Finding a Fantasy world in the unkind real world.

Rating: 9/10 (20 May 2007)

Not a fan of the no Spanish rule in comments IMDb!
ANYWAY!
Pans Labyrinth was an absolutely hypnotizing film with a spectacular balance of fantasy and reality, brilliant special effects and a powerful story. I loved the little baby plant thing, and when it was burnt it almost made me cry, the screams of pain were heart wrenching.
I can't say I've ever seen a movie that took place in Franco Spain, but for a movie that wasn't really about that, I would say it still gave us a feel for what that time may have been like. It gave historical information in a non-"history channel" kind of way which allowed the viewer to become more a part of the story enchanting story.
In general child actors annoy me, I however found Ivanna Baquero endearing and I thought she was a perfect guide for our journey through the labyrinth (this may have been solely because she wasn't speaking English). I really felt for the poor child throughout the whole movie, she had the misfortune of being brought in to a cruel world and her only salvation was the world in her mind. I wanted to wrap her up and take her home with me, and let her know everything would be all right. In the end it unfortunately was not all all right, but the journey was certainly entertaining! Ah, the ironic world of movies.
Working at a video store in the middle of hick town many people are wary of renting this particular one because quote "I don't liake to hafta read ma movays". I however happen to watch ALL my movies at home, whether in a foreign language or not, with the subtitles on. (That way I make sure I don't miss a thing). This one just also helped me brush up on some of my Spanish! So do not fear the Labrinto! Embrace it!
While reading some other reviews I found that many people did not like this movie because it did not meet their "expectations". No, it is not a movie for children, nor is a pure science fiction movie built on fantasy and special effects. I don't believe it was ever intended to be so. I can easily see where children would be frightened by it, and where a LOTR fan would be disappointed if they thought it would be anything like it. So, go see this movie, it was beautiful, but just expect an interesting movie, with a touching story and nothing else.
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