Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – Review

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

El Laberinto del Fauno aka Pan’s Labyrinth has been one of the highlights of the 2006 film calendar and I hope to explain why in this review.

Directed by Guillermo del Toro (Devil’s Backbone, Blade 2, Hellboy), Pan’s Labyrinth is the story of a young girl, Ofelia, who travels with her pregnant mother to their new home, a military outpost in a rural part of Spain commanded by her new stepfather Captain Vidal set against the time of the Spanish civil war of 1936-39…
The curious and dreamy Ofelia finds she has a mysterious past that links her with the surroundings of her new home. Various magical creatures guide her to rediscovering her past, but not without many obstacles and problems that try to stop her on her adventure.

The vision of del Toro has really come to life on the silver screen with this film. Drawing from his childhood experiences and fairytales stories he had heard, he created the world of Pan’s Labyrinth with great detail and originality. He formed his ideas with writing in his notebook, which he’d also use to make sketches. This notebook is the basis of all films to date and understandably is very important to him.

The film deals with some serious themes and some of the creatures are a little scary as well. The most notable character was the ‘Pale Man’ who Ofelia meets, with an old saggy body, very pale skin and no face he is quite ominous and helps to form one of the darker elements to the story.

The story is well structured and is emotional. To compliment the great visuals the score composed by Javier Navarrete captures the rollercoaster ride that Guillermo del Toro’s takes us on.

Guillermo del Toro has created a great film for both children and adults that deals with many issues including life and death and sacrifice.

A must see film for those who want to be immersed in a world of imagination that is captivating allowing you to ponder upon some of the messages in the film.

8/10