Pan's Labyrinth
Definitely one of the more interesting films I've seen in a long time. But then I'll need to explain my position before anyone who gets turned on by different things rush to see it. I'll do this by deconstructing the elements that I have a soft spot for:
1) Fairy tales / mythology
Ofelia, the protangonist, is a girl who loves fairy tales - like me. She doesn't care much for pretty clothes and would rather spend her time indulging in a fantasy world. Sounds familiar! A faun tells her that she is a princess of the underworld and she must perform the quests in order to earn her the right to become the princess - namely to show that she is not like any mortal. She gets to meet interesting creatures from stick insect fairies, a faun, and a horrific pale creature with eyes on his palms, something right out of Silent Hill. Here's a pix of this baby killing wretch:
Cha! No, in the film he's more frightening than this!
2) Grim reality
Set in the Spanish civil war, Ofelia and her mother moved into the home of a Facist Captain who is vain and cruel, and is obsessed about having a son (yes, my pet peeve) above all cost. He seems to enjoy torturing people and shooting them in the face. It's easy to hate the bastard. Things get complicated when a bunch of guerrillas try to overthrow his reign.
3) Cruelty and violence
This is NOT a film for children despite its references to fairy tales. There is a lot of blood. There is a war going on. People get killed here. A lot. There are some scenes that make me turn away. And I usually have a strong stomach for these things. Damage is done with knives, guns and torture implements. Watch this with an open mind and a strong stomach.
4) Pure heart
Standing apart from such a desolate and grim reality is the pureness and goodness of a child. Yes, there is always hope even in such dark circumstances, something I always believe in. Pureness of heart is something that we can cling on to, even in our darkest hours when faith in mankind diminishes.
5) Exotic foreign language - Spanish
Ola! It's always refreshing to watch a foreign language film, and Spanish does sound so very nice.
6) Tragedy
I won't say more but do bring some tissues in case you are as much a waterworks as I am.
Conclusion: If all the above elements appeal to you, then this is one show you MUST watch. The set deco and creatures are amazing, the weaving of fantasy and reality masterful and the way your emotions are tugged, almost too brutally.
Definitely one of the more interesting films I've seen in a long time. But then I'll need to explain my position before anyone who gets turned on by different things rush to see it. I'll do this by deconstructing the elements that I have a soft spot for:
1) Fairy tales / mythology
Ofelia, the protangonist, is a girl who loves fairy tales - like me. She doesn't care much for pretty clothes and would rather spend her time indulging in a fantasy world. Sounds familiar! A faun tells her that she is a princess of the underworld and she must perform the quests in order to earn her the right to become the princess - namely to show that she is not like any mortal. She gets to meet interesting creatures from stick insect fairies, a faun, and a horrific pale creature with eyes on his palms, something right out of Silent Hill. Here's a pix of this baby killing wretch:
Cha! No, in the film he's more frightening than this!
2) Grim reality
Set in the Spanish civil war, Ofelia and her mother moved into the home of a Facist Captain who is vain and cruel, and is obsessed about having a son (yes, my pet peeve) above all cost. He seems to enjoy torturing people and shooting them in the face. It's easy to hate the bastard. Things get complicated when a bunch of guerrillas try to overthrow his reign.
3) Cruelty and violence
This is NOT a film for children despite its references to fairy tales. There is a lot of blood. There is a war going on. People get killed here. A lot. There are some scenes that make me turn away. And I usually have a strong stomach for these things. Damage is done with knives, guns and torture implements. Watch this with an open mind and a strong stomach.
4) Pure heart
Standing apart from such a desolate and grim reality is the pureness and goodness of a child. Yes, there is always hope even in such dark circumstances, something I always believe in. Pureness of heart is something that we can cling on to, even in our darkest hours when faith in mankind diminishes.
5) Exotic foreign language - Spanish
Ola! It's always refreshing to watch a foreign language film, and Spanish does sound so very nice.
6) Tragedy
I won't say more but do bring some tissues in case you are as much a waterworks as I am.
Conclusion: If all the above elements appeal to you, then this is one show you MUST watch. The set deco and creatures are amazing, the weaving of fantasy and reality masterful and the way your emotions are tugged, almost too brutally.
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