Faun and Fascism.

Rating: 6/10 (7 May 2008)

This was a movie that I felt connected to, mostly on an intellectual level. And although I also can applaud it for it's acting I must confess that I wasn't entertained. I can see that other who has given a review on this movie has claimed that the gore is very explicit but also very necessary. I just cannot agree on this. That Captain Vidal is evil itself could have been shown in much more subtle ways - and when this is done it is often much more terrifying as it makes your imagination picture what is not shown and the result is, that you picture what you yourself think is the ultimate evil.
I have heard off and actually met people who, when they were children made up a fantasy world or a fantasy friend. The reason for this can be many. It can be a matter of needing someone to confide in, or a matter of feeling lonely. In the case of Ofelia I understood her imaginary world as a result of escapism. She has a very lyrical and poetic mind and desperately needs to avoid or deny reality as it is both very hostile and out of her control and this together makes her create a world that she can interact with and through the tests that she is given she is also able to control it. An example of this is that she is all of a sudden able to do something about her mother's very problematic pregnancy.
Because I wasn't entertained this doesn't mean that this picture isn't great or isn't worth seeing; the theme is important and the acting is splendid.
Regards Simon
Ps. When you read reviews that gives max score check to see if the user has made more than one review. If not consider the possibility of a lobbyist. If you agree consider putting this post scriptum at the bottom at your own reviews.