Best movie of 2006

Rating: 10/10 (27 February 2007)

On over 150 critics top 10 list of 2006 and winner of *3 Academy Awards, "Pan's Labyrinth" is the movie to see
Its 1944, and Spain is in a brutal Civil War since the wining of Francisco Franco Fascist party. Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) is a young girl who must travel with her pregnant mother (Ariadna Gil) to the countryside to live with her new husband (Sergi López) who is a brutal captain of the Spanish fascist army. One night Ofelia meets a fairy that leads her to an old faun (Doug Jones) in the centre of a labyrinth. There, she learns that she is the long lost Princess, but she must prove her loyalty by completing three gruesome tasks, while at the same time not letting anyone else know. If she fails, she will never prove to be the true Princess and she will never see her real father, the king, ever again.
"Pans Labyrinth" is not a film for kids. Its brutal graphic violence is taken to the extreme and it is very gory. Be warned, the "Graphic Violence" is no joke; the director captures every gunshot, every slice and stab of a knife so perfectly that its extremely believable. When reading the plot one may assume that since the story is about a long lost Princess, that only girls will enjoy it; this is definitely not the case. This film entertains both males and females. This is definitely no "Chick Flick" and in no way should any male refuse to see this movie because it reads, "Long lost Princess."
The film is Visually stunning with incredible art direction and make-up. Director Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy) is amazing behind the camera capturing all the right camera angels that make this film unique. The movie is entirely in Spanish with English subtitles at the bottom but don't let that make you stay away from this incredible film, you will truly be missing out on something spectacular. This film entertains from the moment it starts until its shocking, surprising ending. The ending is left open for audience interpretation and it has everyone debating.
Because of its amazing Art Direction and beautifully written story "Pan's Labyrinth" rates an incredible ***** out of ***** and is truly one of the best movies of 2006.