The Book of Life (2014)
- K. R. Provost
- Apr 16, 2015
- 3 min read
Logline from IMDb: Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Age Range: 6-13, but this film is also pleasing for adults too. It touches on a lot of adult topics like loosing a parent, fighting for what you believe in, etc.
I'm pretty sure that it would be suitable for younger ones, but there are some briefly scary images and action scenes, but they are artfully shot so only those in the know will understand what is going on.
Animation: A+. The animation in this film was really interesting to me. In the Book of Life world. all of the characters are wooden figurines. It really makes them texturally interesting.
In addition to that cool aspect, Reel FX Animation Studio went above an beyong to fill each world with so much depth, color, and texture to really immerse you in into the world. Each world is so unique and SO beautiful.
I fell like the creators of this film were very passionate about ensuring that many traditional details filled our screens. The film, though incredibly entertaining, also is a big of a history lesson. The Day of the Dead is a really beautiful celebration and details like the sugar skulls, offerings of food and drink to the deceased, lighting candles, and even marigolds (the petals that folllow the beautiful La Muerte and that rain from the Land of the Remembered appear to both be marigold petals.)
Dialogue: I really enjoyed how different the characters all were from eachother. The two best friends were so alike, but also really different. One is the soldier who loves to fight, the other is a musician being thrust into the shadow of his bull fighting father. Not to mention the leading lady that stole both of their hearts, Maria, is not the delicate rose she appears... but a fiesty, strong willed, kind, and passionate woman.
From the beginning the themes were that Maria loved kindness to animals, an idea that Manolo, the leading man also felt. He was supposed to be a bull fighter but couldn't because he didn't want to have to kill the bull at the end of the fight.
There are so many cute little things in the dialoge and the plot that really make this film enjoyable from beginning to end.
The animal rights push alone makes me eager to watch this film again with my son.
Kindness > Violence
The theme towards the end is, "If you can forgive, love can truely live." Without giving too much away, this really speaks so much about the complex character in Manolo
Another theme that plays in is, "Cast your own shadow, write your own story." Both of the young men in the film are being thrust into certain lifestyles becuase of their fathers. It is really nice at the end to see them coming into their own.
The only thing that bugged me in this film is that they felt the need to play mariachi versions of current music. It's funny for trailers to draw a crowd and get attention with familiar songs. However, in this world where there is such rich history and beautiful settings... the songs really drew me out of the film. They fit lyrically... but they were unnecessary.
Reminds me of: "The Count of Monte Cristo". Now bear with me here, and use your imagination... Both are about a set of best friends who fell for the same girl. One friend wins the girls heart but is then sent away to a world that they can seemingly never escape. WIth the help of an elder (or elders) they manage to escape better and stronger than before, but their love is with the best friend. Ok after that they aren't alike at all... but it has the same basic storyline. Also, I love both.
Closing line that really melted my mom heart, "Anyone can die. These kids will have the courage to live." Is that not what we all want for our kids?
Give it a try if this sounds like something you might like and please let me know what YOU think!
This film can be currently found in Redbox (which is where I got it), or for purchase at all film distributors and online at all major sites.
Photos and Information found at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2262227/?ref_=ttmd_md_nm
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