Beautiful film that is not what it appears to be

Rating: 9/10 (3 August 2010)

Pan's Labyrinth is a Spanish film from artistic visionary director Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy, The Devil's Backbone). It tells the story of a young girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) who has moved to the country with her pregnant mother to live with her ruthless stepfather, General Vidal (Sergi López). It is set in Fascist Spain in 1944 and General Vidal is fighting against a group of rebels hiding out in the forest surround his headquarters. It is a brutal setting for anyone, especially young Ofelia. In order to cope, Ofelia finds escape in her fairy tales. It becomes a reality when she meets the Faun, who tells her that she is the reincarnation of a princess who died many years ago. He assigns her tasks to complete before the full moon so that she can be free of her human form and become the princess of her magical fairy-tale land once again. Ofelia sets out to accomplish her tasks, and all the while the world around her descends into chaos.
In one word, Pan's Labyrinth is beautiful. In so many words, Pan's Labyrinth is a visceral artistic experience that articulates a beautiful parallel between the real world and fairy tales. The term fairy tales is used loosely here. Pan's Labyrinth is not about the happy and frolicking fairy tales that this day and age are used to. One element of sheer genius behind this film is that it returns to the original idea of fairy tales, and explores the dark and gritty roots of them, which the general population is no longer familiar with. This movie is very dark and has plenty of unsettling moments that are not limited to the real world events. The movie is far from black and white and will make you think. Nothing is spelled out for you and that is where it excels. Its artistic and emotional merit makes it something just excellent.
Guillermo del Toro is a fantastic visionary and the visual aesthetic of Pan's Labyrinth is a very subtle beauty. The film does not flaunt its artistic ability, keeping it at a believable level. In fact, there are more scenes taking place in the real world than the fairy tale world. Ofelia is the only character who knows and believes in the magic of the world around her, leaving the other characters to deal with her in a variety of ways. Some feel sympathy for her, such as Mercedes (Maribel Verdú) one of the workers at the mill. Ofelia's stepfather on the other hand wants nothing to do with her and only cares about the son he is waiting for his wife to give birth to. All of this character relationship unexpectedly plays a much larger role in the story and leads to a heart wrenching conclusion.
This review is actually from my second viewing of Pan's Labyrinth. The first time I saw the film I honestly did not like it. I expected there to be more fairy tale than real world, and I was left feeling cheated. However, after a closer look at the deep and dark tone of this immaculate film, I have realized that it is a film executed in such a subtle yet effective way that it is absolutely brilliant. The visuals work in their own unconventional way to build this gripping story of fear and love. Pan's Labyrinth is a must see.