Movies such as Pan’s Labyrinth don’t appear too often in theaters. This dark and disturbing fairytale is one of the most unique films I have encountered in quite some time. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Pan’s Labyrinth pushes the limits of fantasy versus reality.
The storytelling in this film is exceptional and the visual effects outstanding. Pan’s Labyrinth paints a perfect picture about how a child’s imagination can be used to cope with the horrors of war and violence. The transition from the films two parallel worlds are so fluid, that the movie seems to flow from one world to another without distraction. The actors although relatively unknown, are perfect for their roles. Ivana Baquero who stars as the little girl Ofelia, and Sergi López who plays the sadistic captain, really make this film a memorable one.
In closing, I want to make it very clear that this film is not a children’s movie. There are some scenes in the film that will make even the most “Macho” men cringe. The brutality and vulgarity in some of the scenes are pretty gruesome, so its best to keep this film off limits to the younger audience.
“Pan’s Labyrinth” is the story of a young girl who travels with her pregnant mother to live with her mother’s new husband in a rural area up North in Spain, 1944, after Franco’s victory. The girl lives in an imaginary world of her own creation and faces the real world with much chagrin. Fascist repression towards the end of World War II (1944) is at its height in rural Spain and the girl must come to terms with that through a fable of her own.
It will be my first subtitled movie on DVD. It was utterly fantastic, but it wasn’t until the end that it became so.
What a great movie! So we reviewed it on the same day, what a coincidence :)
Will give this a try when I have the time. Took time out of my busy weekend to watch Ghost Rider. Liked it for what it was, but will not get it on DVD. Next on my list is Bridge to Terabithia and then this one you just reviewed.
Bridge is on Que. We were suppose to watch is after Pan’s Labyrinth but my stomach was telling me otherwise. Hungry! This weekend though, I will have a review. I’ll skip Ghostrider for a rental. Didn’t look too appealing.
My boyfriend recommended this movie to me and I still never got around to watch it. I have heard nothing but very nice things about this movie, and I am glad to see another positive testimonial. =)
Hey, trench, I saw your comment on my Children of Men post. I couldn’t tell if you were being sarcastic or not, but I’m the same Kyle who you visited back in the days of pixelpolarity and acrazyone. Just fyi. :)
Kyle, had no idea it was you! LOL. This movie won quite a few Oscars. I knew it would do well.
glad you finally saw it. i also saw BTT with my son. i took my 10-yr old to see both and i would have to say BTT pales in comparison. i didn’t know anything about BTT but it also has its dark side. My son’s entire 5th grade class saw it.
i haven’t seen this one yet but i’m really looking forward to it. the trailers are impressive, and the storyline is intriguing. it feels a bit like something gaiman would come up with. do you read him?
never read him. What books did he write?
neil gaiman is best known for the sandman graphic novels. morpheus. very cool. his novels are also fantasy. if you want, maybe you could start with neverwhere or american gods. or if you like, maybe try out his short stories. his newest collection is fragile things. just suggestions, hehe. check him out! http://www.neilgaiman.com :)
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Guillermo should have won the Oscar for best director. The Departed was weak. Oh and BTT is a pretty good film as well, not in the same league as Pan, but good.
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@Film – He definitely should have won for Pans.