Despite his family's baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. Written by Disney/Pixar

Young Abner Torres wants to pursue professional boxing as his means to escape the pervasive poverty, prostitution, drug dealing and bullying police of his Mexican city. His abusive father already exploits him in illegal matches, keeping for himself whatever money Abner makes from it. Personal support comes Abner's way from his sister Silvana, best friend Wilo and girlfriend Paulina. Local physician Dr. Frank Irwin, a caring influence in the neighborhood, also takes an active interest in guiding the lad off the streets. Frank's son is Jimmy 'the Dream' Irwin, who is himself trying to make a boxing mark in American despite getting a little too old for the sport and nursing a broken hand. At Silvana's intercession, Jimmy begins training Abner at the local gym while beginning to fall for his sister. Just as things are looking good for Abner's chances, tragedy strikes, threatening to derail everyone's efforts to see him leave the ghetto. Written by statmanjeff