Review of Pan's Labyrinth (2006) by Adrian B — 15 Feb 2013

Superbly detailed fairy tale that takes place during a revolt in 1944 within Spain, separate from the events of World War II. The movie starts with the foreshadowing of poor young girl, named Ofelia (Ivano Baquero), is shown dying in a wooded area, adjacent to a lodge for which she was previously brought to by her pregnant mother (Ariadna Gil) and vicious, evil stepfather (Sergio Lopez), a captain of the offensive. While there, Ofelia wonders into the forest and daydreams, meeting a bizarre creature called "faun" (Doug Jones) who claims that she is the Princess Moanna and that she is the one who help him and other bizarre creatures, along with her pregnant mother, who becomes very, very ill. At the same time, Ofelia's vicious stepfather starts his kill into the forest and begins murdering those who he believes have betrayed him and Spain, including dictator De Franco (who presided over Spain for more than thirty years).

Exceptionally grim but devastating and stunning piece of work that will leave anyone haunted for days. The performances of Baquero and Lopez are unforgettable, as well as Meribel Verdu, the wonderful and helpful housekeeper whose brother is trying to takedown the captain and his crew. Really sad and oppressive, but the films works on an extraordinary level. There is a very good chance that this film will leave you in tears. Notably and understandably, not a kids movie by any means!