The Book of Life - AniMat’s Reviews

Summary

The Book of Life is an animated film that blends a love triangle with the vibrant theme of Dia de los Muertos. While the plot features familiar tropes, the movie's charm lies in its stunning animation and unique character designs, reminiscent of Mexican puppetry. The story is narrated by a museum curator, adding a layer of fantasy. Despite some clichés, the film successfully explores themes of love, friendship, and the afterlife, complemented by a colorful depiction of Mexican culture. With memorable characters and impressive visuals, it's a must-see, especially around November 2nd, when Dia de los Muertos is celebrated.

Takeaways

• 🎬 *The Book of Life* is a vibrant animated film centered around Día de los Muertos and features a love triangle.
• 👨‍👦 The story includes familiar tropes, such as a dead mother and a father pushing his son into the family business.
• 🌍 The film effectively captures the essence of the Mexican holiday, exploring themes of life and death through rich folklore.
• 🎨 The animation is visually stunning, showcasing a unique Mexican puppet style that enhances the storytelling.
• 🌈 The Land of the Remembered is particularly highlighted for its colorful and detailed depiction, showcasing the creativity of the animation team.
• 💖 Character development is strong, with Manolo, Maria, and Joaquin having a deep-rooted friendship that adds depth to their interactions.
• 👻 Supporting characters like La Muerte and Xibalba introduce humor and intrigue, contributing to the film's overall charm.
• 💡 While the story may not be groundbreaking, its execution and cultural representation make it memorable.
• 🎉 The film is recommended as a great watch for Halloween or specifically on November 2nd, aligning with the actual Día de los Muertos celebrations.
• 🏆 The creativity in *The Book of Life* is compared favorably to that of *The Lego Movie*, marking it as a noteworthy animated feature of the year.

Q & A

What is the overall tone of the review for 'The Book of Life'?

The review expresses a mix of skepticism and optimism, acknowledging the potential for the film to be either great or disappointing.

Who produced 'The Book of Life' and what is notable about their background?

The film is produced by Guillermo del Toro, an acclaimed filmmaker known for his work on various successful animated films and for his creative storytelling.

What is the central theme of the movie?

The central theme revolves around a love triangle set against the backdrop of the Dia de los Muertos, exploring themes of love and friendship.

How does the reviewer describe the animation quality of the film?

The animation is described as outstanding, with meticulous detail and a unique design that resembles Mexican puppets, contributing to the film's charm.

What elements from the story are considered clichés?

Clichés mentioned include the trope of a dead mother, a disappointed father, and the classic love triangle narrative.

How does the film incorporate Mexican culture?

The film effectively captures the essence of Dia de los Muertos, incorporating its folklore and exploring life after death in a vibrant and respectful manner.

What are the unique characteristics of the film's characters?

The characters are depicted as generic archetypes but are given depth through their relationships and backgrounds, enhancing their likability.

Who are the standout characters mentioned in the review?

Standout characters include Manolo, Maria, Joaquin, and the betters La Muerte and Xibalba, who add depth and complexity to the story.

What aspect of storytelling does the reviewer appreciate?

The reviewer appreciates the storytelling method, which involves a museum curator narrating the tale to children, adding a fantasy element to the film.

What recommendation does the reviewer give regarding when to watch the movie?

The reviewer suggests that the perfect time to watch the film would be on November 2nd, coinciding with the actual Dia de los Muertos celebration.