Brutal, truthful and fantastic.

Rating: 10/10 (30 June 2007)

A film that's supposed to be aimed to a very mature audience.
That said, I just want to tell the story (I mean, history) of the first screening of the film at Del Toro's homeland, Guadalajara... the name suggested a very naive and fantastic drama. So, the venue was full of children!!!! I guess there's no way to tell what happened when all of us were facing the first violent scene. Breathless, to say the least. I, as many others, couldn't even watch it. Someone has already pointed out this remarkable "treat" in the film. There's no remorse in the way it portrays violence. Maybe it's one of the most violent films ever.
But, as someone who's been in touch with the Civil War in Spain since his childhood, I must say this film is just a snippet of what happened during and after the War. Maybe you could peek into more obscure films that are related to the War in Spain,as Ragged Boy, for instance.But, sadly, the truth is that the full recount of what happened in both sides is just barely touched in all the books written in Spain after the war.
Technically, this is one of those films that goes beyond imagination. There's nothing left to chance. Each and every set is made to be believable, even when in the realms of Fantasy. Credit should go to all the people behind the scenes who made possible such a daring project. That could be said for makeup, wardrobe, construction, painting and photography. Lighting is a key mission in the film.
Above all, acting is the most outstanding feature. There are no flaws. The bad guy is the baddest guy ever. Even if you try the devil, it would be harder to play anything worse than what Sergi Lopez did. The rest of the cast is superb. Visual effects are above most of what you've ever seen (try to pitch this film against The Fountain, and you'll know what I mean)... and, as the base of all this, a plot and a script that have no glitches, no seams, no blackouts! Maybe that's one of the reasons why this film was awarded or nominated 104 times!!!!! Well done job, again: and this goes to Guillermo and all the team who made this film possible. But... just one thing... if it's rated R in the States, take it seriously. This film NEVER, ever, flips to the sunny side...