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| Movie Review: Pan's Labyrinth Alternate Title: Nightmares and Dreamscapes
Story: We are surely not in
Kansas anymore as we enter the terrifying world of director and writer
Guillermo del Toro. This Gothic tale takes place in northern Spain
in 1944 where Franco's Fascists are fighting the resisting Nationalists.
Ofelia, a young girl moves to a military outpost with her pregnant mother
who has recently married the very sadistic commander. Ofelia happens upon a stone labyrinth where she
meets a faun who promises her eternal life and an escape from this nightmare
of a life if she can complete three tasks (why are there always three
tasks?) Del Toro has created two equally horrifying worlds
. The real Fascist controlled world and the fantastic Nether world complete
with fairies, fauns, insatiable toads and other scary creatures. If you like your films dark, scary, nerve wracking
and visually stunning, this film is for you. Be warned, there is graphic
violence, torture and bad things do happen to good people. This is NOT
a film for children. Acting: Ivana Baquero as little
Ofelia is beautiful in an un-Hollywood way and that was very refreshing.
She had a lovely combination of nativity and courage. Sergi
Lopez was very effective as the terrifying villain. I was afraid
every time he came on screen. The entire cast was good.
Predilection: None
Critters: Horses and lots of made up creatures including
fairies, fauns, toads, bugs and flying stuff.
Food: Meat, potatoes, milk, bread and an amazing
spread of don't touch goodies in the Nether world.
Soundtrack: Stirring
Opening Titles: All of the titles are at the end.
Visual Art: Del Toro creates a fabulous visual experience.
Theater Audience: Packed for the first show on New
year's Eve day.
Weather: It seems it does rain in Spain.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 2
Squirm Scale: 5 - There were very squirmy torture
scenes where I had to close my eyes often.
Drift Factor: I did not drift at all.
Predictability Level: Moderate
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: The visuals sure were good.
Soap Box: Fascists suck.
Big Screen or Rental: If you are going to see this
than the big screen is the way to go. Some of Guillermo del
Toro's other films are: Cronos, Mimic, The Devil's Backbone,
Hellboy and Blade 2.
Length: Two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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