Review of Pan's Labyrinth (2006) by Mohamed A — 22 Feb 2018

Guillermo Del Toro's new picture, the audacious fantasy ''El Labirinto del Fauno'' (or ''Pan's Labyrinth), captivated audiences at the Toronto Film Festival. A masterpiece, Del Toro magnificently puts to screen the magical story of a girl obsessed with fantasy stories that one day is trapped in her own world.

If every year we are meant to have a fantasy, then ''Fauno'' is this year's top movie. Differently of last year, where we had the terribly irregular ''Chronicles of Narnia'', this is a genuine fantasy movie, featuring a world we would all wish to have a look at. Much like Alice in Wonderland, this is a journey through a creative little girl's mind.The story is set in Spain, 1944. At that time, the country was at war. What the movie does is sometimes connect the war with Ofelia's (Ivana Baquero) world. Her world is a visually impressive setting. A strong Oscar contender for Art-Direction, ''Fauno'' features many sights that are no where else to be found. And the creatures living in that world are nothing short of stunning. Pan (Doug Jones, who also had a role in Del Toro's ''Hellboy'', in which he played Abe Sapien) is a magical creature and brings back to viewers many childhood memories.

To top it off, ''Fauno'' is a perfect fairy tale. It is everything M. Night Shyamalan wanted ''Lady in the Water'' to be. Brilliantly directed, masterfully set up, and visually jaw dropping. This is the year's best fantasy film. And it seems it will remain that way.