The Book of Life (2014)
Synopsis:
The Book of Life is an animated adventure that follows Manolo, a young man torn between fulfilling his family's expectations and following his heart. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Mexican Day of the Dead, Manolo embarks on an epic journey through three fantastical worlds. Alongside his childhood friends, Maria and Joaquin, he faces challenges and encounters a variety of colorful characters. As Manolo navigates these realms, he must confront his greatest fears and make choices that will shape his destiny. The film is filled with lively music, stunning visuals, and a rich cultural setting, making it an engaging experience for kids and families.
Where To Watch: The Book of Life
Parental Feedback
The Book of Life, released in 2014, is an animated adventure-comedy film that captivates kids with its vibrant visuals and engaging storytelling. The movie is rated PG, making it suitable for children under 13, and it has been generally well-received by parents for its colorful animation and positive messages. The film's unique take on cultural themes and its heartwarming narrative have made it a favorite among families, though some parents note a few intense scenes that might require guidance.
Why Kids Should Watch The Book of Life
The Book of Life is celebrated for its rich storytelling and positive messages.
- Promotes the importance of staying true to oneself and following one's heart.
- Features a strong character arc with Manolo, who learns to balance family expectations with personal desires.
- Offers visually stunning animation that captures the vibrant essence of Mexican culture.
- Includes a delightful soundtrack that enhances the emotional depth of the story.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Book of Life
Some parents express concerns about the film's intense scenes and themes.
- Contains themes of life and death that might be challenging for younger viewers.
- Includes scenes with supernatural elements that could be frightening to some children.
- The fast-paced action sequences may be overwhelming for sensitive viewers.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers cultural richness, positive character development, and engaging visuals.
What Parents Should Know About The Book of Life
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Manolo demonstrates courage and integrity by choosing to follow his heart rather than conform to family pressures. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The depiction of the afterlife and themes of mortality may require parental guidance to explain. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters who act selfishly or deceitfully face consequences, reinforcing the importance of honesty and kindness. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Manolo and his friends work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the value of teamwork and friendship. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The film emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and the power of love and family. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Book of Life is praised for its beautiful animation and meaningful messages, making it a worthwhile watch for children. While some scenes may be intense, parental guidance can help navigate these moments. The film's cultural richness and positive themes make it a valuable addition to family movie nights. For those seeking similar experiences, Coco is another excellent choice that explores similar themes with a focus on family and tradition.
Official The Book of Life Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Book of Life
The Book of Life's most common core values include Family love, Courage, and Self-discovery. The movie beautifully showcases family Love through the protagonist's deep connection with his family, emphasizing the importance of cherishing and honoring loved ones. Courage is highlighted as the characters face daunting challenges, teaching kids the significance of Bravery in overcoming obstacles. Self-discovery is a central theme as the main character embarks on a journey to understand his true self, encouraging children to embrace their unique identities.
For example, the protagonist's quest to follow his heart despite external pressures illustrates the value of staying true to oneself. These core values are woven into the storyline, providing children with meaningful lessons about the importance of family, bravery, and self-awareness.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating family | Being brave | Being yourself | Dealing with loss | Determination | Forgiveness | Friendship | Love | Perseverance | Respect | Standing up for what's right | Valuing hard work.
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Book of Life
Believing in Yourself: In The Book of Life, Manolo learns the importance of believing in himself as he faces various challenges. Despite the pressure to follow in his family's footsteps, he stays true to his passion for music. This teaches kids that having confidence in their own abilities is crucial, even when others have different expectations.
Choosing Your Path: The movie emphasizes the significance of choosing your own path. Manolo is torn between becoming a bullfighter like his ancestors or pursuing his love for music. His journey shows children that it's important to follow their own dreams and make choices that align with their true selves.
Honoring Family Traditions: The importance of family and honoring traditions is a central theme. Manolo's respect for his family's legacy is evident, but he also learns to balance this with his own desires. This teaches kids the value of family heritage while encouraging them to find their own way.
Facing Fears Head-On: Manolo's adventure through the Land of the Remembered and the Land of the Forgotten highlights the lesson of facing fears head-on. He confronts his deepest fears to save his loved ones, showing children that courage and bravery are essential in overcoming obstacles.
Choosing Forgiveness: The film also explores the power of forgiveness. Manolo learns to forgive those who have wronged him, which helps him grow and move forward. This teaches kids that letting go of grudges can lead to personal growth and stronger relationships.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Fear | Accepting Life’s Endings | Accepting Your Identity | Appreciating the Little Things | Being True to Yourself | Breaking Gender Stereotypes | Defining What Home Means | Discovering Hidden Strengths | Doing What’s Right | Embracing Differences | Embracing Unexpected Love | Finding Courage | Following Your Passion | Importance of Family | Keeping an Open Mind | Letting Go of the Past | Never Giving Up | Offering Redemption | Overcoming Failure | Practicing Empathy | Supporting Your Friends | Treasuring Time with Loved Ones | Valuing Deep Connection
Why Kids Love The Book of Life
The Book of Life is a vibrant and enchanting adventure that sweeps kids into a world bursting with color and excitement. With its funny characters and brave heroes, the movie captivates young audiences as they follow Manolo on his epic quest. The magical mentors and bright, colorful worlds create a sense of wonder and imagination, while the epic quests and treasure hunts keep kids on the edge of their seats. The film's musical showdowns and big dance scenes are filled with catchy songs and sing-alongs that kids will love to join in on.
As Manolo and his friends face challenges, the power of teamwork and making new friends shines through, adding to the fun and excitement. The story's focus on being unique and standing out resonates with kids, encouraging them to embrace their individuality. With its mix of adventure, humor, and heart, The Book of Life is a thrilling ride that keeps kids entertained and engaged from beginning to end.