The Book of Life (2014) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

12%

The Book of Life2014

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

The Book of Life stands out as a rare non-woke gem in modern animation, honoring tradition and culture, and putting quality storytelling first. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more sincere, colorful celebration of heritage that doesn’t preach or pander.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

The Book of Life is largely focused on storytelling and vibrant visual style, with character development and narrative put first over identity politics. The leads fit naturally within the story’s Mexican folklore context, and no character feels shoehorned in to meet diversity quotas given the cultural focus.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

The film celebrates family, tradition, and even religious undertones (Day of the Dead) in a positive and heartfelt way. Masculinity, femininity, and relationships are portrayed traditionally, with no heavy-handed subversion or ideological tampering.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

Alternative perspectives, like modern cynicism, are briefly touched on (via some jokes), but the film stays sincere to its roots and doesn’t villainize tradition. Its main values honor community and heritage rather than pushing an overtly modern ideological message.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.