The Book of Life: A Vibrant Celebration of Eternal Values
“The Book of Life” emerges as a surprisingly spirited and somewhat unconventional film, even by today’s cynical standards. It’s a vibrant testament to timeless values such as friendship, loyalty, and courage, values that transcend even death itself.
From their earliest days, Joaquin, Manolo, and Maria were inseparable companions. As time marches on, the children mature, and the beautiful Maria finds herself facing a difficult choice: which of her childhood friends will she choose to spend her life with? This dilemma becomes the subject of a wager between the rulers of the underworld, La Muerte and the mischievous Xibalba, who bet on which boy Maria will choose. Xibalba, resorting to trickery, grants his favored Joaquin invincibility, transforming him into a renowned and fearless warrior. Meanwhile, Manolo is deceived and sent to the realm of the dead. To win Maria’s heart, Manolo must summon all his courage, overcome the obstacles of the underworld, return to the world of the living, and prove the strength of his love for his beloved.
A Visual Feast Rooted in Mexican Folklore
In an interview, director Jorge Gutierrez revealed his plans for two sequels to “The Book of Life.” The second film would delve into Joaquin’s relationship with his father, while the third would center on Maria.
It’s hard to imagine a more misleading title for Jorge Gutierrez’s animated film than “The Book of Life.” A more fitting title would have been the one under which the project was pitched to DreamWorks Animation back in 2007: “Day of the Dead.” However, the major studio hesitated to take on such a potentially controversial theme, and the project languished on the shelf for five long years before being picked up by the smaller, but more daring, animators at Reel FX. The title had to be changed, but the content remained true to the original vision. Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” has some competition, as the army of the dead has arrived!
Guillermo del Toro served as one of the film’s producers, marking his seventh animated project in various capacities.
Without the film’s distinctive animation style, it might be easier to immerse oneself in the story. The creators opted for a surprisingly grotesque depiction of their characters, reminiscent of the works of Dali or Bosch. Initially, this can be jarring, but viewers quickly become engrossed in the narrative and find themselves captivated by the clutches of Mexican folklore. Despite its country of origin, “The Book of Life” is a distinctly Mexican product, beginning with the declaration that Mexico is the center of the universe, and the town of San Angel is the center of that center, where all the remarkable events unfold. The plot moves at a breakneck pace, bombarding viewers with so much information in the first ten to fifteen minutes that it may be difficult for children to fully process. However, adults will be more than satisfied.
A Refreshingly Cynical Take on Death
In today’s world, animated postmodernism is hardly a novelty. Jokes that were once exclusive to Shrek are now commonplace among even the most mundane animated characters. However, “The Book of Life” manages to stand out from the crowd. Death, in all its forms, is not a taboo subject in this film. On the contrary, jokes about the dead are abundant, and there is no reverence for mourning or traditional notions of the afterlife. Instead, there is a cynical and pragmatic perspective on things, voiced by the most unexpected characters (particularly the frail old woman who occasionally interjects with her own weighty opinions).
Any flirtation with a not-so-child-friendly theme would be meaningless without the clear, well-reasoned, and motivated behavior of the characters in “The Book of Life.” Like any good film, it subtly imparts lessons, covering a wide range of topics, from respecting elders and honoring the memory of those who have passed on to the more familiar themes of self-sacrifice, courage, and honesty. Only the most positive character traits and immense love help Manolo overcome Xibalba’s obstacles and capture Maria’s heart. Moreover, all the lessons are presented in a lighthearted, playful manner that is accessible to even the youngest viewers.
A Soundtrack That Surprises and Delights
In addition to its unexpected design and visual choices, “The Book of Life” boasts a wonderful and often surprising soundtrack. When the hero sings Radiohead’s “Creep” to his beloved instead of a serenade, or covers “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” in his own style, it’s at least amusing. Furthermore, the film features original musical numbers that are quite good.
A Unique Animated Experience
The complexity of the themes and the somewhat unconventional animation (at times reminiscent of David Cherkassky’s popular Soviet animated series) make it difficult to recommend the film to those who are accustomed to stories about fairies, the magical love of princes and princesses, and rainbow unicorns. However, for those who don’t flinch at the title “Corpse Bride” or enjoy watching Robert Rodriguez’s films, “The Book of Life” will provide just as much enjoyment as children get from similar “scary stories.” After all, death is just the beginning. The main thing is not to test it on yourself.