In darkness, there can be light. In misery, there can be beauty. In death, there can be life....
The year is 1944. Franco's fascist rebels have overthrown Spain's Republican government and replaced it with a brutal and authoritarian regime. Guerilla's loyal to the democratic ideals of the republic continue to fight in the mountains, the fascist administration is determined to root them out.
Meanwhile, a young girl name Ofelia is sent to the country side with her pregnant mother to live with her ruthless and cruel step father, a Captain in Franco's army. There she imagines another world where she can escape from the horrible realities around her.
She meets a fairy who takes her to a labyrinth where an old faun tells her she is actually a princess, but must prove her royalty by completing four grisly tasks. If she succeeds, she will be able to return as a princess to her kingdom, and see her real father once again.
Pan's Labyrinth is a visually beautiful, excellently written film which combines history, drama, fantasy, action, and horror with complete success. The parallel realities of the war with all its violence and intrigue on one hand, and Ofelia's fantasy world on the other, compliment each other and provide scene after scene of powerful imagery. At the same time, the characters are well acted and carefully crafted to ensure that the viewer will develop an emotional reaction to each of them, which pulls them into the story increasingly as it approaches its sad, yet satisfying conclusion.
This is a Spanish film. With that said, for those who don't like to read, suck it up. This is a great film which is well worth the subtitles. Director and Writer Guillermo del Toro did everything right with this masterpiece.
5 fauns out of 5
Rated R for graphic violence and some language
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