Hauntingly Beautiful

Rating: 9/10 (29 January 2007)

WOW! This movie is so hauntingly beautiful and original that I left the theater in awe! Who knew the director of "The Mimic" and "Hellboy" (Guillermo del Toro) would have this movie in his back pocket?? Even though I was slightly disappointed that there weren't more fantasy scenes in the movie (I was thinking along the lines of Narnia), but was still awed by the expert directing that del Toro used to mixed harsh reality with terrifying fantasy. The movie keeps everyone guessing on whether the fantasy is completely in the little girl's head, or if it actually exist in reality. This puzzle keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, especially during the dangerous sequences where the girl tries to escape the fantasy world. In the end, when everything is revealed, the solution is satisfying and original.
The cinematography is superb in this movie, accentuating the mood and atmosphere of every scene and sometimes blurring the lines separating reality with fantasy. I was in awe the entire time at how vivid, complex, and frightening the girl's imagination was, and how necessary it is for her to escape the painful life she lives in.
For me, it was the ending that glued the entire movie together into a very powerful work of art. I won't spoil the movie or the surprise here, but I strongly encourage everyone to see this wonderful movie! (Oh yeah, do NOT bring your kids under 12 to see this movie, it's quite scary and violent at times)