FROM acclaimed producer Guillermo del Toro and writer-director Jorge Gutierrez, The Book Of Life is unlike any musical animation.
For one, it is based on Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos or Day Of The Dead. The animated comedy is also del Toro’s attempt at paying homage to his cultural heritage. Under the direction of Gutierrez, the film also sets itself in the same direction as how Tim Burton celebrates Halloween in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
You’ll be surprised to see how the film takes a turn from an ordinary musical animation to a beautifully-crafted artwork with valuable lessons on life. It teaches you about human values and humanity as well as the morality behind bull-fighting and killing for sports and entertainment.
In the hands of Gutierrez, the strong messages are peppered nicely throughout the film, allowing the audience just enough time to digest it before moving on to the next.
Inevitably, one can’t help but compare it with Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and the latter’ stylishly gothic and dark approach. The Book Of Life, as viewers will see, is much colourful in its execution. It is the colours that give the movie the strength it needs to address such serious issues.
The film is gorgeous in every aspect — from the animation and talents behind the characters to the art direction and storyline.
The story is told in the present by a museum tour guide (voiced by Christina Applegate) to a bunch of rowdy school kids — it is about The Book Of Life. Therefore, the film takes place in three realms: The lands of the living, remembered and forgotten.
In the Land Of The Living (Earth), Jaoquin (Channing Tatum), Maria (Zoe Saldana) and Manolo (Diego Luna) are three inseparable friends.
Manolo, who comes from a long line of decorated matadors, dreams about giving up bullfighting and becoming a musician.
Jaoquin, on the other hand, dreams of becoming a fighter, just like his father who died protecting their little town, San Angel, from the monstrous Chakal and his band of thieves. And unknown to Maria, her two friends are madly in love with her.
Ruler of the Land Of The Forgotten, Xibalba (Ron Perlman) is tired of his job and wants to rule the Land Of Remembered for a change. Instead of barging his way through, he makes a deal with La Muerte (Kate del Castillo) where they each takes a pick on who Maria will marry — Manolo or Jaoquin?
In order to win, the sinister Xibalba gives Jaoquin a magical medal which is said to protect the owner from any harm. Years later, the now all-grown up friends reunite and Maria has to make the biggest decision in her life.
When Manolo is sent to the Land Of The Remembered after a misfortune, he must now find his way out before he ends up in The Land Of The Forgotten, forever.
All the characters in the film are unique in their appearances. The characters in this animation are made to appear as if they are from wood, which gives them Pinocchio-like quality.
The film also features voices from talented stars from the Spanish-speaking film industry. Mexican actor Diego Luna (Elysium, Milk, Contraband) who voiced Manolo breathes life and likeability into his character.
In the world of animation, The Book Of Life is in a class of its own. Young and old will be captivated.
With Gutirrez helming the story, viewers are not force-fed at breakneck speed. He builds the story, giving each character room to explore. The film is ultimately about cherishing memories and how, as we move forward, it is also important to embrace the past. The fantastic visuals looks a whole lot better in 3D, but 2D viewing is equally good.
NOW
SHOWING
THE BOOK OF LIFE
Directed by Jorge Gutierrez
Voiced by Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Diego Luna and Christina Applegate
Rating: P13
Duration: 95 minutes