Pan's Labyrinth: El Laberinto del Fauno (2006)

* * * * *

Pan's Labyrinth will not leave you speechless, because you will be discussing it with whoever is lucky enough to watch it with you. The film captivates you from the first scene until the culminating in a phenomenal ending, one of the best in film history. A fairy tale for adults, Pan's Labyrinth is a perfect blend of reality, fantasy, horror, heartbreak, and magic. The story is told through the eyes of Ofelia, played masterfully by Ivana Baquero and follows her journey in both an imaginary and real world. Beside the groundbreaking performance by Baquero, The cast is highlighted by Sergi Lopez as Capitan Vidal, one of the most evil characters in memory, and a powerful performance by Maribel Verdu as Mercedes. The special effects are some of the best ever created and can be appreciated because they are wonderfully placed and not overwhelming. You will be humming music from the score for days and will hear the theme music in your dreams. Guillermo del Toro has made a masterpiece that illustrates the brutality of war and the innocence of childhood. A fable and a fairy tale in one, this film should not be missed by anyone. A great film initiates discussion, and this one could be talked about for days as it is open to every viewer's interpretation. Everything in this film; the cast, direction, cinematography, score, effects, and script is memorable.

Good For: everyone who likes movies, especially great ones

Bad For: people who can't read subtitles, people upset by realistic blood/injuries

The Gallery
The Economist: * * * * *
The Surfer: * * * * *
The Film Maker: * * * *
The Writer * * * *