For parents out there who are about to embark on a “death and dying” conversation, hold that thought for a bit. The Book of Life will blow open the doors of that conversation in a fantastical and wonderful way.
Manola (Diego Luna) embarks on an adventure across three fantastic worlds where he is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his father by becoming a bull fighter or following his heart and becoming a musician. Revolving around Cinco De Mayo, his journey finds him in the real world, the Land of the Remembrance and the Land of the Forgotten. Depending on what way you swing with your religion, it’s quite easy to spot the heaven and hell vibes. The visuals for each of these worlds is sublime, especially the Land of the Remembrance which is a phenomenal visual assault on the senses, full of beautiful imagery, topped off with some wonderful touches and flourishes.
The visuals on offer throughout have a little Tim Burton inspiration, and it’s obvious to see the love and attention to detail the producer Guillermo del Toro and director Jorge Gutierrez have put into this. It really is a labour of love. As phenomenal as the visuals are, they’re not as straightforward as some audiences may be used to, especially younger viewers. If anything, there is probably too much detail to take in and with a story that is superbly written, yet intricately complicated, this can be a hard watch in the sense that there is too much going on, especially on the visuals. That said, characters that are expertly realised and bursting with personality and brilliantly cast voices (Ron Perlman in particular is brilliant).
A special mention must go to the soundtrack which has put a Mexican flavour on many famous songs and you’ll be tapping your foot every step of the way. Expect awards aplenty for the soundtrack and if there isn’t at least an Oscar nomination in there, then there is no justice.
While it’s never scary, young kids might find this a bit too complicated to keep their full attention. The older ones, as well as the parents though are in for a treat, but you really have to commit yourself to this movie. It’s not your standard no brainer of a kids movie. This is a piece of art that has been bestowed with endless love from it’s creators and handles death and the afterlife in a way that will touch the deepest part of your heart. And a closing scene will really convince you that, it’s shortcomings aside, The Book of Life did an amazing job of pulling you into it’s wonderful worlds. Well worth a watch.
