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Pan's Labyrinth is the most beautiful and exquisite
film I have seen in the last few years. Guillermo Del Toro
has crafted a masterpiece of cinema that slowly bends reality
into fantasy. The film is about a young girl named Ofelia
who is living in post-war Spain. Her father has died and
now she and her pregnant mother are traveling into the country
to live with the prestigious Captain Vidal, whom her mother
has now remarried with. Captain Vidal is introduced in an
early scene as a barbaric murderer who is only interested
in Ofelia's mother to bear his child so that his son can
grow up with his name. Ofelia escapes into a world of fantasy
and horror that is equally as disturbing as the real life
events going on around her with the war. There are two parallel
storylines in the film. The one that deals with Ofelia in
the world of the labyrinth and the storyline with Vidal
dealing with revolutionaries who live in the mountains.
* * *
The brilliant part of the film is that Del Toro juxtaposes
Ofelia's world with the real world. For example, in one
part of the film Ofelia must encounter a creature who has
eyes in his hands, and even though he sits in front of long
table of food he still craves innocent children and innocent
creatures. Directly before this scene we see Captain Vidal
hosting a giant dinner party where he sits at the head of
the table. It's symbolism at its finest. Credit also has
to go the superb art direction, make up and visual effects
that transport the audience into Ofelia's world. The make
up on the faun that instructs Ofelia to complete the tasks
is unbelievable. The film takes us deep into the darkest
part of the human realm and sends us on an unforgettable
journey. Javier Navarette's beautiful score plays a huge
role in creating the world of Pan's Labyrinth. I honestly
believe it would be a crime if he does not win at the Oscars
. He is the only composer nominated worthy of the statue.
* * *
Ivana Baquero is absolutely stunning in this film as
Ofelia. She plays the character beautifully and makes the
audience care for her every step of the way. The supporting
cast is just as good. Sergi Lopez makes a very convincing
and evil Captain Vidal. I think Vidal should be considered
as one of the better screen villains in last decade. Credit
also should be given to Doug Jones who plays the faun also
known as Pan. Jones is one of the better known costume actors
in Hollywood and previously worked with Del Toro on Hellboy.
He even learned a little Spanish for the role. ---
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