The most amazing fantasy I've ever seen.

Rating: 10/10 (7 June 2008)

This movie seriously blew me away. I had only heard good things, but I did not expect the masterpiece that this truly is. "Pan's Labyrinth" is not just an amazing fantasy film, but it's the best and most beautiful fantasy I've ever seen. Visually it's amazing, the story is great and the characters are very believable. They each serve their purpose perfectly.
Ofeilia is a little girl caught in the middle of the Spanish Civil War in 1944. Her stepfather is the General of the fascists, and is an uncaring evil man. Her mother is pregnant and dying. She is caught in the middle of death and misery, but she soon begins to see fantastical things. A fairy comes to her and takes her to see a faun in a nearby labyrinth, who tells her that she is a princess to a magical kingdom. In order to claim her throne, she must pass 3 amazing tests. Meanwhile, the Civil War is raging and her stepfather, Captain Vidal is becoming insane.
I'll start my positives (because that's all I have) with the visuals. The computer effects are very good, and work well for the fairies and the little creatures. The make-up is amazing, and the creatures are truly stunning looking creations. The music is lovely and very rich with violin. The movie itself is just about the most compelling thing I've ever seen. It starts off fairly slow, but it quickly picks up after giving the basic plot, and wow! My eyes were glued to the screen for the rest of the movie. The more realistic civil war portions of the film are compelling and sad, and the fantasy portions are awe-inspiring and are actually pretty scary. I've thought about this movie since I've seen it, so it's one that sticks with you.
Overall, this is a sad, fantastical and amazing film that will have you entertained throughout.
My rating: **** out of ****. 120 mins. R for violence and language.