The Book of Life

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The Book of Life

PG

2014

1h 35m

Kids & Family

Comedy

Adventure

Fantasy

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

82%

Tomatometer

125 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In the Mexican town of San Angel, Manolo (Diego Luna), Maria (Zoë Saldana) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) have been friends ever since childhood. Although their lives have taken different paths -- Maria was sent to Europe, Joaquin joined the military, and Manolo studied to become a bullfighter -- one thing remains the same: Manolo and Joaquin both want to marry Maria. Little does the trio know that battling husband-and-wife deities have made a high-stakes wager on the love triangle's outcome.

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Critics Consensus

The Book of Life's gorgeous animation is a treat, but it's a pity that its story lacks the same level of craft and detail that its thrilling visuals provide.

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Jake Wilson

Sydney Morning Herald

04/02/2015

3/5

Though the plot gets a bit congested, the film remains far less predictable than most of its kind.

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Mark Kermode

Observer (UK)

10/26/2014

4/5

It's refreshingly sparky fare, boasting eye-catching design (wooden toys inspire CG magic), musical weirdness (Radiohead will never sound the same again) and proper laugh-out-loud jokes for young and old alike.

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Mar Diestro-Dópido

Sight & Sound

10/24/2014

Drawing on Mexican folklore and other Latin American traditions, Jorge R. Gutirrez's version of death in his beautiful, witty 3D-animated debut The Book of Life is bursting with vibrant colours and magic -- a constantly expanding, neverending party.

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Diego Batlle

Otroscines.com

Dec 9

3/5

While the story treads familiar ground,...the animation (there's a 3D version) completely abandons naturalism to offer a rich universe filled with vibrant figures and elements rendered in a distinctly Mexican color palette! [Full review in Spanish]

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Rolando Gallego

EscribiendoCine

12/29/2023

7/10

The Book of Life fulfills its premise and contributes its specific uniqueness to the animated universe... [Full review in Spanish]

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Cory Woodroof

Williamson Home Page

02/11/2022

The Book of Life, like the best animated films, has its own tone, which helps it stand apart as its own thing. The music, a mix of original songs and fun takes on pop hits, is also worthy of praise.

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dustination P

@dustination Apr 5

Some people probably saw the trailer for this and dismissed it as "weird" animation. It has a very original and distinctive style that was quite pleasing to watch. The story is done well too. I'm honestly surprised this didn't get more hype. It was an enjoyable watch for my family & I.

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Jak C.

@Baguette-Cement Mar 27

Decent movie not the best

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Christopher H

@RT70871771 Mar 22

An excellent story, great voice talent, great music. This is one of the gems that is engaging and enjoyed by the kids while still being interesting and fun for the parents.

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Ricky L.

@ricky707 Mar 19

This is Coco before it was cool

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Hannah P

@Hparks Mar 1

This film means so much to me. It’s a different edgy, funny but meaningful kids film. I rewatch it to feel that nostalgia as a kid in 2014. I know it’s a jukebox film but it just doesn’t feel like it. It is refreshing. I will always feel happy with this film.

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Glory K

@Ms.Glory Feb 23

Pleasantly surprised to have enjoyed this when my kid made me watch it. Some real good stuff here.

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Synopsis

In the Mexican town of San Angel, Manolo (Diego Luna), Maria (Zoë Saldana) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) have been friends ever since childhood. Although their lives have taken different paths -- Maria was sent to Europe, Joaquin joined the military, and Manolo studied to become a bullfighter -- one thing remains the same: Manolo and Joaquin both want to marry Maria. Little does the trio know that battling husband-and-wife deities have made a high-stakes wager on the love triangle's outcome.

Director: Jorge R. Gutierrez
Producer: Guillermo del Toro, Aaron D. Berger, Brad Booker, Carina Schulze
Screenwriter: Jorge R. Gutierrez, Doug Langdale
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: 20th Century Fox Animation, Chatrone, Reel FX Creative Studios
Rating: PG (Mild Action|Brief Scary Images|Rude Humor|Some Thematic Elements)
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 17, 2014, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 9, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $50.1M
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital