Channing Tatum Movies: Star Talks About 'The Book of Life' Film Based on Mexico's Day of the Dead
Rarely do we see death and Mexican folklore celebrated in a mainstream Hollywood children's flick.
But that may change, thanks to "The Book of Life," a vibrant animation movie that depicts Mexico's "Day of the Dead" as a mainstream kid-friendly film.
In the movie, the main character, Manolo, voiced by Mexican actor Diego Luna, is torn between trying to fulfill his family's expectations and following his own dreams. In the meantime, he goes on a relentless pursuit to win over Princess Maria, voiced by Zoe Saldana, who is also being chased by Joaquin, a hometown hero voiced by Channing Tatum.
The storyline follows the three characters from adolescence to early adulthood in a magical adventure that transcends earthly realms. Through the children-centric theme and vivid animations, "The Book of Life" also brings to life a longstanding Mexican holiday that touches on death and the afterlife.
Mexico's Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is celebrated from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. During this time, people honor the lives of their loved ones who have died by decorating their grave sites, creating altars in their homes and leaving sugar skulls, food and beverages at their graves as gifts.
"It's a holiday that I live every day and I try to honor those who came before me," the film's director Jorge R. Gutierrez told USA Today. "I'm hoping this movie lets the whole world know what Day of the Dead is all about."
In the movie, Gutierrez manifests both dimensions of the afterlife, from the colorful and lively Land of the Remembered and to the dark and desolate Land of the Forgotten.
Channing Tatum, who grew up in Alabama, said that starring in the film changed his perception of life after death and how he plans to explain the concept of death to his own daughter.
"I think I had always heard of the Day of the Dead, but just as an American kid from the South, I've obviously didn't really know anything about the Mexican culture," the 34-year-old actor said during a press conference in New York City. "This was an education."
The "21 Jump Street" star says he has carried some of the teachings of Day of the Dead off the movie set when it comes to the principle of remembering loved ones who have moved on.
"I just think that this is one of the most beautiful traditions that I heard of," he said.
According to Tatum, the movie depicts death and the Day of the Dead in a way that children can understand.
"I think it's such a beautiful way of looking at [death]," the "Step Up" star said. "It's a really safe and beautiful way to talk about it. ... It's going to happen eventually. [Children are] going to have to eventually learn about it."
"The Book of Life" hits theaters on Friday, Oct. 17.
Watch a trailer below.