I stumbled upon this show on my kid's channel and I soon found myself pleading with my kids to watch it together! 🤣 Of course there's the stunning Meso American design envisioned by Jorge Gutierrez but by the 2nd of 9 episodes i knew it was an entirely different kind of animation - tragic backstories of outcasts, important characters that die, and emotional moments that are given space to land that I found myself tearing up multiple times. The story considers power from not only individuals, or even families, but communities.
75 Reviews
It just gets better.
OnjiMooteDaMarle18 December 2021
Brilliant animation & beautiful modelling on the likes of clay modelling. Colourful characters, literally too. Beautiful music. The story though is nothing spectacular. It was just above ordinary apart from a heart touching emotional climax.
Emotional and Sweet. Overall Fun Stuff
adamEnDetail24 December 2021
I enjoyed Maya and the Three. I found the Mesoamerican Mythology that it was built around really interesting, particularly the gods that populate the mythos - as well as the indigenous cultures. It provided a new and insightful view into that rich and wonderous world.
The show has good energy and charming characters, along with good animation that brought the series to life, while honoring the cultures that the show's born from. However, despite the unique and rich civilizations it derives from, parts of the show was unexceptional and not unusual - having familiar plot points that have been seen elsewhere.
All in all, a refreshing watch with a renowned voice cast. Really enjoyable.
The show has good energy and charming characters, along with good animation that brought the series to life, while honoring the cultures that the show's born from. However, despite the unique and rich civilizations it derives from, parts of the show was unexceptional and not unusual - having familiar plot points that have been seen elsewhere.
All in all, a refreshing watch with a renowned voice cast. Really enjoyable.
WOW! Awesome/beautiful animation, beautiful/colorful environments, seamless animation, heart-warming/heroic fantasy story, and perfect voice casting! :-)
stevebondi31 December 2021
Perfectly crafted mini-series that will bring joy and tears to you! :-). All the voice actors, especially Zoe Saldana and Diego Luna, bring life to the magical fantasy story! But, the warm writing of the characters and their growing relationships with ups and downs makes this truly delightful! :-)
Amazing series for any age
luicruz22 October 2021
I'm Mexican-Cuban American and the GOURGEUS representation in this show is just beautiful. The visuals are some of the best I've seen from Netflix. The story is incredibly charming. And the character designs are one for the books.
Another win for Jorge Gutierrez
BoxwoodExpress24 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Jorge Gutierrez is one of the best cartoon creators of all time, with a unique visual style and dedication to Mexico. This miniseries is yet another one of his great projects and ticks all the boxes.
Animation: By far the best part of the show. It's some of the most detailed CGI I've ever seen in a television series, to the point where I forget that it's not a movie since it just looks so theatrical. Plus, the characters often play around with the black aspect ratio bars. It just pops. 2/2
Music: A mix of Mexican-style music and music you'd hear in a western. Perfect choice. 2/2
Characters: In just nine episodes, we get to know and love the complex, messed up cast of Maya and the Three. All the characters are presented as flawed, having a somewhat gray morality. Take King Teca for example. He cheated on his wife with the goddess of death and that's how Maya came to be. There's also a lot of development, especially for the titular Maya, who commits probably the most selfless thing I've ever seen in the series finale. 2/2
Writing: It combines mesoamerican mythology, Lord of the Rings, and westerns to create an epic coming of age story. With the kinetic action, emotional moments, and clever jokes sprinkled about, there's never a dull moment. 2/2
Voice acting: A brilliant cast of Latino voice actors. You can't go wrong with icons like Rosie Perez, Carlos Alazraqui, Gabriel Iglesias aka Fluffy, Alfred Molina and so many more. 2/2
Overall, 10/10.
Animation: By far the best part of the show. It's some of the most detailed CGI I've ever seen in a television series, to the point where I forget that it's not a movie since it just looks so theatrical. Plus, the characters often play around with the black aspect ratio bars. It just pops. 2/2
Music: A mix of Mexican-style music and music you'd hear in a western. Perfect choice. 2/2
Characters: In just nine episodes, we get to know and love the complex, messed up cast of Maya and the Three. All the characters are presented as flawed, having a somewhat gray morality. Take King Teca for example. He cheated on his wife with the goddess of death and that's how Maya came to be. There's also a lot of development, especially for the titular Maya, who commits probably the most selfless thing I've ever seen in the series finale. 2/2
Writing: It combines mesoamerican mythology, Lord of the Rings, and westerns to create an epic coming of age story. With the kinetic action, emotional moments, and clever jokes sprinkled about, there's never a dull moment. 2/2
Voice acting: A brilliant cast of Latino voice actors. You can't go wrong with icons like Rosie Perez, Carlos Alazraqui, Gabriel Iglesias aka Fluffy, Alfred Molina and so many more. 2/2
Overall, 10/10.
A really beautiful show
vasquezsolomon22 October 2021
A little rushed but overall good
the_grim_lives9 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
So I really liked this show one thing is that it's too fast paced.
I understood what was going on but the story was just too rushed and left me questioning why things were happening so quickly.
-Like first she hates Zats next minute she's in love with him.
-The characters are supposed to be outsiders and are able to talk they're people into going to war in the last arc only to have both the main characters (maya and zats die ?!) I was just so confused with how fast things happened within the storyline.
I really wished they just slowed down and took their time with this show.
It could've been so much better had they had done so.
Even though I liked it , it definitely could've been better.
I understood what was going on but the story was just too rushed and left me questioning why things were happening so quickly.
-Like first she hates Zats next minute she's in love with him.
- her mother ends up pregnant while waiting for them and is already at 9 months during the war ?
-The characters are supposed to be outsiders and are able to talk they're people into going to war in the last arc only to have both the main characters (maya and zats die ?!) I was just so confused with how fast things happened within the storyline.
I really wished they just slowed down and took their time with this show.
It could've been so much better had they had done so.
Even though I liked it , it definitely could've been better.
Pacing was off, characters only had one setting.
hollyscuteemail21 November 2021
Lets start off with the good parts, beautiful designs inspired by what looks to be Mayan/Aztec/Mexican culture. (I don't know enough to say which one is the main inspiration). The animation is obviously 3d animated, but is inspired by stop motion animation mainly in the mouths.
The show is good, but I'll have to agree, probably not for young children as they talk a lot about death and human sacrifice. (Which does make their target audience a question mark as they've also made much of it to appeal to younger kids exclusively)
The pacing to me felt like a climax, that's it, just a climax. The entire show starts on a high point and just keeps on trying to outdo itself throughout all 4-5 hours run time.
Think of it like a run on sentence in plot form. "And then and then and then"
Its exhausting to sit through sometimes.
I found myself liking any character who didn't shout their lines all the time, or (god willing) could sit still for a second.
"BUT WHEN YOU TALK LIKE THIS FOR HOURS ABOUT HOW YOURE GOING TO DIE IF YOU DONT KILL SOMEONE AND THERE IS NO TIME FOR YOU TO STOP, MIERDA!( random Spanish word)
<- this is how they speak. (Very few exceptions) the entire run time.
I enjoyed it, and watched the entire thing, but, I dont think I could stand a second watch through (and I'm known to rewatch things incessantly) because there's just something about it, could be the overly complicated designs that have no negative space, at all. The shouting characters using latin, tagalog, Spanish and English interchangeably (none of which make sense in pre colonial mexico) or the plot that only has one mode. But it puts a weird feeling in the back of my head, like an almost headache.
Anyway 7/10. Worth a watch if for nothing else but the visuals, leave younger kids who may not be ready for character deaths and talks of human sacrifice, and the adults might want to avoid if you currently have a headache already.
The show is good, but I'll have to agree, probably not for young children as they talk a lot about death and human sacrifice. (Which does make their target audience a question mark as they've also made much of it to appeal to younger kids exclusively)
The pacing to me felt like a climax, that's it, just a climax. The entire show starts on a high point and just keeps on trying to outdo itself throughout all 4-5 hours run time.
Think of it like a run on sentence in plot form. "And then and then and then"
Its exhausting to sit through sometimes.
I found myself liking any character who didn't shout their lines all the time, or (god willing) could sit still for a second.
"BUT WHEN YOU TALK LIKE THIS FOR HOURS ABOUT HOW YOURE GOING TO DIE IF YOU DONT KILL SOMEONE AND THERE IS NO TIME FOR YOU TO STOP, MIERDA!( random Spanish word)
<- this is how they speak. (Very few exceptions) the entire run time.
I enjoyed it, and watched the entire thing, but, I dont think I could stand a second watch through (and I'm known to rewatch things incessantly) because there's just something about it, could be the overly complicated designs that have no negative space, at all. The shouting characters using latin, tagalog, Spanish and English interchangeably (none of which make sense in pre colonial mexico) or the plot that only has one mode. But it puts a weird feeling in the back of my head, like an almost headache.
Anyway 7/10. Worth a watch if for nothing else but the visuals, leave younger kids who may not be ready for character deaths and talks of human sacrifice, and the adults might want to avoid if you currently have a headache already.
Epic! Gorgeous! Amazing!
theprincessrose23 October 2021
This is one of the best animated cinematic events ever! The story is epic. The artistry is unparalleled. I love that it creatively celebrated Mexican and Latin American culture with such vividness and imagination. I loved that all of the female characters were powerful and the storyline didn't center on them trying to find a prince. They were bravely saving the world. The magic, mysticism, folklore and grandeur in the story will make this last for generations. I'm just blown away by the beautiful graphics and heartwarming storyline. I hope they are already booking the creator, Gutierrez, for more fantastic adventure series. Everyone must see this show... maybe see it two or three times! I hope it hits number one on Netflix immediately. I'm surprised there isn't more merchandise out in celebration of this show... yet. Well done. Amazing work of art!
good fun
djurrepower30 October 2021
Really liked the overall style, and the animation was top notch. Also the dynamic screen resolution was executed pretty well, although it sometimes felt a little gimmicky. Though the story was good, it did have it's sappy eyerolling moments. And some character dialogue felt a little unnatrual. But all in all, great series.
7/10: unique and well executed, but does have it flaws.
7/10: unique and well executed, but does have it flaws.
Mayans speaking spanish?
lichumbertorivas8 November 2021
Nothing like it!
yosoylalinda1-631-45213623 October 2021
I cried at the end...
aellejoseph24 October 2021
I binged this series to the end! It amazes me how a children's series made me reflect on all the loved ones I've lost and how much I miss them. My elders always told me, "Be kind to people because you never know the battles they face". This show reminded me to practice reverence for others during their life journey, and most importantly to stay encouraged and in good company through the personal battles I face everyday. Many thanks for creating this series.
Funny and entertaining.
oglyjaam23 October 2021
I like this show, it's pretty funny. Children and adults can enjoy this. The animations are ornate and extremely detailed. Voice actors in this mini series are completely committed to their characters and the fact that it's Spanglish makes this twice as good.
Fun and beautiful! BUT...
igyxvit15 December 2021
My kids and I saw it in English and we loved it, but me being Mexican I wanted to watch it with my brother and his kids in Spanish. The dubbing in Spanish was terrible! The characters do not sound Mexican at all! The accents are from other Latin countries (not all) and that was disappointing.
But the art was super fun (we love the book of life) and the story was entertaining. The music not so much I wish they included some pre Hispanic melodies.
But the art was super fun (we love the book of life) and the story was entertaining. The music not so much I wish they included some pre Hispanic melodies.
Representation Issues
Janthonyf129 October 2021
Look there are things about this production that are great for all, exciting and are terrific and while I am a fan of the filmmaker and so many names in this cast, this is an Aztec story. It is an Indigenous story set in a time before the Spanish Conquistador invasion. Sadly, I feel a huge opportunity has been missed here. Granted I do not doubt the sincerity of the filmmaker and the cast, yet it's a bit messed up in this time of giving people representation that the cast truly lacks Indigenous representation. Sure, I don't doubt that many latinX cast members have some Native heritage, but the characters are not mere descendants, they are full-blooded. What is wrong with letting people who are half and up to full-blooded Native people voice these characters? If it was a modern day story about people living in Mexico, you could truly celebrate the multi ethnic heritage, albeit the cast is dominated by white European and Afro-Latin representation, yet this is about ancient Aztecs. There are loads of LatinX folks with strong Indigenous heritage and actors of Native heritage in the US that should have gotten these roles and opportunities to be involved behind the camera as well. Think about it, if this were a live action tv show, would the same actors have been cast? No, of course not. It's sad that in this time period of more cultural awareness that this is missed.
I have never wrote a review
kalebarrie24 October 2021
Why's every king a fool in this show...
ilpo-surokivi5 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
...and none of the female characters are losers? Yeah, like in every kingdom the king is depicted as a freaking losers. I haven't watched the whole season yet but the only macho man is the barbarian prince and I bet even he's probably lost his balls in the jungle after he thought his parents were both dead, they aren't. As we are judging people by leftist standards I'll also mention something. Why are people who represent Mayans speaking English and Spanish which are both languages of the invading people. Spanish Conquistadors and British people who invaded the North American continent and basically forced Indians into reservations or whatever the word is in English. Reservaatti. Conquistadors wiped out most of the Mayan and Aztec population either by themselves or with viruses the Conquistadors themselves were immune to. Let's not mention the cliché that all of first three champions, including Maya, are basically outcasts. Rooting for the downtrodden much?
Now that I've given leftists a taste of their own medicine I would like to say that I really like the animation and the characters have some real personality. The base story is cool though. This doesn't suck that much it's just obvious what the writer thinks of the ruling class.
Now that I've given leftists a taste of their own medicine I would like to say that I really like the animation and the characters have some real personality. The base story is cool though. This doesn't suck that much it's just obvious what the writer thinks of the ruling class.
Super amazing
Zacharine797-228-1004027 October 2021
I love how they followed a Mayan/Aztec story line. Every character is cute, and so much fun. However the purist in me, and my degree in history argues that none of these native peoples would speak spanish at this point in time. That being said, as a more modern marriage of past and present, I love it.
good but has problems with blackbars
whoowhoo-6627710 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm going to be honest here, the animation is really good but its a victim of Netflix's push to make their animation look cinematic. The bars at the top and bottom of the screen were not done in post, sometimes characters arms of legs or even face will go over them if you think its stylistic just wait until you see a hand staff coming at a character that's completely ignoring the bars its not even full modeled! All of that really takes me out of the show its good but it really needs a final episode of the Mandalorian Luke touchup job to fix it, I wish Netflix would do that.
Good concept bad sadly bad execution
skullcherry-468873 November 2021
I was really happy when I discovered this series because I saw a main Character who I could identify with and I've never seen a show like that when I was a child so I must say i really REALLY wanted to like this show and support it
So lets open with the good parts
The animation and Style are great and I loved it
The Characters were likeable and they even had a little character growth over the episodes
Sadly i think the show doesn't really know what kind of target audience they want The show goes from grim and gorey to sappy and childish the pacing was all over the place and the emotions weren't really deeply explored and only where on the surface.
I watched until the 4th or 5th episode because I really wanted to like this show but I ended up quiting and just watching the end because I couldn't stand the poor storytelling anymore.
Sadly i think the show doesn't really know what kind of target audience they want The show goes from grim and gorey to sappy and childish the pacing was all over the place and the emotions weren't really deeply explored and only where on the surface.
I watched until the 4th or 5th episode because I really wanted to like this show but I ended up quiting and just watching the end because I couldn't stand the poor storytelling anymore.
Great series for the whole family
rubenmch24 October 2021
The whole family binge watched it in a Sunday, and we all were captivated by the series.
Originally we put it for our kids to watch a single chapter but my wife and I got interested in the story and we all watched the whole series during the day.
Originally we put it for our kids to watch a single chapter but my wife and I got interested in the story and we all watched the whole series during the day.
Almost Perfect!!
CaioVitorCM7 November 2021
It's a series created by Jorge R. Gutiérrez, the same director of The Book Of Life and his characteristic style is very present in the aesthetics of the series, this aesthetic impeccable and with a quality of animation that I had never seen before in an animated series!!!!
I love when it feels like a 3D movie (James Cameron having orgasms) and the action scenes are divine!! Very well animated and with a fantastic soundtrack!!!
It has great characters with a lot of charisma, Maya is one of the best warrior princesses today!!!
I also love the representation of Latin, Black, Teak and Maia that the series has, it's something almost unheard of in the mainstream and it's amazing to see that this representation is not just outside the screen!!
But some things in the development and in the script bothered me a little bit, mainly in the beginning and there are some forced ones too, but it has one of the best final battles I've ever seen in an animation!!!
Too bad it's a miniseries and we probably won't see these characters again.
Only the script that could have been better for the series to be perfect, and to have run less with the development of the story (damn, only in one episode the series lets itself breathe, and I loved it and wish I'd seen more of it!!) but it sure a hell of an experience!!
I love when it feels like a 3D movie (James Cameron having orgasms) and the action scenes are divine!! Very well animated and with a fantastic soundtrack!!!
It has great characters with a lot of charisma, Maya is one of the best warrior princesses today!!!
I also love the representation of Latin, Black, Teak and Maia that the series has, it's something almost unheard of in the mainstream and it's amazing to see that this representation is not just outside the screen!!
But some things in the development and in the script bothered me a little bit, mainly in the beginning and there are some forced ones too, but it has one of the best final battles I've ever seen in an animation!!!
Too bad it's a miniseries and we probably won't see these characters again.
Only the script that could have been better for the series to be perfect, and to have run less with the development of the story (damn, only in one episode the series lets itself breathe, and I loved it and wish I'd seen more of it!!) but it sure a hell of an experience!!
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