Pan's Labyrinth Doesn't Lead Astray

Director Guillermo del Toro (the creative genius behind Hellboy) treats us to a dark and violent fantasy world, that is at the same time beautifully alluring. It's been several years since there's been a rock solid fantasy film with the the potential to become a classic. Toro's Pan's Labyrinth is right on.

Set in 1940's Spain during wartime, the plot revolves around a young girl named Ofelia (played with a sincere innocence by Ivana Baquero), who goes to live at the countryside home of her cruel military step father. After a short time, Ofelia's mother becomes deathly ill due to complications from pregnancy. Ofelia discovers a magic labyrinth in the woods, and there she meets a mysterious faun who charges her with three important tasks. Helping her along her dark adventure is the head housekeeper and covert rebel, Mercedes, as well as various creatures and fairies.

Make no mistake, Guillermo del Toro's vision is original and beautiful, however, he doesn't shy away from the horrors of war, the cruelty of men, or the evilness of ancient monsters. The violence is intense, and one wouldn't be too far off likening this film to a Spanish language, R-rated, Chronicles of Narnia. A few scenes are especially disturbing, including one in which the evil Captain crushes a man's nose by repeatedly bashing him in the face with a wine-bottle. Like every bed-time fairy-tale, the story is simple and engaging, however this one's not for the kids.

Guillermo del Toro has crafted a wonderfully dark universe from his imagination that both frightens and inspires. In the current world of fantasy films that seem to be little more than childish clones of each other, Pan's Labyrinth leads audiences where they want to go. Be advised this film is completely in Spanish with English subtitles. A