its alice in wonderland, but darker (Pan's Labyrinth (2 DVDs))

Name: giksy21

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Product:	Pan's Labyrinth (2 DVDs)
Date:	08/08/07 (187 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: wonderful, ivana baqueroas Ofelia

Disadvantages: occasional bad cgi, though nothing too bad

This is the first effort by acclaimed director Guillermo Del Toro that i was luck enough to see, which is ironic in that it is his most recent work. Bowled over by its spell, i think that it is a film to be shouted about, so here i am, shouting.

Director - Guillermo Del Toro

Born on October 9th 1964, Del Toro was brought up by a strict catholic grandmother in Guadalajara Mexico. He realised his love of film in his teens, and learned about make-up and effects working alongside Dick Smith on the Exorcist in 1973. He worked in make-up for many years, but finally got the break he yearned for in 1993, directing Cronos. This won him 9 academy awards in Mexico, and launched him on his way. His background links him to his work. He often uses religious imagery and always mentions Catholicism in his films. Also he quite often uses insects or insect imagery. This insect imagery is noticeable in pans labyrinth.it is an insect that finds the little girl, ofelia, and takes her to the magical labyrinth.

The plot -

In the middle of the spanish civil war, Ofelia, a quiet but happy girl travels with her mother to meet what is to be her new father. The captain, vidal is a member of francos army during the war. He is what you are led to believe was typical of the time, a strict and oppresive leader of men. Ofelia is scared by him, and refuses to accept that he is to be her father. Deeply into books and fantasy, Ofelia is found by 'fairies', who lead her to the entrance to a mysterious labyrinth in the grounds of Vidal's home. Upon entering, she stirs pan, a faun, who is gaurdian to the gates of the underworld. He tells that his world lost a princess who chose to be mortal, but it was told that one day she would come back.But in order to prove her worthiness to take her place beside her father on the throne, she would have to take on three dangerous tasks.

Firstly, she would have to overcome a toad that lives under the roots of an ancient tree, sucking away the life and magic of the tree. Secondly, she would have to get past a nightmarish creature, the likes of which has never been seen before, or will be again. The third task is so important to the fantastic finale of the film, that i will not go into it here.

The story is a tale typical of the resistance actions of the time. Franco's army were under sporadic attack from a militant minority, with very little but right on their side. The story deals with Vidal, and his army, and their dictator like rule over everything to do with the area in which he was in charge. Like the way that hitler is often portrayed, he ruled with an iron fist, and was a particulrly violent man. In one scene, he 'deals' with the son of a man who might be a member of the resistance, and he tortures and kills this man while the father watches. This very real and gritty portrayal of the time, is beautifully complimented by the surreal fantasy world in which Ofelia finds her self.

The faun, pan - played by doug jones, is a strange looking beast. The effects used are superb, combined with the sombre lighting of the labyrinth, which give him a very realistic look. You never know wether he is to be trusted or not. Does he truly want Ofelia to suceed, or has he an alterior motive. Superbly acted, by a man who is not fluent in spanish, pan is played brilliantly. Helps you to really get into this world.
Vidal - played by Sergi Lopez, is played with brutal, and clinical quality. He is what he should be. Cold, Led by the military, he leads the military with diabolical efficiency. He only wants ofelias mother for what she can give him - a son. Violent and un-loving, he is played to perfection. A wonder from a little known actor, in this part of the world.
Ofelia - Ivana Baquero. This girl demands you look at her. Loveable, magical and mischevious this is a star performance by a twelve year old with a future. When you watch, you will not believe the sincerity of the performance, and you will agree she is amazing.

Centred around these three characters, the film flits between the real world, and that of the labyrinth so much that you become unsure in who's world you are at times. Definite links can be made to a lighter fairy tale, alice in wonderland. Alice (or Ofelia), is led by a strange creature to a strange land. When she gets there she has to do certain things in order to achieve her goal. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Also i think that you could liken the faun, pan to the chesire cat. He leads her through the world, and the tasks, but never gives the impression that he is fully on the heroes side. Speaking often in riddles, he gives information, yes, but not enough to make the task at hand easy. Seeming to revel in the pain that this causes the lead character, he relishes her anguish. In one scene, Ofelia is dressed in a new dress given to her by her mother, which is remarkably similar in style to that of alice. See if you can spot these connections too.

The film is in spanish, with english titles. Far from taking away from the atmosphere of the film, it draws you deeper. 119 minutes of raw, and mystical adventure, that reels you in, and holds you captive in the magical mind of Del Toro. Rated at a 15, it is not bloody, or horrific, apart from one scene near the start. But this does not take away from the overall feel of the magic. Watch this film, watch it and love it as i did. It will make you laugh in parts, jump at times, and most definately cry at the gripping finale. dare you to enter el labyrinto del faun!!! G

Summary: new version of an old classic (in my eyes). Spellbinding