Mind blowing Spanish spectacle

Rating: 9/10 (12 July 2013)

This was the first film I've ever seen by Guillermo Del Toro. I watched in English Subs, but it didn't bother me at all. It just made the film even more realistic (1950's Spain- Duh). The whole fascist rebellion back-story was just as interesting and entertaining as the main plot - Ofelia and her connection to the magical realm. Every few minutes a huge plot twist occurs, and you change your mind on a character you thought you figured out already. Del Toro managed to squeeze the best acting he could out of most all the actors, especially Ivana Baquero (Ofelia) and Maribal Verdu (Mercedes). Warning: this movie is not for kids. In the first few minutes, a farmer's boy is beaten to death by a wine bottle.. on the face. The connection Ofelia makes with the baby is heart-touching.