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Critic (But With Split Personality Disorder) Assesses The Book of Life
There are many things magical in Jorge Gutierrez’s portrayal of Mexican heritage and traditions in The Book of Life—it submerges you into an incredible culture and the movie allows you to soak in all of the traditions. It emphasizes the holiday The Day of the Dead, but it also has the universal theme of love versus duty, happiness over the safety of a town. A reason this movie is so stunning is because of Diego Luna and his wonderful characterization of Manolo Sanchez, a young bullfighter who only wants to play music and try to win the hand of Maria (Zoe Saldana). The way Luna uses his voice is endearing. It is warm and soft when he needs it to be, vivacious and proud at other times. The way Manolo was animated is extremely well crafted. His eyes will seem to glow when he sings or speaks to Maria and his hands will lovingly stroke the guitar she gave to him when they were children.
The movie is very well rounded with scenes of humor along with those of sorrow and some of bravery. One of the clearest moments of bravery is when Manolo fights alongside Joaquin (Channing Tatum). The two friends both had vied for Maria’s hand in marriage, with Joaquin willing to do anything to Manolo if it ensured his chance of marrying Maria. Joaquin goes through a change of heart at the end of the movie, realizing that true heroism is only achieved through selfless acts. Manolo learns a lot on the way, primarily that love is something worth dying for, no matter who the person is. The beauty of this movie cannot be captured with words; the art is bright and colorful, with a hint of post-modern absurdism that brings a refreshing look to classic animation styles. The art breathes life and happiness into this movie and helps shed a light onto Mexican culture. Katelyn Sahagian
The movie is very well rounded with scenes of humor along with those of sorrow and some of bravery. One of the clearest moments of bravery is when Manolo fights alongside Joaquin (Channing Tatum). The two friends both had vied for Maria’s hand in marriage, with Joaquin willing to do anything to Manolo if it ensured his chance of marrying Maria. Joaquin goes through a change of heart at the end of the movie, realizing that true heroism is only achieved through selfless acts. Manolo learns a lot on the way, primarily that love is something worth dying for, no matter who the person is. The beauty of this movie cannot be captured with words; the art is bright and colorful, with a hint of post-modern absurdism that brings a refreshing look to classic animation styles. The art breathes life and happiness into this movie and helps shed a light onto Mexican culture. Katelyn Sahagian
Half a score or so years ago, Jorge Gutierrez brought forth, on this continent, the idea of a movie that represented his culture, dedicated to the idea that all cultures ought to be treated equal…
The Book of Life is a movie that is about love, and knowing when true love is actually true love and what you should do when two people are madly in love with you, and also how much you would withstand to be with the love of your life. I write about this like I actually know what I’m talking about, but I really have no idea how to handle that situation. I only read and watch The Hunger Games series religiously, (a book/movie franchise that is a dystopia United States and about how one girl brings down that dystopia with the help of an army and all the oppressed people around the country) and I mean Katniss was in a serious love triangle with Gale and Peeta.
When you watch this adorably animated movie, you feel like you’re a tourist in a small town in Mexico. Diego Luna voices Manolo, a sweet-hearted matador who just wants to play guitar and sing to the love of his life, Maria (Zoe Saldana). His best friend Joaquin (Channing Tatum) is also madly in love with Maria, so the two gods of the dead, La Muetre (Kate del Castillo) and Xibalba (Ron Perlman), make a bet on who will actually marry Maria. Manolo goes on a huge adventure to be reunited with Maria after Xibalba tricks him, and while all this is happening with him, an evil bandit named Chakal threatens the hometown of the three young heroes. Manolo makes it back to his hometown and wins the girl, while Joaquin gains wisdom and understanding.
Overheard teenager girl: “*sigh* I want a guy to sing to me the way Manolo does to Maria.” Hahaha, don’t we all random teenager. Don’t we all.
The movie has a sweet ending and Zoe Saldana surprises everyone with her beautiful singing voice. Seriously, the track that she sings was the first one I bought on the album. Kate Sahagian
The Book of Life is a movie that is about love, and knowing when true love is actually true love and what you should do when two people are madly in love with you, and also how much you would withstand to be with the love of your life. I write about this like I actually know what I’m talking about, but I really have no idea how to handle that situation. I only read and watch The Hunger Games series religiously, (a book/movie franchise that is a dystopia United States and about how one girl brings down that dystopia with the help of an army and all the oppressed people around the country) and I mean Katniss was in a serious love triangle with Gale and Peeta.
When you watch this adorably animated movie, you feel like you’re a tourist in a small town in Mexico. Diego Luna voices Manolo, a sweet-hearted matador who just wants to play guitar and sing to the love of his life, Maria (Zoe Saldana). His best friend Joaquin (Channing Tatum) is also madly in love with Maria, so the two gods of the dead, La Muetre (Kate del Castillo) and Xibalba (Ron Perlman), make a bet on who will actually marry Maria. Manolo goes on a huge adventure to be reunited with Maria after Xibalba tricks him, and while all this is happening with him, an evil bandit named Chakal threatens the hometown of the three young heroes. Manolo makes it back to his hometown and wins the girl, while Joaquin gains wisdom and understanding.
Overheard teenager girl: “*sigh* I want a guy to sing to me the way Manolo does to Maria.” Hahaha, don’t we all random teenager. Don’t we all.
The movie has a sweet ending and Zoe Saldana surprises everyone with her beautiful singing voice. Seriously, the track that she sings was the first one I bought on the album. Kate Sahagian