Sunday night is movie night and last night we watched animated film The Book of Life (rated U).
Technically it’s a kids’ film but there was plenty for us big kids to enjoy. The film didn’t perform well in US cinemas and I don’t remember much publicity for it here, which is a real shame as it’s a funny, sweet and clever film.
It centres on Manolo and Maria – love struck heroes in a tiny Mexican town under threat from bandits.
They are the unwitting pawns in a bet between two supernatural beings who rule The Land of the Remembered and The Land of the Forgotten.
Mexico’s Day of the Dead is a time when families gather to remember their loved ones and celebrate life, and it is on this day that our story is set.
With echoes of Romeo & Juliet as well as the Orpheus & Eurydice myth, this is a sweet story about love triumphing over all.
It’s also incredibly funny, the Mariachi band and the ancestors are particularly giggle-worthy.
The animation is beautiful, colours burst off the screen and it’s voiced by some big names (Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum and many more).
I highly recommend getting hold of a copy (amazon has it for about £5) for watching with the family or just when you need some levity. The soundtrack is pretty cracking too.
ramblingmads
I saw this in the cinema and loved the unusual animation style! Have been wanting to watch it again lately x
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