hauntingly beautiful

Rating: 10/10 (19 January 2007)

Going into pans labyrinth i was expecting to see a straight fantasy story, however the film displayed an engrossing and tragic war story . Set in 1944 post civil war Spain, the country is under the grip of fascism and the young Ofelia is sent with her mother to live with her new stepfather, the cruel and sadistic fascist army captain Vidal. the movie is a wonderful mix of fantasy and reality showing that in a time of darkness a subtle beauty can be found.
The film is driven by superb performances by Ivana Baquero (Ofelia), Sergi López (Capatain Vidal), Doug Jones (Pan/The Pale Man) and my personal favorite Álex Angulo (Dr. Ferreiro).
A Movie for fans of fantasy and war films alike pans labyrinth tells the haunting, tragic and beautiful tale of One girls struggle to find light within the darkness.