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The Book of Life
2014 95 min United States of America PG 6+
★7.4
Animation, Family, Fantasy
Director: Jorge R. Gutiérrez
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
The journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears.
Budget:
$50M
US Gross:
$50.15M
Worldwide:
$97.44M
Starring
Diego Luna
Actor
Zoe Saldaña
Actor
Channing Tatum
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 2015
— Best Animated Feature
Key opinion
The Book of Life is widely celebrated for its vibrant, distinctive visual style and its heartfelt exploration of Mexican culture and the Day of the Dead. While the narrative is often described as predictable, it is generally considered a warm and engaging family film that successfully balances humor with themes of courage and remembrance.
| Production | The film features a unique, highly stylized visual aesthetic that successfully captures the spirit of the Day of the Dead, drawing positive comparisons to the works of Tim Burton. | |
| Score | The musical score, which blends traditional Mexican sounds with modern classics like Radiohead's "Creep," is effective and adds a lively, memorable layer to the storytelling. | |
| Theme | The narrative successfully centers on positive values, including self-determination, selfless heroism, and the importance of remembering those who have passed. | |
| Screenplay | The film's plot is widely perceived as simple and predictable, leaving some viewers seeking more complex philosophical exploration disappointed. | |
| animation_style | The "wooden doll" animation style creates a sharp divide: many viewers find it charming and distinct once they adjust, while others find the character designs, particularly the nose shapes, unappealing or jarring. |