del Toror creates ambiguity between reality and fantasy through the contrast of what is truly abhorrent and what is magical

Rating: 6/10 (25 January 2007)

Set in Spain against the backdrop of Franco's fascist regime at the end of the Spanish Civil War, Pan's Labyrinth presents a world of childhood fantasy that coexists with more adult sensibilities. Far from being another Harry Potter, the director Guillermo del Toro explores themes from children's fiction in juxtaposition to the terror and violence inherent in themes of patriarchal domination and war. This original, yet ultimately flawed film moves easily between worlds, developing in the viewer a strong sense of duality through the events that surround the life of Ofelia, the young girl who acts as the protagonist. The plot cleverly threads the story of Ofelia and the world in which she finds adventure and solace, with the story of Captain Vidal, her unwilling step-father and his world of control and brutality.
Historically, popular children's literature has often blurred the lines between horror and fantasy using fiction like a parable, as a kind of morality play for misbehaving children, however del Toror creates ambiguity between reality and fantasy through the contrast of what is truly abhorrent and what is magical. Pan's Labyrinth creates enough to interest viewers willing to reach into the film to gain rewards, but may leave those looking for the film to do the work, feeling flat.