I do love my Mexican food. That's the most I really know about Mexican culture and I'm pretty sure most Mexican food served in the UK isn't actually traditional.
The Book of Life opened my eyes a little - it's a visually vibrant animated fantasy-adventure from producer Guillermo Del Toro (FANGIRL SCREAM) and first time director Jorge Gutierrez that educates us a little about Mexican mythology and the traditions of the Day of the Dead festival.
You see, gods La Muerte and Xibalba are warring partners and have made a little bet on whether Manolo or Joaquin will win fair Maria's heart. Unlucky for La Muerte and her pick Manolo, Xibalba is prone to cheating and Manolo must fight through several challenges (including a spot of death) to win his love and save his village.
The story is cute, sweet, well written and rather funny - there's churro gags, bullfighting campness and a pig who thinks he's a goat. It baa's. A pig... that baa's! It almost has as much character as a Minion, which is a high feat to achieve! As you can tell, I enjoyed the pig a lot. I want one. Also, a churro - I would like a churro.
The soundtrack is awesome. Director Jorge said he was surprised he managed to get all the songs he wanted to feature - including the notoriously hard-to-get-approval-to-use-in-a-film 'Creep' by Radiohead. The English band roster doesn’t stop there as Mumford & Sons and Rod Stewart also get a little look in! Despite the popular modern songs, the film gives them a great Mexican twist so they blend wonderfully with the visuals. Even without the epic soundtrack, the story is far from your normal fairytale, which is a nice change. Namely because it deals with a little death but it does so by being gloriously upbeat rather than morbid and teaches you that celebration of life is needed.
Jorge has said “It’s more than a holiday; it’s a philosophy. The core belief behind The Day of the Dead is that as long as you remember those who came before you, and as long as you tell their stories, cook their dishes, and sing their songs – they’re with you. They live inside your heart.” Which is an incredibly sweet sentiment and runs throughout the film. I have much love for Jorge, and his love note to Mexico that this film has turned out to be.
It may be too complicated a story for young kids to follow but I think it’s a great celebration for children and adults alike! Keep an eye out for the Land of the Remembered Captain's wife... Guillermo del Toro voices her one very funny line!
Lastly, I really do want a pig-goat. And a churro.