El Laberinto del Fauno

Last night I finished watching Pan’s Labyrinth. Visually, this movie is beautiful, creative and imaginative. It’s an Alice In Wonderland (just look at her dress!) that’s way too scary and violent for children. I can’t wait to see it on the big screen, and I highly suggest you go see it for yourself.

Without giving too much away, the story revolves around a young girl who may or may not be a princess from the netherworld. The film takes place in 1944 in post civil war Spain. Ofelia (the young princess) and her very pregnant mother join Captain Vidal (the father of Ofelia’s unborn brother) at his post in northern Spain, where he leads troops combating guerilla rebels. Ofelia quickly discovers a labyrinth out back and is eventually confronted by a 7’ faun (or the Pan in Pan’s Labyrinth, although he doesn’t go by that name) who tells her that she is really a princess and must complete three tasks before the next full moon in order to regain her rightful throne.

I won’t go into it further, as you really should see it for yourself. All I will say is that it will leave you wondering if any of what happens in the netherworld is real or if it is all the imagination of the young child. With either outcome, this film truly is a touching masterpiece. Another stunning accomplishment from director Guillermo del Toro. I really hope that this Mexican film is nominated for at least Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscar’s.