Masterpiece... NO buts.

Rating: 10/10 (27 November 2006)

Film's like Pan's Labyrinth only come once in a decade! This film is absolutely wonderful. It is a fantasy/fairy tale drama set during the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War at the end of world war 2. The central character is a little girl played by the subtle Ivana Baquero, but it is not a kids film. It is very violent and is bereft of ANY compassion. What is gained from all the violence is a strong metaphorical answer towards the 'real world' and the 'fantasy world' which the lead character is slowly led into. The films central explorations are hope, redemption, sacrifice, faith, fate and what answers lie beyond life itself. Yet, it is not an escape into a fantasy world.
The set designs and costumes are outstanding. Doug Jones does a brilliant job of bringing Fauno and Pale Man to life. But the real star is Guillermo del Toro. With his great vision and excellent story telling, he brings the entire film to life. He knows exactly what fans want and works brilliant towards genre.
This is a flawless film.
"It is not a matter of agreeing or disagreeing. I've got to the point where it IS the Citizen Kane of fantasy movies. As soon as ANYONE says BUT, I don't want to hear it. It's like looking at the Mona Lisa and saying "yeah, it's alright, gotta bit of a wonky smile" NO... NO... NO!! It is a masterpiece" - To that I agree and so should everyone else who watches this film.
I can not praise this film enough. It is almost impossible to explain the experience. You have to see it for yourself. Especially with poor fantasy/fairy tale films that we've received this year and last year (Chronicles of Narnia), this should bring back hope towards cinema in everyone.
If there is only 1 film you watch this year, watch Pan's Labyrinth.