Pan’s Labyrinth 2006
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Seen by this director: The Shape of Water, Pacific Rim, Hellboy
- Based on the novel: no
- Cast: Ivana Banquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú
- Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
- Sergi López – Dirty Pretty Things
- Why? Highly recommended
- Seen: 14 April 2022
1944. The Spanish Civil War is over, but the guerrillas continue to
fight against Franco’s army.
Young Ofelia (Banquero) loves fairy tales. Her pregnant mother Carmen
(Gil) is now married to Vidal (López), a Franco soldier who hunts and kills guerrillas
or anyone he wants to.
Ofelia finds her way to a labyrinth where Pan gives her missions, and
magic to fulfil them. She confides in Mercedes (Verdú), who is one of the guerrillas.
It’s gruesome and violent and scary for kids and adults alike. We know
how badly it goes for the guerrillas in reality. But for Ofelia?
The story of the guerrillas’ fight interwoven with the fantasy is an
unusual concept. Fantasy and grim true history make an excellent combination
(see https://themerlinchronicles.wordpress.com/
)
It’s almost unbearably suspenseful. The only tiny flaw is the king and queen and princess aspect. I don’t like the concept of royalty. But don’t let that stop you.
4 ½ * of 5
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