A dark masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (9 August 2012)

The first time I watched this movie I was 11 years old. I came out of the movie theater terrified, yet amazed at the brilliance and beauty of the film. Since that day it has become one of my favorite movies of all time.
Everything in this movie is carefully thought out and crafted. The cinematography is not only gorgeous, but it also sets the mood for the movie perfectly and reinforces its main themes. The performance given by Ivana Baquero as Ofelia is heart braking and should have earned an Academy Award nomination. The way Guillermo del Toro directed this young actress was perfect. Sergi Lopes as Vidal gave one of the most chilling and terrifying performances to date. The character's cruelty and lack of empathy are very well portrayed by this Spanish actor.
Doug Jones as the faun gives an outstanding physical performance. Although another actor voices the faun, Doug Jones nails the physicality of the actor and creates the illusion that he is in fact speaking. Doug Jones's best performance in this film is as the Pale Man. Even with all the make up on, Doug grounds the character and makes him both terrifying and believable. The way it moves and walks is menacing and frightening. All the other members of the cast also have amazing performances that contribute to the brilliance of the film.
Along with Guillermo Navarro, the cinematographer, Guillermo del Toro portrays a brutal and cold vision of the world and the fascist era in Spain. They show the brutality of the war and set the mood with the beautiful blue colors in the night scenes. This film is one of the most beautifully shot films I have ever seen.
All in all, this is a beautiful film that portrays the world in a cold and brutal way, but never without losing hope. It is Guillermo del Toro's best film to date and I would recommend it. I give it a 10/10 because of its beautiful cinematography, excellent story, amazing performances and of course the near perfect directing by Guillermo del Toro.