Has anyone seen Pan's Labyrinth yet?

United States
January 3, 2007 11:11am CST
I just saw it two days ago and wow, it's stunning. It wasn't what I had imagined it would be, and I'm really glad I didn't bring along the 13 year old student who I've been promising to take to the movies forever. It was dark and very true to the tones and themes of the original Grimm's fairy tales, where despite what Disney has done, happy ending were actually few and far between. I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone who might read this who hasn't seen it, so I won't include any details, but the story is set during the Spanish Civil war, much like the director's other film The Devil's Backbone. A little girl named Ofelia and her pregnant mother have just gone to join her new stepfather at an abandoned mill turned into a military outpost to await the birth of the baby. The stepfather is a cruel military captain whose only concern about the family is the heir he is certain Ofelia's mother is carrying. The lines of reality and fantasy are blurred when Ofelia discovers a stone labyrinth that leads to an alternate reality. Is it real, or a child escaping the horrors of war? The director is comfortable letting the viewers decide that for themselves, and the journey is both dark and painful, yet full of hope.
4 responses
@jbones (13)
• United States
11 Feb 07
Pan's Labyrinth was most definitely a good movie and something which I and a lot of other people have been looking for. The Trailer for this movie can be deceptive though. BEWARE; this movie is 3/4 a brutal war movie and 1/4 Adult Fairy Tale like portrayed in the previews. A must see no doubt, but just beware of what you are getting yourself into.
@krebstar5 (1266)
• United States
5 Feb 07
I loved this movie, but I must admit that it is one of the best movies I never want to see again. I found it extremely emotional and I was really a wreck by the end. I was also surpised by how violent the movie was but still managed to work. It wasn't gratuitous, instead the amount of violence was honest to the characters and story. It really drove home how bad the bad guy was. Great movie. Everyone should see it...well at least once anyway. ;)
• Indonesia
13 Jan 07
the best movie i ever watch .. this movie so sad.. and the animasi is so cool... i like this movie .. and i want to watch the movie again and again :p cool.. in my country this movie play in Jakarta international film festival..
1 person likes this
• United States
17 Jan 07
My husband and I just saw it this past Monday and LOVED it!! The Devil's Backbone was also great...
1 person likes this