Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Rating: 10/10 (15 November 2008)

Set in 1940's fascist Spain during the Spanish Civil War, the film's main character is a little girl named Ophelia. Her mother is about to give birth to a baby boy, and she has recently married a sadistic Captain with the Spanish Army, who relocates Ophelia and her mother to the Spanish countryside. Ophelia is a little girl who loves fairy tales, although the adults around her discourage her from reading. Amidst the pain and suffering of the war torn countryside around her, Ophelia is one day summoned by a mythical faun who tells her that she was once a Princess in an underground world, and that in order to return to that world, she must complete three tasks. As she attempts to complete these tasks, she faces insurmountable repression at the hands of her new stepfather as the war arrives at Ophelia's front door.
The film segregates both a war drama and a fantasy story, while keeping them connected at all times. The audience is under constant reminder that not everything in this film may be what they appear to be, and Ophelia finds help from an unlikely source along the way. This is another film with an extremely profound ending that leaves it entirely up to your interpretation; but trust me, it's one you will enjoy debating with yourself about. This is a very dark and moody film, and quite frankly, downright depressing. But it also reminds you of the power of the human spirit in times of hardship, especially considering the spirit is that of a curious little girl named Ophelia. I actually get a strong anime vibe from this film, primarily due to the portrayal of the main character, and how her situation reminds me of various anime films. Also, this is a brutal film; do not make the mistake of thinking that fantasy = happy. It's a "hard R" as far as violence goes. A war film with a fantasy aspect may sound bizarre, and it is, but it makes for one of the most memorable experiences you'll have in a long time. I hope this post inspires someone who hasn't seen this film before to go rent it. As long as one person does, I will feel like my job is completed.
Caution: Do NOT read any explanations of the film's ending; it will ruin the experience for you. Think about it for yourself, and refer back to my paragraphs above. Instead, all you need to do is ask yourself the following questions: "Was it real or not? What are the consequences if it was real? What are the consequences if it was not real?"
Pan's Labyrinth is a masterpiece, and the greatest film of 2006.
10/10