Pan's Labyrinth
Set in 1940s Spain against the postwar repression of Franco's Spain, a fairy tale that centers on Ofelia, a lonely and dreamy child living with her mother and adoptive father, who is a military officer tasked with 'ridding the area' of rebels. In her loneliness, Ofelia creates a world filled with fantastical creatures and secret destinies.
I really enjoy fairy tales. That is why I enjoy movies like Pan's Labyrinth or Lady in the Water. Pan's Labyrinth is set in two worlds. The volatile, frightening reality of WWII era Spain and the sometimes just as frightening fantasy world that Pan introduces Ofelia to. I was impressed by the subtlety Del Toro uses in conveying Ofelia's fear of what is happening to her in the real world. Rarely do you see her truly upset about the real world situations but instead you see how little she is afraid of the frightening creatures in her fantasy world. For example, Pan is not pleasant to look at and I'm sure he would be frightening to just about any child, but not Ofelia. This lack of fear she shows in dealing with these fantasy situations quickly underscores how when compared to her real world issues, the fantasy just isn't that scary. The story told, in both real world and fantasy, is outstanding. While there are really two separate, yet subtlety interwoven, storylines in this film, you never find yourself missing the nuances of each.
Although a fairytale of sorts this movie's R-rating should make it obvious that nothing about this movie is appropriate for children. There is zero sexual content and not much language (keep in mind the movie is all in Spanish with English subtitles). However, the R rating is definitely deserved in the category of gore. From watching a man getting his face smashed in with a bottle, to multiple stabbings and shootings, to other things I can't say because it would give away parts of the movie, the camera does not shy away from showing you every gory detail that you could possibly see. While not even close to Hostel levels, this movie is not for those that faint at the sight of blood.
A dark Alice in Wonderland is a good way to describe Pan's Labyrinth. An excellent storyline, amazing visuals and excellent acting make this an enjoyable movie... just leave the kids at home.
4.6 out of 5
I really enjoy fairy tales. That is why I enjoy movies like Pan's Labyrinth or Lady in the Water. Pan's Labyrinth is set in two worlds. The volatile, frightening reality of WWII era Spain and the sometimes just as frightening fantasy world that Pan introduces Ofelia to. I was impressed by the subtlety Del Toro uses in conveying Ofelia's fear of what is happening to her in the real world. Rarely do you see her truly upset about the real world situations but instead you see how little she is afraid of the frightening creatures in her fantasy world. For example, Pan is not pleasant to look at and I'm sure he would be frightening to just about any child, but not Ofelia. This lack of fear she shows in dealing with these fantasy situations quickly underscores how when compared to her real world issues, the fantasy just isn't that scary. The story told, in both real world and fantasy, is outstanding. While there are really two separate, yet subtlety interwoven, storylines in this film, you never find yourself missing the nuances of each.
Although a fairytale of sorts this movie's R-rating should make it obvious that nothing about this movie is appropriate for children. There is zero sexual content and not much language (keep in mind the movie is all in Spanish with English subtitles). However, the R rating is definitely deserved in the category of gore. From watching a man getting his face smashed in with a bottle, to multiple stabbings and shootings, to other things I can't say because it would give away parts of the movie, the camera does not shy away from showing you every gory detail that you could possibly see. While not even close to Hostel levels, this movie is not for those that faint at the sight of blood.
A dark Alice in Wonderland is a good way to describe Pan's Labyrinth. An excellent storyline, amazing visuals and excellent acting make this an enjoyable movie... just leave the kids at home.
4.6 out of 5
posted by Andrew at 1:36 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home