PAN'S LABYRINTH

I must admit my ill-advised hesitation to dive into the world of foreign language films more often. With some films, I find the requirement to read subtitles to be distracting from the visual experience. With "Pan's Labyrinth" however,  the experience is so stunning and compelling, it's nearly impossible to resist being drawn into the mysterious world created by writer and director Guillermo del Toro. Detailing a young girl named Ofelia, caught between the sadistic nature of 1940's Spain and a number of captivating yet treacherous fantastical adventures, the film combines the wondrous touch of a children's fairytale with the intensity and grit of a war story.

One of many impressive things about "Pan's Labyrinth" is that it is a modern and entirely original fantasy story. Most films within the genre today are heavily based on stories from decades, even centuries, ago. In fact, this is a movie so unlike others that it may not be fair to say that the picture fits well into an existing genre at all. As the story begins, we are introduced to seemingly familiar wartime themes, as Ofelia and her pregnant mother struggle to stay out of dodge while living under the oppressive watch of a fascist military officer. The commander in charge of the outpost at which Ofelia resides is so convincingly evil, as he tortures prisoners and shoots whomever he wishes with little to no reason, that the audience wishes to escape to the fantasy side of the character's life as badly as she does. Her fairy-tale experiences begin as she wanders into a wooded labyrinth and encounters a faun who tells her of her ability to achieve immortal royalty if she completes a series of considerably perilous tasks. But, "fairy-tale" is a partially dishonest term to use when discussing this movie. At times it possesses an enchanting quality, but "Pan's Labyrinth" is not for the kids. On all sides, it is a mature, violent, and often startling story.

The films central performance is provided excellently by young Spanish actress Ivana Baquero. For a childhood role, her screen time is immense and her part is demanding. Ofelia, along with Mercedes, a housekeeper who acts as the films other rebellious hero, creates a strong virtuous presence. When these characters are contrasted with the blatant cruelty of the Spanish military forces shown, they create a clear line between good and evil in the human world. The brutality of one world which the main character lives in shows the need for the other. In her supernatural encounters, Ofelia is faced with danger and uncertainty, but the opportunity to be free of human persecution leads her deeper into the unknown. Depicting the early days of 20th century Spanish autocracy, "Pan's Labyrinth" covers historical elements which are actually underrepresented in film. Among other central themes, the movie provides commentary on the madness often spawned by war.

Technically and visually, the movie is exceptional. To create the various creatures which the protagonist encounters, the filmmakers relied largely on prosthetics and practical effects, and these are some of the best we've ever seen. This unsettling, nonhuman realism combines with del Toro's fluid directing style, bosky settings, and gloomy cinematography to create an often haunting atmosphere.

This is a fantasy film, and it's entirely presented in a foreign language. Both of these vital aspects are ones which may turn some viewers away, mistakenly as that may be. "Pan's Labyrinth" is one of the boldest, most effectively unique movies of recent years. It's atypical, but confidently so, and succeeds in being an endearing yet sincere fantasy picture. 

RATING: 7.8/10