Saturday, January 3, 2015

The Book of Life (2014)

Director: Jorge R. Gutierrez. Cast (voices): Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum, Ron Perlman, Christina Applegate, Ice Cube, Danny Trejo. 95 min. Rated PG. Animation.

I'm not a huge Guillermo Del Toro fan, but as producer, he's doing something extremely important here. First, he's introducing the Mexican culture (even the misconceived parts) in a fun, loving way - what foreign directors in Hollywood should be doing for their own cultures. Second, he's making the ominous concept of "death" something palpable and communicable for children - an almost impossible feat in the realm of kids movies. And third, he's created a brilliant CGI animation adapted from Mexican stick dolls. After Princess Kaguya, Boxtrolls and Big Hero 6. this has been the best animation of the year so far.

PS: Thank you, Maryam. Worthy recommendation.

Mo says:

2 comments:

  1. I'm glad you like it !The 3 points you mentioned are worthy too. I wish we could have such talent animators to present our culture to the world too. The only valuable animation about Iran is Persepolis . dark and bit though.

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    Replies
    1. Exactly what I had in mind. The problem is when great foreign talent gets absorbed by Hollywood ... and then makes Hollywood movies! Doesn't make sense.

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