Jakoba
True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.
seeingbystarlight
I don't see very many Mexican movies which I think are great.Though I would never own Pan's Labyrinth, I do think this is a great one, deserving all the recognition that it got, and I'm very impressed, and even proud that the movie is Mexican.The story is very simple, yet it embraces several different themes with class, and style.It is, essentially, a children's story set in Spain during World War ll, and centering around Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), a lonely little girl who's mother is carrying the child of a fascist named Captain Vidal.Vidal could care less about his new wife and stepdaughter, and focuses solely on the child whom, he is certain will be a boy.Because it is a difficult pregnancy, the mother is forced to stay bedridden, and Ofelia is placed in the care of Mercedes (Maribel Verdu), a caring woman who quietly despises Vidal, and has been secretly plotting against him.Then, one night, Ofelia follows a fairy into a labyrinth on her stepfather's estate.There she meets a Fawn (Doug Jones) who tells her she is a Princess, the daughter of a great King in an underground land, and that she must pass three tests if she is to return to her Kingdom, and be reunited with her true family...Ofelia agrees, but trouble looms on the horizon, as rebels that have gone against the Nazi regime, unite against Vidal, and the three tests (which seem to Ofelia to be simple) could ultimately destroy her.This movie is enchanting, and strangely soothing.It's a fairy tale with depth, told from several points of view, and which comes up for air every once in a while to reflect on tyranny of the Nazi regime. Ofelia's mother, who's probably going to die in childbirth. Mercedes, who would like nothing better than to see Vidal dead. And Vidal himself, who's determined that his legacy should live on through his son.A really, really terrific movie.
A masterpiece, I dare say, by Guillermo del Toro.
Quiet, thoughtful, and mesmerizing.Originally, Review #67
teodorodontosaurus
Probably the darkest fairy tale ever; it's an antithesis between a fantasy world and the harsh and unmerciful reality. The atrocities during the Francoist Spain are dominating the real world. The fantasy world is also dark and full of foes.
Before the movie ends, an immediate question comes in the viewer's mind: Is it really a fantasy world or just a child's imagination?
Sergi López's performence is top notch; cold, extremely cruel and brutal, unsympathetic, disgusting, sadistic and almost lacking emotions; yeah, my favorite character in the movie is evil!
Ivana Baquero must be mentioned too; a pretty good performance for her age.
Beware, this is not a typical fairy tale!
ictits
This is first time I have reviewed a movie. I will be guilty, if I don't thank the maker and story teller. Is it a story or real? I was so confused when watching the movie.If I mention it as Masterpiece, it will not be finished and will stay a lot of things untold. Really a brilliant work and I am so amazed. A movie which deserves a lot of things. It has no need to get the Awards, the special award is love and enjoying the every moment with innocent bird.Best wishes, love and pray for the story maker, movie director and actor. :)
