Del Toro's Imaginative Film, El Laberinto del Fauno

Rating: 9/10 (1 October 2018)

Del Toro's Imaginative Film, El Laberinto del Fauno
El Laberinto Del Fauno was directed in 2006 by Guillermo del Toro. Filming took place in various parts of Spain. Although the film's language is primarily in Spanish, it is also popularly known for its English title Pan's Labyrinth. Guillermo del Toro is famously known for his other works such as Hellboy, Blade II, and Pacific Rim. He is versatile in his works and takes on imaginative endeavours. Not only is Del Toro a film director, but he has also taken on roles as a screenwriter, producer and novelist. In all of his contributions to the films he's taken part of, his trademark can be noted by creatures with inhuman features, clockworks designs, use of insects and screens with amber hues. The elements of Del Toro's trademarks can be found throughout parts of El Laberinto del Fauno as well.
The film is a combination of historical war, fantasy and drama. The narrative structure of the film at first, appears to be a circular plot with two storylines. The setting takes place in what appears to be the historical 1940's in Spain. One imagines a war torn countryside and a lot of action. However, one of the story's depth unfolds when a fantasy world arises. A world where fairies, a faun and magical objects or beings exist. At the center of the plots are three major female characters; Ofelia, Carmen and Mercedes. Ofelia is a child played by Ivana Baquero, her perspective leads the film viewers through both the "real world" filled with war torn issues and into her eerie, fantastical adventures. During that time Mercedes, who is played by Maribel Verdu grows close to Ofelia, as she also remains resilient during the war torn times. Carmen is Ofelia's pregnant mother, played by Ariadna Gil. In the story it is evident that Ofelia, Carmen and Mercedes are burdened by the expectations held for woman in the 1940's. The male antagonist in the film is Captain Vidal, he is played by Sergi Lopez and is portrayed as strong, callous and sadistic. As the two stories continue, viewers are taken through multiple perspectives like a colorful and magical place, with Ofelia. And then viewers are transitioned to the historical world where propaganda is used to keep civilians "happy" or content, while fascist regimes live their lives in riches. This part of the storyline in El Laberinto del Fauno is a great interpretation of historical war and gender roles that occured during that time. Del Toro's use of two ongoing storylines shows the best of both fantasy genre and historical war genre.
This film is effective in its interpretation and for the brilliant technical aspects. Something that was especially clever is the way that the two stories transitioned through the lighting on the screen. It went from hues of amber, to a more natural light. This element lead the viewer back and forth through the far-fetched fantasy world and the war torn, historical world. The profound characteristics of all the characters also made the film feel genuine. As a viewer, you had the opportunity to empathize with the characters and their struggles. Del Toro was also successful in conveying his trademarks, such as the fixation that Captain Vidal had for his pocket watch. Also, the mythical creatures with striking and almost frightening features. It's important to note that from the beginning scene, where Ofelia appears to be hurt and lying on the floor, it becomes obvious that this is far from being a children's fairytale. Because of this, I do have to admit that this film is better suited for a mature audience.
Overall I would highly recommend this film, because it is unworldly imaginative. The narrative structure seamlessly guides the viewer through the stories. And it's ingenuity lies within taking the viewer, not only to a different era but also to a different land. This film works for viewers who enjoy historical war films and also for viewers who love the fantasy side of filming. In short, this film has the best of both worlds.