Pan’s Labyrinth was one of our favorite movies of 2006 and we got the chance to see it again some days ago.
Spain 1944. Ofélia, a 12 year old girl is travelling with her pregnant mother to their new home. Her stepfather, the severe Captain Vidal, was appointed to a new post in the mountains where he could fight the guerrillas who rebel against General Franco. While her mother struggles to keep her unborn child safe, the young girl explores the old house and its surrounding deep mysterious forest. One day, she discovers a labyrinth and meets its guardian, the Faun, who opens the doors to a new world…
Pan’s Labyrinth is one of those marvellous stories full of magic and strong emotions but also filled with sadness. Captain Vidal is pure evil, a man without conscience or any concern for his wife or even his stepdaughter, someone who will do anything for success.
The Faun is a very mysterious character, sly and ambiguous, you can’t help but wonder what his true intentions are and you fear for young Ofelia. He reminds us of one of those old fairy tales’ characters, so unpredictable you never knew what to expect from them.
We read that the choice of the actress to play Ofelia was quite difficult to make until they finally saw Ivana Baquero. This young girl is absolutely astonishing! Full of sensibility and strength, even during the hardest moments, she always touches your heart. The anguish we felt for Ofélia when she realises she’s completely alone and under Vidal’s power is completely overwhelming. She wakes up all our protective instincts and we only wish we were able to be there for her.
One of our favorite characters is Mercedes who brings young Ofelia under her wing and keeps fighting for what she believes. Very powerful performance!
Guillermo Del Toro became one of our favorite directors. He always manages to create very deep caring characters that have trouble fitting (for those interested in fantasy/action, you have to see Hellboy).
Pan’s Labyrinth is a fairytale for grown-ups with moments of horror and violence but also with an unattainable beauty that makes it unforgettable. Highly recommended to all those who like dark stories, but beware prepare your handkerchiefs.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5d4f1nyLgg&feature=related]
Official site: http://www.panslabyrinth.com/
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Hi girls! Just wanted to let you know that I love reading your blog and I have a blog award for you! You can collect it here: http://readingwritingranting.blogspot.com/2009/04/awards.html
Thank you Annie! We are always very happy to know people like to read out blog!
Thank you so much for the award, Annie. It’s deeply appreciated! ;-)
I’ve watched this movie a while back and didn’t know what to expect. There are scenes that shocked me deeply and others that are so very touching that I had to tell everybody around me to go and watch this movie.
As you said, it’s a grown-up movie. And even for grown-ups it’s hard to come to an understanding in the end.
Very beautifully made piece of art.