Review of Pan's Labyrinth (2006) by Joe C — 04 Jan 2015
Hypnotically, brutally and startlingly beautiful, Hellboy director Guillermo del Toro delivers a remarkable fairy tale for grown-ups. Read it as a fairy tale, a cry against fascism, a horror, a fantasy or a tale of a strangely beautiful mental illness.
Whichever way you look at it, this twisted masterpiece still packs an emotional punch that would floor Chuck Norris. The story of young Ofelia's quest, against the poisonous backdrop of post-Civil War Spain, to survive three fantastical tasks and prove herself a Princess could have been trite, but in Del Toro's sure hands becomes magnificent.
Creepy and beautiful in equal measure, Pan's Labyrinth encodes its message in a flurry of magic and, at times, is surprisingly harsh. The breathtaking beauty and enchanting script shake you down to your childhood conscience, while the violence shows you how cruel the world can be.
Question is... which resonates with you?
This review of Pan's Labyrinth (2006) was written by Joe C on 04 Jan 2015.
Pan's Labyrinth has generally received very positive reviews.
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