Poignant story, beautifully told

Rating: 9/10 (8 July 2007)

This is an outstanding film. Two polar opposite, yet intertwined stories are told, one a depiction of violent and harsh realities, the other a child's fantasy world fairy tale. Be forewarned: in spite of the fantasy elements, this movie deals with violent themes and images which would be disturbing for children.
The story is set in 1944, in the early days of Franco's Fascist regime in Spain, when forces loyal to the dictator were suppressing insurgencies. Captain Vidal is a brutally efficient soldier who "exterminates" the regime's "vermin" enemies, with no more passion or purpose than an exterminator eradicating insects. Sergi Lopez is frightening and imposing as the Captain (never called by his name, only by his military rank), who cannot even comprehend the idea of dissenting opinion or an act of disobedience, let alone tolerate it. Even his single obsession, producing a son, is a soldier's duty and nothing more.
Ivana Baquero, as his step daughter Ofelia, is truly sympathetic and marvelous as the child whose fantasy world stories become an escape from the nightmarish existence of living with this heartless monster. Her fantasy world indeed has monsters of its own, but there is a beauty and truth in the Underworld of her mind's creation, which is almost believable to the audience as a real place unto itself. For Ofelia's sake, one would hope that it is. The Faun is a well balanced and complex creature, whose intentions remain ambiguous at first as to whether he is sincere or not. Maribel Verduz's is equally effective as Mercedes, a house servant who becomes a surprisingly pivotal figure.
The flow of the two stories parallel one another magnificently, leading to a powerful and touching outcome. The movie boasts many spiritual metaphors, all utilized artistically and poignantly. Well scripted, well acted, and keenly directed. This is superior storytelling.