've met him. I could remember him when I go back. No, it doesn't work like that, chamaco. Our memories, they have to be passed down by those who knew us in life in the stories they tell about us. But there's no one left alive to pass down Cheech's stories. Hey, it happens to everyone eventually. - Come on, de la Cruzito. - (Dante barks) You've got a contest to win. * (Majestic music) (bell clangs) MIGUEL: You told me you hated musicians. You never said you were one. How do you think I knew your great-great-grandpa? We used to play music together. Taught him everything he knows. No manches. You played with Ernesto de la Cruz, the greatest musician of all time? (laughs) Ah, you're funny. Greatest eyebrows of all time, maybe. But his music? Eh, not so much. - You don't know what you're talking about. - (festive music playing) HECTOR: Welcome to the Plaza de la Cruz. - (bell clanging) - Showtime, chamaco. (Dante grunts, barks) (laughter, whooping, applause) Llevelo. T-shirts, bobbleheads. (whistling, cheering) (drumroll) - (fanfare plays) - (cheering) Bienvenidos a todos! - (whoops, laughs) - (microphone feedback squeals) - Who's ready for some musica? - (cheering and applause) It's a battle of the bands, amigos. The winner gets to play for the maestro himself, - Ernesto de la Cruz,... - (crowd gasping) -...at his fiesta tonight! -(cheering) That's our ticket, muchacho. (whooping) Let the competition begin! (cheering and applause) (playing "Remember Me" melody) (plays jazzy tune) (playing heavy metal music) (plays "Remember Me" melody in percussive tones) (electronic music droning) (dogs barking "Remember Me" melody) (playing "Remember Me") So, what's the plan? Wh-What are you gonna play? Definitely "Remember Me." - No, not that one. No. - Come on. It's his most popular song. - Ah, it's too popular. - # Remember me # # Though I have to travel far, remember me...# - (operatically): # Remember me # - # Don't let it make you cry # (playing "Remember Me" melody) Um, what about "Poco Loco"? Epa! Now, that's a song. MAN: De la Cruzito? You're on standby. Los Chachalacos, you're up next. - (whistling, applause) - CROWD: Los Chachalacos! (playing upbeat melody) You always this nervous before a performance? I don't know. I've never performed before. What? You said you were a musician. I am. I mean, I will be. - (sighing): Ay. - Once I win. That's your plan? No, no, no, no, no. You have to win, Miguel. Your life literally depends on you winning. And you've never done this before? - I'll go up there. - No. - I need to do this. - Why? If I can't go out there and play one song, how can I call myself a musician? What does that matter? 'Cause I don't just want to get de la Cruz's blessing. I need to prove that... that I'm worthy of it. Oh... oh, that's such a sweet sentiment... at such a bad time! (Hector grumbling) Okay. Okay, okay, okay. Okay, you want to perform? Then you got to perform. First, you have to loosen up. Shake off those nerves. (exhales, grunts) (Miguel yells) - Now give me your best grito. - My best grito? Come on, yell. Belt it out. (whooping) Ah! Oh, it feels good. Okay, now, now... now you. (weak, high-pitched yelling and grunting) (straining): Ay, ay, ay... Oh, come on, kid. - (song ends with flourish) - (cheering) De la Cruzito, you're on now. Miguel, look at me. Hey, hey, look at me. - Come on, let's go! - You can do this. Grab their attention and don't let it go. - Hector... - Make them listen, chamaco. You've got this. - De la Cruzito! - (shouting, whooping) - (groans) - (feedback squeals) What's he doing? Why isn't he playing? WOMAN: Bring back the singing dogs! (gasping) (exhales slowly) (inhales sharply) (whoops) - (scattered cheers) - WOMAN: Que bien! - MAN: Vamonos! (plays folk melody) # What colour is the sky? # # Ay mi amor, ay mi amor # # You tell me that it's red # # Ay mi amor, ay mi amor # # Where should I put my shoes? # # Ay mi amor, ay mi amor # # You say put them on your head # # Ay mi amor, ay mi amor # # You make me un poco loco # # Un poquiti-tito loco # # The way you keep me guessing # # I'm nodding and I'm yes-ing # # I'll count it as a blessing # # That I'm only un poco loco # - (Dante growling) - No, no, no! No, no! (whimpers) (cheering) - Not bad for a dead guy. - Not so bad yourself, gordito. - Eso! - (cheering, applause) (sniffing) He's close. Find him. HECTOR: # The loco that you make me # # It is just un poco crazy # # The sense that you're not making # # The liberties you're taking # # Leaves my cabeza shaking # # You're just un poco loco... # (shouting, whooping) (howls) We're looking for a living kid. About 12. Have you seen a living boy? # Un poquiti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti- ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-to loco. # (whooping) (cheering and applause) Hey! You did good. I'm proud of you. - Eso! - (laughter, indistinct chatter) (gasps) (Miguel gasping) Hey! Where are you going? - We got to get out of here! - What? Are you crazy? - We're about to win this thing. - CROWD: Otra! Otra! Damas y caballeros, I have an emergency announcement. Please be on the lookout for a living boy. - (crowd gasping, murmuring) - Answers to the name of Miguel. Earlier tonight, he ran away from his family. They just want to send him back to the Land of the Living. Wait, wait, wait. You said de la Cruz was your only family. The only person who could send you home. I do have other family, but... You could have taken my photo back this whole time? But they hate music. I need a musician's blessing. - You lied to me! - Oh, you're one to talk. Look at me. I'm being forgotten, Miguel. I don't even know if I'm gonna last the night. I'm not gonna miss my one chance to cross that bridge 'cause you want to live out some stupid musical fantasy. - It's not stupid. - I'm taking you to your family. - Let go of me! - You'll thank me later. You don't want to help me. You only care about yourself. - Keep your dumb photo. - No. No, no. Stay away from me. No. (grunting) Hey. Chamaco? Where did you go? Chamaco! I'm sorry. Come back. (Fast-paced music) (Dante grumbling) -(barking) -Dante, callate! No! Dante, stop it. - He can't help me. - (Dante whines) Dante, stop! - (growling) - Stop it. Leave me alone! You're not a spirit guide. You're just a dumb dog. - (whimpering) - Now, get out of here! - It's him. - (gasps) It's that living boy. - I heard about him. Look! - He's alive? The boy is alive! (trolley bell clanging) - (Miguel gasps, screams) - (roars) This nonsense ends now, Miguel. I am giving you my blessing, and you are going home. I don't want your blessing. - Miguel, stop! - (roaring) Come back! Miguel! (grunting) I am trying to save your life. - You're ruining my life! - What? Music's the only thing that makes me happy, and you... you want to take that away. You'll never understand. # Y aunque la vida me cueste, Llorona # # No dejare de quererte... # I thought you hated music. Oh, I loved it. I remember that feeling when my husband would play, and I would sing, and nothing else mattered. But when we had Coco, suddenly there was something in my life that mattered more than music. I wanted to put down roots. He wanted to play for the world. We each made a sacrifice to get what we wanted. Now you must make a choice. But I don't want to pick sides. Why can't you be on my side? That's what family's supposed to do ` support you. But you never will. (Joyous music) - Have a good time. - Oh, how exciting. Oh, El Santo. I-I'm a big fan. You mind if I... (camera whirs, clicks) Gracias, senor. - Invitation? - It's okay. I'm Ernesto's great-great-grandson. (grunts) - (sighs) - (laughter nearby) - Disculpen, senores. - Hey, hey, guys. It's Poco Loco. - You were on fire tonight. - You, too. Hey, musician to musician ` I need a favour. Oh, the competition winners. Congratulations, chicos. (bell dings) (muffled grunting) (inhales deeply, blows) (grunts, chuckles) Thanks, guys. (laughter) (bell rings) Whoa. - H-Hey! Enjoy the party, little musico. - Gracias. (chittering) Oh! - (whooshing) - (crowd gasping) Look! It's Ernesto! De la Cruz. Senor de la Cruz. Pardon me. Senor de la Cruz. Senor de la... (dance music playing) When you see your moment, you mustn't let it pass you by. You must seize it. This one has a wise spirit. (Dance music continues) We're almost there, Dante. (grunts) Senor de la Cruz! Senor de la... (grunting) NUN (from movie): But what can we do? It is hopeless. You must have faith, Sister. Oh, but, Padre, he will never listen. He will listen to music. (exhales slowly) (whooping) (whoop echoing) (plays folky rhythm) # Senoras y senores, buenas tardes, buenas noches # # Buenas tardes, buenas noches, senoritas y senores # # To be here with you tonight # # Brings me joy, que alegria # # For this music is my language # # And the world es mi familia # # For this music is my language # # And the world es mi familia # (with de la Cruz): # For this music is my language # # And the world es mi familia # # For this music is my lang... # (yelps) (crowd gasping) (gasps) (gasping, coughing) Are you all right, nino? - (crowd gasping) - (gasps) It-it's you. You... you are that boy. Th-The one who came from the Land of the Living. You know about me? (laughing): You are all anyone has been talking about. Why have you come here? I'm Miguel. Y-Your... your great-great-grandson. - (crowd murmuring) - I have a great-great-grandson? I need your blessing so I can go back home and be a musician, just like you. The rest of our family, they wouldn't listen. But I... I hoped you would. My boy, with a talent like yours, how could I not listen? (applause) (chuckles) I have a great-great-grandson! (cheering) - Look! It's Frida. - Yes, it is I, Frida Kahlo. It is an honour, senora. Gracias. (bell rings) Hey, Negrete, Infante. Have you met my great-great-grandson? My great-great-grandson. He's alive. And a musician to boot. Dimple, no dimple. Dimple, no dimple. - No dimple. - (laughter) To our friendship. (along with movie): I would move Heaven and Earth for you, mi amigo. Salud! - Poison! - (grunts) You know, I did all my own stunts. # Though I have to say good-bye # # Remember me... # All of this came from my amazing fans in the Land of the Living. (chittering) They leave me more offerings than I know what to do with. Hey, what's wrong? Is it too much? You look overwhelmed. N-No. It's all great. - But? - It's just... I've been looking up to you my whole life. You're the guy who... who actually did it. But did you ever regret it? Choosing music over everything else? (sighs) It was hard. Saying good-bye to my hometown. Heading off on my own. Leaving your family? Si. But I could not have done it differently. One cannot deny who one is meant to be. And you, my great-great-grandson, are meant to be a musician. You and I, we are artists, Miguel. We cannot belong to one family. The world is our family. - (fireworks whistling, popping) - (alebrijes yapping) (laughs) Ooh! The fireworks have begun! (crowd oohing and aahing) Soon the party will move across town - for my Sunrise Spectacular. - (alebrijes yapping) (gasps) Miguel, you must come to the show. You will be my guest of honour. - You mean it? - Of course, my boy. (sighs) I can't. I have to get home before sunrise. Oy! I really do need to get you home. It has been an honour. I am sorry to see you go, Miguel. I hope you die very soon. (chuckles) You know what I mean. Miguel, I give you my blessing. - HECTOR: We had a deal, chamaco. - (gasps) DE LA CRUZ: Who are you? What is the meaning of this? Oh, Frida. I thought you couldn't make it. You said you'd take back my photo. You promised, Miguel. You know this, uh, man? I just met him tonight. He told me he knew you. He-Hector? Please, Miguel. Put my photo up. My friend, you're... you're being forgotten. - And whose fault is that? - Hector, please. Those were my songs you took. My songs that made you famous. - What? - If I'm being forgotten, it's because you never told anyone that I wrote them. That's crazy. De la Cruz wrote all his own songs. You want to tell him, or should I? Hector, I never meant to take credit. We made a great team, but you died, and I-I only sang your songs because I wanted to keep a part of you alive. Oh, how generous. You really did play together. Look, I don't want to fight about it. I just want you to make it right. Miguel can put my photo up. - Hector. - And I can cross over the bridge. I can see my girl. Ernesto, remember the night I left? That was a long time ago. We drank together, and you told me you would move Heaven and Earth for your amigo. Well, I'm asking you to now. Heaven and Earth? - Like in the movie? - What? That's Don Hidalgo's toast. In the de la Cruz movie, "El Camino a Casa." I'm talking about my real life, Miguel. No, it's in there. Look. (from movie): Never were truer words spoken. This calls for a toast. To our friendship. (laughs) I would move Heaven and Earth for you, mi amigo. But in the movie, Don Hidalgo poisons the drink. - Salud! - (spits) Poison! That night, Ernesto. The night I left... We'd been performing on the road for months. I got homesick, and I packed up my songs. You want to give up now? When we're this close to reaching our dream? This was your dream. You'll manage. I can't do this without your songs, Hector. I'm going home, Ernesto. Hate me if you want, but my mind is made up. (door opens) Oh, I could never hate you. If you must go, then I'm... I'm sending you off with a toast. To our friendship. I would move Heaven and Earth for you, mi amigo. Salud! HECTOR (voice-over): You walked me to the train station. But I felt a pain in my stomach. I thought it must have been something I ate. Perhaps it was that chorizo, my friend. (voice-over): Or something I... drank. I woke up dead. You poisoned me. You're confusing movies with reality, Hector. All this time, I thought it was just bad luck. I never thought that you might have... that you... - (grunts angrily) - (Miguel yelps) - (grunting) - How could you? - Hector! - Security! Security! - (grunting) - You took everything away from me! You rat! Have him taken care of. He-he's not well. I just wanted to go back home. No! No! I apologize. Where were we? Uh, you were going to give me your blessing. Yes. Uh, si. Miguel, uh, my reputation, it is... (chuckles) very important to me. I would hate to have you think... (shuddering): That you murdered Hector for his songs? (laughs) You don't think that. - Do you? - I... Uh, no. Everyone knows you're the... the good guy. Papa Ernesto, my blessing? Security, take care of Miguel. He'll be extending his stay. What? (grunts) But I'm your family! And Hector was my best friend. (grunting) Success doesn't come for free, Miguel. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to... seize your moment. (gasps) I know you understand. No! No! * (grunts) Let go! No! (screaming) (gasps, coughs) (panting) (echoing): Help! Can anyone hear me? I want to go home. (footsteps approaching) (gasps) - Hector? - Kid? Oh, Hector! You were right. I should have gone back to my family. - Hey, hey, hey. - Th-They told me not to be like de la Cruz, - but I didn't listen. - Hey, it's okay. I told them I didn't care if they remembered me. I didn't care if I was on the stupid ofrenda. Hey, chamaco. It's okay. It's okay. I told them I didn't care. - (gasps, grunts) - Hector! Hector? She's... forgetting me. Who? My daughter. She's the reason you wanted to cross the bridge. I just wanted to see her again. I never should have left Santa Cecilia. I wish I could apologize. I wish I could tell her that her papa was trying to come home. That he loved her so much. My Coco. Coco? Where... where did you get this? MIGUEL: That's my Mama Coco. That's my Mama Imelda. Is that... ...you? We're... BOTH: Family? I always hoped I'd see her again. That she'd miss me. Maybe put up my photo. But it never happened. You know the worst part? Even if I never got to see Coco in the living world, I thought at least one day I'd see her here. Give her the biggest hug. But she's the last person who remembers me. The moment she's gone from the living world... You disappear from this one. You'll never get to see her. Ever again. You know, I wrote her a song once. We used to sing it every night at the same time. No matter how far apart we were. What I wouldn't give to sing it to her one last time. # Remember me # # Though I have to say good-bye # # Remember me # # Don't let it make you cry # # For even if I'm far away # # I hold you in my heart # # I sing a secret song to you # # Each night we are apart # # Remember me # (giggles) Papa! # Though I have to travel far # # Remember me # # Each time you hear a sad guitar # # Know that I'm with you # # The only way that I can be # # Until you're in my arms again # # Remember # # Me. # He stole your guitar. He stole your songs. You should be the one the world remembers, not de la Cruz. I didn't write "Remember Me" for the world. I wrote it for Coco. I'm a pretty sorry excuse for a great-great-grandpa. Are you kidding? A minute ago, I thought I was related to a murderer. You're a total upgrade. My whole life, there's been something that made me different. And I never knew where it came from. But now I know. It comes from you. I'm proud we're family. (echoing): I'm proud to be his family! (whooping) (Hector whooping) I'm proud to be his family! (both whooping) (Dante yelps in distance) (gasps softly) Dante? (barks) Dante! - (barks) - (Miguel chuckling) It's Dante! (roars) - (rumbling) - (laughs) (chuckling) Imelda. Hector. You look good. (Fast-paced music) (frightened gasp) - (roars) - Dante! You knew he was my Papa Hector the whole time. You are a real spirit guide. Who's a good spirit guide? You are! (chuckles) (whimpers) (whimpers, moans) (gasps) Whoa! - (Miguel laughs) - (Dante barks) Dante! (gasps) (barking) (barking) (roars) - There they are! - Miguel! Miguelito! Miguelito! (indistinct chatter) Gracias, Dios mio. (Hector whimpers) (sighs) (barks) - (Dante groans, barks) - (Miguel laughs) - (Pepita purring) - Aah! (chuckles) Mijo, I was so worried. Thank goodness we found you in time. And you. How many times must I turn you away? - Imelda. - I want nothing to do with you. Not in life, not in death. I spent decades protecting my family from your mistakes. He spends five minutes with you, and I have to fish him out of a sinkhole! I-I wasn't in there 'cause of Hector. He was in there 'cause of me. He was just trying to get me home. I didn't want to listen, but he was right. Nothing is more important than family. I'm ready to accept your blessing. And your conditions. But first, I need to find de la Cruz. - To get Hector's photo. - What? So he can see Coco again. Hector should be on our ofrenda. - He's part of our family. - He left this family. He tried to go home to you and Coco, but de la Cruz murdered him. It's true, Imelda. And so what if it's true? You leave me alone with a child to raise, and I'm just supposed to forgive you? Imelda, I... (grunting weakly) - Hector? - (gasps) (shuddering breath) I'm running out of time. It's Coco. She's forgetting you. You don't have to forgive him. But we shouldn't forget him. I wanted to forget you. I wanted Coco to forget you, too, but... This is my fault, not yours. I'm sorry, Imelda. Miguel, if we help you get his photo, you will return home? No more music? Family comes first. I... I can't forgive you. But I will help you. So, how do we get to de la Cruz? I might know a way. * (rousing orchestral music) (cheering and applause) (music swells) (music stops) (Fast-paced music) (squealing) - Good luck, muchacho. - Gracias, Frida. (grunting) - (screams) - (gasps) (panting) - (grunts) - Here, let me help you with... - Don't touch me! Everyone clear on the plan? - Find Hector's photo. - Give it to Miguel. Send Miguel home. - Got your petals? - (Dante barks) Now we just have to find de la Cruz. - Yes? - (screams) Don't I know you? - (grunts) - That's for murdering the love of my life! - Wh-Who the... - She's talking about me. I'm the love of your life? I don't know. I'm still angry at you. Hector? How did you... - (yelps) - And that's for trying to murder my grandson. - Grandson? - She's talking about me. You! Wait. - You're related to Hector? - The photo! (whimpers nervously) After him! (grunting) Security! Ayudame! - You said love of your life? - I don't know what I said. (chuckles) That's what I heard. (yells) (whooping, grunting) (bell ringing) - Places, senor. You're on in 30 seconds. - (grunts) (grunting and groaning) - (Imelda screams) - (gasps) - (de la Cruz grunts) - Ay! Miguel, I have it! (Miguel yells) - (clunking, whirring) - (yells) Oh! - (Dante howling) - (guard screams) - (drumroll) - MIGUEL: Hurry! Come on! MALE ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen... the one, the only Ernesto de la Cruz! (cheering and applause) (orchestra plays rousing tune) - Get her off the stage. - (grunting, panting) - (gasping) - (feedback squeals) Sing! Sing! (inhales deeply) - # Ay # - GUARD: Huh? # De mi, Llorona # # Llorona de azul celeste # # Ay de mi, Llorona # (applause) # Llorona de azul celeste # # Y aunque la vida me cueste, Llorona # # No dejare de quererte # - # No dejare de quererte # - (orchestra joins in) # Me subi al pino mas alto, Llorona # # A ver si te divisaba # # Como el pino # - # Era tierno, Llorona # - (guard grunts) # Al verme llorar, lloraba # - # Ay de mi # - (guards grunting) - # Llorona, Llorona # - (guard gasps) # Llorona de azul celeste # - # Ay de mi, Llorona, Llorona # - (crowd cheering) # Llorona de azul celeste # # Y aunque la vida me cueste, Llorona # # No dejare de quererte # - IMELDA: Let go of me! - # Y aunque la vida # # Me cueste, Llorona # - # No dejare de quererte # - (grunting) # No dejare de quererte # # No dejare de quererte # # Ay, ay, ay... # (high-pitched yelping) (cheering and applause) (laughing) I forgot what that felt like. You... still got it. (Miguel clears throat) Oh! Miguel, I give you my blessing. To go home, to put up our photos and to never... Never play music again. ...to never forget how much your family loves you. You're going home. You're not going anywhere. (grunting) HECTOR: Imelda! - Stay back. Stay back. - (others gasping) All of you, stay back. Not one more step. (barks, growls) - Dante! - (de la Cruz grunts) - (grunts, pants) - Ernesto, stop. Leave the boy alone. I've worked too hard, Hector. Too hard to let him destroy everything. HECTOR: He's a living child, Ernesto. (blasting over P.A.): He's a threat! - (crowd murmuring) - You think I'd let him go back to the Land of the Living with your photo? To keep your memory alive? No. - You're a coward! - I am Ernesto de la Cruz, the greatest musician of all time. Hector's the real musician. You're just the guy who murdered him - and stole his songs! - (gasping, murmuring) I am the one who's willing to do what it takes to seize my moment. Whatever it takes. (screaming) - No! - (crowd gasping) - Miguel! - Miguel! Apologies, old friend, but the show must go on. (screaming) (Dante barks, pants) (screaming) (shirt tearing) (screaming) (whimpers) (roars) (laughs) (crowd booing) (chuckling): Please, please, mi familia. - MAN: Murderer! - WOMAN: Get off the stage! Orchestra. - A-one, a-two, a-one... - (booing continues) # Remember me # # Though I have to... # - Hey! - (booing continues) Look! (crowd cheering) (low growling) (chuckling nervously) (growls) Nice kitty. (roars) (screaming) Put me down! No, please! I beg of you, stop! Stop! No! (screams) (screaming) (screams, grunts) No! (screams) - (loud clang) - (grunts) - (creaking) - (gasps) (cheering) What did I miss? Good boy, Dante. Miguel! - (Hector groans) - Hector! The photo, I lost it. It's okay, mijo. It's... (gasping) Hector! Hector? Coco. No. We can still find the photo. Miguel, it's almost sunrise. No, no. I can't leave you. I promised I'd put your photo up. I promised you'd see Coco. We're both out of time, mijo. Oh, no. No! She can't forget you. I just wanted her to know... that I loved her. Hector. You have our blessing, Miguel. No conditions. No! Papa Hector, please! (whines) No. (panting) Go home. I promise, I-I won't let Coco forget you. (yells) (rooster crows in distance) (gasps) (Fast-paced music) (snorts, grunts) There he is! Miguel, stop! (panting) - Where have you been? - (screams) I need to see Mama Coco, please. (gasps) What are you doing with that? Give it to me! - Miguel, stop! - (lock clicks) - (knocking) - Miguel! Miguel? - Miguel! Miguel! - Mama Coco, can you hear me? It's Miguel. I saw your papa. Remember ` Papa? Please! If you forget him, he'll be gone forever. - (pounding at door) - PAPA: Miguel, open this door! Here. This was his guitar, right? He used to play it to you? See? There he is. Papa. Remember ` Papa? - (knocking) - PAPA: Miguel! Mama Coco, please, don't forget him. (keys jangling, lock clicks) What are you doing to that poor woman? - It's okay, Mamita. It's okay. - What's gotten into you? (sniffling) I... I thought I'd lost you, Miguel. I'm sorry, Papa. We're all together now. That's what matters. MIGUEL: Not all of us. It's okay, Mamita. Miguel, you apologize to your Mama Coco. - Mama Coco? - (thud) Well? Apologize. Mama Coco? Your papa, he-he wanted you to have this. (plays intro to "Remember Me") - (gasps) - Mama, wait. # Remember me # # Though I have to say good-bye # # Remember me # # Don't let it make you cry # - # For even if... # - Look. # ...I'm far away # # I hold you in my heart # # I sing a secret song to you # # Each night we are apart # # Remember me # # Though I have to travel far # BOTH: # Remember me # # Each time you hear a sad guitar # # Know that I'm with you # # The only way that I can be # # Until you're in my arms again # # Remember # # Me. # (Abuelita sniffling) Elena? What's wrong, mija? (sniffles) Nothing, Mama. Nothing at all. My papa used to sing me that song. He loved you, Mama Coco. Your papa loved you so much. I kept his letters. Poems he wrote me. And... (Music swells) Papa was a musician. When I was a little girl, he and Mama would sing such beautiful songs. WOMAN: And right over here, one of Santa Cecilia's greatest treasures. The home of the esteemed songwriter Hector Rivera. The letters Hector wrote home for his daughter, Coco, contain the lyrics for all of your favourite songs. Not just "Remember Me." (children laughing) MIGUEL: And that man is your Papa Julio. And there's Tia Rosita and your Tia Victoria. And those two are Oscar and Felipe. These aren't just old pictures. They're our family. And they're counting on us to remember them. (Gentle music) - MIGUEL: # Say that I'm crazy # - WOMAN: Next. # Or call me a fool # (chuckles) - (bell dings) - Enjoy your visit, Hector. - # But last night it seemed # - (sighs) # That I dreamed about you # MAMA COCO: Papa. (chuckles) Coco. # When I opened my mouth # # What came out was a song # - # And you knew every word # - (laughing) # And we all sang along # # To a melody played on the strings of our souls # # And a rhythm that rattled us down to the bone # # Our love for each other will live on forever # (Pepita roars) - (Dante barking) - # In every beat # # Of my proud corazon # # Our love for each other will live on forever # (barks) # In every beat # - # Of my proud corazon # - (mews) (Dante barks) # Ay mi familia, oiga mi gente # # Canten a coro, let it be known # # Our love for each other will live on forever # # In every beat of my proud corazon # # Ay mi familia, oiga mi gente # # Canten a coro, let it be known # # Our love for each other will live on forever # # In every beat # - # Of my proud corazon. # - (fireworks whistling, popping) (whooping, whistling) # Remember me #