Pan's Labyrinth [DVD] [2006]

 

 

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I bought this film a while ago, but only just got round to watching it this evening. It is incredibly good - probably one of the best films I've ever seen.

For those expecting some kind of Disney-esque fairy tale or a pure fantasy film, you will be disappointed since this is far more in the vein of fairy tales as they were originally - cautionary tales or lurking danger. It is hard hitting and graphically violent, very much depicting the vicious reality of the Spanish Civil War and the brutality of the Franco regime. Nevertheless, it is a gripping tale of perils to be overcome, both real and fantastical, by the young protagonist, Ofelia. Disturbing, moving and unpredictable it is a film I would recommend to anyone who doesn't mind their reality painted in flesh and blood colour and their fantasy a little on the dark side.

Be warned, I am surprised this film got a 15 rating - it is not for the faint of heart and not one that I'd describe as a popcorn or family film by any stretch of the imagination!

It seems wrong to describe this film as a mere fairytale for adults - it's so much more.

There are many reviews on here so I won't give a synopsis, I'll simply express my views on this fabulous film.

The contrast between the post-Civil war ridden Spain and the paranormal fantasy world works brilliantly, you are left wondering who are the real monsters - the ones pitted against the 12 year old fairytale loving Ofelia, or the Franco regime supporting Captain Vidal? The ugliest moments in the film aren't ones involving monsters, they involve Vidal - and they are brutal; repeatedly smashing an innocent man's nose until his death, in front of his father was a scene which stayed with me long after the film had finished.

You get a real sense of the danger Ofelia is in when she becomes witness to the rebels who steal from Vidal's camp, Vidal's savage attitude to the rebels is uncomfortable to watch, but resonates as this is probably a pretty accurate portrayal of Spain in the late `30s early `40s.

As with most good films, it is the human story which bonds the movie together, and in this film we have a Ofelia's sick pregnant mother, the rebels whom we sympathise with, and of course Ofelia herself. You can't help but care what happens to characters in this film - and at times the film is heart rending, especially the end.

You are left wondering if the fantasy world of fauns and monsters is real, or something imagined by Ofelia in order to escape from the hideous world she finds herself part of.

The film is casted perfectly, with Ivana Baquero as the central character of Ofelia. Her screen test left people in tears - enough to convince Del Toro that she was perfect for the role despite being older than what he initially imagined Ofelia should be. The extra year or two allows more scope with Ofelia though, as she is more aware of what is happening around her which adds to the tension.
After Ofelia, the most dominating character is Vidal, and Sergi López is scarily convincing as the brutish Captain. In fact, Vidal is probably one of the scariest characters I have ever seen on screen. Del Toro was adamant that Sergi López should fill this role, despite him being regarded as a comedy actor. I can imagine that his performance is even more striking to those used to seeing him in funny roles.

The film is directed superbly, with a golden, almost sepia tone to the colours which give a feel of history and an added magic to the fairytale side of the feature. Make up and effects are top notch and the fantasy characters are extremely creepy and never feel over done. The subtitles aren't cheesy American ones which gloss over the plot, they were written by Del Toro himself (who also wrote the film) to ensure they reflected the film faithfully, it's a shame more directors don't take as much pride in their work.

In a nutshell then: This feels like two strong films in one - and both complement each other well. With a few disturbing scenes, this isn't one for the kids. It manages to capture the hideousness of war, and the innocence of a child. Visually it is fantastic and probably like nothing you've ever seen before, and the end? Well, you decide for yourself if it's real or not.

This is a superb piece despite the violent scenes. It is certainly not for younger children. The style and theme of fantasy relates very much to the Grimms brothers tales: scary stories, which nowadays are changed into pretty and glamorised tales as opposed to the grim horrors they once were. This is a scare thrilling tale and one monster is superbly freaky even for adults.

This story is highly commended including at Universities by lecturers who demonstrate clips.
It certainly exceeds expectations and gives you the unexpected and that's what makes it a great film.

The imagination is never ending, the magic is thrillingly scary. A parallel universe between reality of wars and the fairy folk world of the human mind. A universal tale. A beautiful pivotal ending.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Unusual, a little weird, but fantastic!
I bought this a while ago, but was a little put off watching it because it was Spanish. After about ten-minutes, I relaxed into the film, and followed the subtitles easily. Read more

Published 2 days ago by Endlessly

5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
This has to be one of the best movies I have ever watched! The fairytale aspects of the story ---the imagery of nature, the faun etc is quite similar to one of Angela carters... Read more

Published 10 days ago by S.I

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Wow, there is so many emotions explored in this film, it's very refreshing and definately not your usual fairytale. Read more

Published 20 days ago by J. Weatherley

4.0 out of 5 stars DD 5.1 NOT DTS HD 7.1
Great film, great presentation on Blu-ray but do be aware the Amazon £5.99 Blu ray version Pan's Labyrinth [Blu-ray] only has a Dolby Digital 5. Read more

Published 27 days ago by Mr. A. L. Swift

2.0 out of 5 stars English subtitles - excessive violence
I was stung by not reading the full description before I bought this title, I completely missed the fact it is entirely in Spanish with English subtitles (no other options, other... Read more

Published 1 month ago by A. scullion

5.0 out of 5 stars AUDIO Y SUBTITULOS EN CASTELLANO
ESTE BLURAY TIENE AUDIO Y SUBTITULOS EN CASTELLANO,COMPROBADO DE PRIMERA MANO Y LOS SUBTITULOS EN INGLES NO ESTAN QUEMADOS EN EL DISCO.PODEIS COMPRARLO SIN PROBLEMAS.SALUDOS

Published 1 month ago by Pirujo

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything a Fairytale should be!
This is probably one of the most visually stunning films I've had the pleasure to view. Amazing story, fantastic visual's, and the performance given by the actress Ivana Baquero,... Read more

Published 1 month ago by LMatear2011

5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly as I wanted and needed
I bought this DVD as I needed it for my A level film coursework. The price almost seemed too good to be true but when the item turned up it was exactly as I wanted and needed... Read more

Published 3 months ago by ECR

5.0 out of 5 stars Pan's Labyrinth
Fantastically dark and imaginative film set immediately after the Spanish Civil War and mixing history and fantasy to potent effect. Beautifully played and lavishly shot. Read more

Published 3 months ago by S. L. Bailey

5.0 out of 5 stars pans labrynth
Great film,have given it as a present to other people,who have been as impressed as I am.If you like something a bit different buy this.

Published 4 months ago by georgie

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