Review of Pan's Labyrinth (2006) by Carole S — 22 Oct 2014

Boyfriend said I would really like this movie being a "history nerd" and all. Also its a thought provoking movie, which is a bonus always. First of all...he was right. I did like this movie. ^.^.

There was so many things going on at once during this movie. The poor rebels trying to fight against Pedro and his "sadistic" ways, Pedro and his wife struggling with her being sickly and about to give birth, and then Ofelia's fantasy world which has its own drama unfolding. I loved how well everything blended into each other and how well things played off each other.

I loved the costumes and it seemed very authentic. I also must extend some kuddos to the screen writers for it was some good writing. The dialogue was excellent and the acting added to it. Even the little actress who played Ofelia did wonderful (you know child actors tend to be cheesy sometimes). We had to read the subtitles, because the dialogue was in Spanish, but that was okay...it seemed to be better in Spanish and it added to the feel of the movie.

Even though this was a really good movie, it was really sad. :/ I teared up a couple times throughout the film. Along with that...I hated the ending. I can't say much without ruining it, but it was rather sad and it made me mad. Stupid ending >.>. I see the symbolism behind it, but still I was not happy. Don't get me wrong it wasn't a BAD ending or anything, but it upset me and mad me cry. Oh well, I guess. But it did lead to a good conversation and debate on whether or not Ofelia's "fantasy" was a fantasy or not. Was her world real or was it just the imagination of a lonely child in a dark world. Personally...I think it was real in a way. I'll have to re-watch it and look deeper into it.

In the end, this was a good movie. It's also a good date movie *wink wink*. It was a sad movie, but it was good and thought provoking. The acting, the screenwriting, the costumes, and the plot was amazing. Make sure to watch it in its native language with subtitles, for it seemed to add to the movie. Overall I shall stamp this with 5 stars.

Favorite Character(s): Ofelia, Doctor, & Mercedes.

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Videl (evil man), Pan, & Pale Man (*shudders*).