Pan's Labyrinth - A Magical Masterpiece.

Rating: 10/10 (3 September 2007)

Set in the 1944 fascist era of Spain, Del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth is a wonderful but chaotic fairytale that teeters between nightmare, enchantment, and reality. While the story holds a some-what simple, straight forward plot, it is entwined with spectacular imagery, intelligent writing, and some of the most captivating moments that have ever hit the big screen. While this film by definition is considered a fantasy piece, it has a bit of something for everyone; making it an enjoyable film for all walks of life. Through-out this movie, Del Toro manages to weave a bit of history, politics, and fantasy, all together creating an original, unique, and compelling film.
This film quickly begins as a unique story of a young girl named Ofelia unfolds. Ofelia, (played by Ivana Baquero), appears to be an average kid who loves to read and tell fairy tales. Her life drastically changes as she is sent along with her pregnant mother (played by Ariadna Gil) to live with her new stepfather, Capitán Vidal. Capitán Vidal (played by Sergi López), is a ruthless and unforgiving captain of the Spanish army who wants his soon-to-be-born son to grow up with him; hoping that he can help carry out his name. Although Ofelia's "real life" situation turns sour as she must deal with her sick mother, as well as the violence that plagues the outdoors between the rebels and fascist troops -- all of these things quickly become less significant as she gets sucked into her own creative world; a world of mystery, enchanting fairies, faun's and giant frogs.
Overall, I felt that this movie was extremely well done. From the amazing cast to the superb imagery, everything in this film was spot-on and created with a great deal of care. Although some of the previews may have been deceiving -- I will say that this movie is not a child's film. While there are some truly beautiful scenes that everyone could appreciate and love, there is also a great deal of realistic violence, death, corruption, and torture. In fact, over ¾'s of the movie is spent focusing on the "real" world within this base, which definitely isn't a pretty sight. I can however, say with certainty that Pan's Labyrinth is a brilliantly directed masterpiece, with some of the most visually jaw dropping scene's I've ever seen. This is easily the best fantasy film of 2006. If you like fantasy, I suggest you check this out; however, do be aware that there is quite a bit of violence in this film.