The Labyrinth experience...

Rating: 10/10 (18 December 2008)

There are very few films which provide a viewing experience which is riveting as well as moving at the same time. Guillermo Del Toro takes us to another world in his masterpiece, Pan's Labyrinth, which is perhaps the best film he has ever made.
I have seen his earlier works like The Devil's Backbone which was a decent watch, and Cronos, which I hated!
But I was awestruck by what I saw in Pan's Labyrinth, a haunting film which is difficult to get out of your head long after you've finished watching.
Revealing much about the plot will take out most of the fun of watching the movie. But just to make a mention, the story is set in post-Civil War Spain in 1944. Ofelia, a little girl, along with her pregnant mother travel to the mountains to join her stepfather, Captain Vidal where his military outfit is in the process of exterminating guerrillas. Shortly, Ofelia comes across an old Labyrinth in which she meets a faun, who gives her some very interesting information. And then, amidst the conflict between the guerrillas and the Captain's army, Ofelia finds herself getting into a rather mysterious adventure....
Technically, Pan's Labyrinth scores in almost every department. The background score by Javier Navarrete is superb and brilliantly haunting. Guillermo Navarro's cinematography is fantastic and perfectly brings out the bleak atmosphere to go with the proceedings of the story. And of course, there's some frighteningly well-done special effects and makeup effects by David Marti' and others. Performances from all of the cast are wonderful. Most notably, of course, Ivana Baquero, Sergi López and Maribel Verdú. Lopez is so good as the ruthless Captain, that you cannot help but loathe him! Ivana turns in a poetic performance as Ofelia, the lead character. Likewise Maribel Verdu as Mercedes, the housekeeper.
Pan's Labyrinth, as rightly described by Guillermo Del Toro, is a fairy tale for adults. It has it's fair share of violence and some gruesome scenes which may be difficult for the squeamish to watch. But this movie deserves to be watched by one and all. It is one of those tales of finding hope amidst despair, but quite different in many ways from all other films with a similar message.
The acclaim this film received is well-deserved.
Do not miss!