A fantasy feast!

Rating: Null/10 (4 January 2007)

I went to see this movie without knowing much about it, and not expecting anything special. Boy was I wrong! I had heard that it was getting good reviews and had won some international awards, but that did not prepare me for what I eventually ended up seeing.
First let me make one thing clear, THIS IS NOT A MOVIE FOR CHILDREN! Do not be fooled by the poster or the title, or the fact that this is a fantasy movie. This is a fantasy movie unlike I have seen in many years. It is dark, brooding, violent, disturbing, sad, touching and heartbreaking. Indeed a fantasy film for mature audiences, with none of the Disney-type cute creatures or funny sidekicks! Guillermo del Toro is quickly solidifying his reputation as an outstanding director, and one of the most original around for sure! Together with Alejandro Gonzales Inaritu and Alfonso Cuaron (and even Robert Rodriguez he is actually Mexican-American born in the US) and of course Pedro Almodovar he gives such a high and well deserved profile for the cinematic talent coming out of Latin America! For years these and other directors were a kind of hidden treasures but now with the phenomenal success of their movies, they have joined the ranks of the great directors of this world. This bodes well I think for international cinema, as Latin America is hardly the only region to produce excellent directors, amazing actors and very very good movies. These days the most original and unique movies are usually independent and in many cases outside Hollywood.
"Pan's Labyrinth/El Laberinto del Fauno" is one of those rare movies that manages to thrill, move, and leave an indelible impression upon its audience. The directing, acting and special effects are of the highest quality. The movie is visually stunning and contains some imagery that I won't soon forget.
The movie leaves one a lot to think about and ponder. The best I could compare this movie with is the magical realism of Jorge Luis Borges or Gabriel Garcia Marquez some of the premier writers to come out Latin America.
I can't think of a better movie to see this season. Go, take a look and enjoy!