Amazing for a subtitled movie!

Rating: 10/10 (31 January 2007)

Pan's Labyrinth AKA Laberinto del Fauno, El is a one-of-a-kind movie. Thinking this would be a dumb child-fantasy movie and I would fall asleep during it, I was surprised by almost everything in this thriller. A girl, Ofelia played by Ivana Baquero and her pregnant mother traveled a long way to live with her new step dad, who happened to be the leader of a communist-like nation.
Ofelia's mother was days from dying. Her father, Capitán Vidal played by Sergi López wanted a new male child, who would follow his footsteps and lead their nation to victory over a group of rebels. Ofelia knew not to trust her step dad, because she knew he didn't care about them. He only cared for the unborn baby. While the day seemed dark and nights seemed darker, Ofelia's mother died giving birth, leaving Ofelia all alone.
Although the majority of the film was all about the life of Ofelia and the war of the communist-like nation vs. the good rebels, a good part of this film was also based around Ofelia's imagination. The Pan Man was a creature from another world which came to Earth to take Ofelia back home, to her real father and mother who were Kings and Queens of a perfect imaginary world. But before she could leave Earth, she would have to complete three dangerous steps, given to her by a magical book.
I would give this film a 9.5/10. The costumes and graphics were phenomenal. The plot was outstanding, and so were all the actors. This dark film is NOT for children, rather for Adults who don't mind watching bloody, gruesome scenes.