The Book of Life (2014)
Certified: U
Duration: 95 minutes
Directed by: Jorge Gutierrez
Voices of: Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum, Ron Perlman, Christina Applegate, Ice Cube, Kate del Castillo, Héctor Elizondo, Danny Trejo, Carlos Alazraqui, Ana de la Reguera, Plácido Domingo
KRS Releasing Ltd
Children like Joaquin, Maria and Manolo live in the Land of the Living in the Mexican town of San Angel, while those who died but are still remmebered reside in The Land of the Remembered. But once everyone forgets about them, they end up in The Land of the Forgotten, living in desperation.
The Land of the Remembered is ruled by La Muerte (Kate Del Castillo) and the The Land of the Forgotten is led by Xibalba (Ron Perlman) who are both old deities, forever betting against each other.
Their latest focus is on who will win Maria’s hand: Manolo or Joaquin. Xibalba seems to be winning but Maria gets to go to another school away from town in order to be a lady and so the bet ends without a winner.
After many years Maria (Zoe Saldana) returns as a young woman and both Manolo (Diego Luna) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) are enamoured with her.
Manolo has become a hero, a super-medalled soldier like his bullfighting father Carlos (Hector Elizondo) and thinks this will help him win Maria’s hand. He, however, wants to be a mariachi singer.
A phantasmagorical trip that is superb in its animation, setting and pacing
It all seems clear that Maria prefers Manolo. So Xibalba tricks Manolo into thinking that Maria is in The Land of the Remembered, but she is still with the living.
Meanwhile, the town faces the wrath of the villainous Chakal (Dan Navarro), so Maria almost promises herself to Joaquin in order to get him to save the town.
For a film about the hereafter, The Book of Life is very colourful. Produced by Gulliermo del Toro, it is a celebration of Mexican culture, especially their alternative to Halloween, which is called the Day of the Dead.
Director Jorge Gutierrez delivers a phantasmagorical trip that is superb in its animation, setting and pacing.The film is a mix of Spanish-style gothic and cuteness, with the characters looking like Pinocchio-style marionettes or humanised toys.
Gutierrez’s picture shares the sensibilities and style of the early films of Tim Burton, with this mix of the bizarre, cuteness, colour and over-the-top conceptualisations.
The director employs different styles, techniques and methods to successfully depict and bring to life the various worlds featured in this movie.
The Book of Life is very comical and should go down well with both adults and any accompanying kids. Overall it is a clever movie that brings a new touch to the genre and leaves the audience wanting more.