At the heart of The Book of Life (2014) lies a simple question: what are the consequences of a simple breakage of the rules of fairness?
And how do these differ from the rules of convention?
This tale of two men vying for the hand of their childhood friend, who has little patience for the patriarchal ways of ancient Spanish culture, explores those consequences. One man becomes physically invulnerable – and thus careless of his prize.
Who hates being a prize.
The other loves his music, and while he adores his family’s vocation of bullfighting, cannot stomach the final plunge of steel into the bull’s vulnerable back. He earns his father’s sad disdain for that.
All around them lies the danger of bandits, looking for loot – and a special someone’s medal.
And above? Why, it’s the players of the Divine, laying bets on the winner of the lady’s hand – and breaking rules when it’ll help them win that all-important bet.
Add in some lovely artwork in this animated feature, some excellent voice work, and I can say that, if you’re a fan of a simple, organic story that pushes to its limits, then this is Recommended.
And, in the Land of the Dead, I can say that the twins are my favorites.
