Pan's Labyrinth

Pan’s Labyrinth was released on December 29, 2006. In the summer of 1944 in Francoist, Spain eleven-year-old Ofelia and her pregnant but sick mother, Carmen, journey to live with Carmen’s new husband, Captain Vidal. Carmen is bedridden and Ofelia finds time to explore. One night she is visited by a fairy who takes her to a faun. There, she discovers she is the lost princess Moanna and will have to complete three tasks before the full moon in order to return to her kingdom. I have been recommended this film countless times and I finally saw it on Netflix. My neighbor liked how I referred to it as a Spanish Narnia. One fact about this film is in Spanish it is called El laberinto del fauno which translates in English to The Labyrinth Of The Faun. Despite the English title it was released as, it has nothing to do with the faun called Pan in Greek Mythology which I had originally thought but that did not suede my interest in the slightest. I only found myself imagining I was a little girl again and going on an adventure.

In her film debut, Ivana Baquero was excellent as the sweet, smart, and curious Ofelia. Like all children, Ofelia has an imagination. She believes in magic and wants to live somewhere with happiness and peace. Her love for her mother and unborn brother is special and gives her the faith that things will get better as she prays for them to be somewhere beautiful. Living through war, even after it has ended can leave people traumatized and Ofelia, understandably, wants to escape her harsh reality.

Maribel Verdu portrayed the kind, nurturing, brave, and independent Mercedes. Since Carmen is sick, Mercedes acts like a second mother to Ofelia and takes care of her while her stepfather won’t. Like many others, she wants Spain to be free and doesn’t believe in Vidal’s ways. She may seem quiet at first, but she has a powerful voice that is waiting to be heard. Her role as a woman in post-World War II leaves many people to underestimate her. Don’t let her white apron and cutting fruit fool you. She is tough.

Sergio Lopez was frightening as the sadist and antagonistic Captain Vidal. As a respected soldier, many stands beside him, but others see right through him. His toxic masculinity and mannerism are completely cruel, and his immoral views make him a hated character. He represents the dictatorship Spain went through and believes in order if someone just like him is in charge. Throughout the film he talks about his father teaching him all he knows and becomes set on making his new son just like him clearly not caring about what happens to Carmen in the process.

Although she had a small role Ariana Gil was important as Ofelia’s mother, Carmen. After becoming a widow and losing the life she had raised Ofelia in she clearly needed to build a new one for them explaining to Ofelia that’s she is too young to understand the world. Carmen puts on a brave face for Ofelia, but she hides shame that she isn’t strong enough to raise her on her own. I would say Carmen represents two important things. Vidal sees her as someone he must go through to get what he wants while Ofelia sees hope and a bright future with her family. I thought it was sweet while she was talking to Carmen’s tummy while sleeping promising, she’ll make him a prince if he “please don’t hurt her.”

Alex Angelo was fascinating as Doctor Ferreiro His goals seems simple at first, he wants to heal people. However, he didn’t shy away from his beliefs. Becoming a friend to Mercedes and standing up to Vidal, Ferreiro chooses his own path to follow, understanding the importance of freedom.

Doug Jones brought to life the sinister appearances of the Faun and Pale Man. Since he didn’t speak Spanish Jones opted to learn the dialog for authentication. He botched to memorize the pronunciation of his lines and memorize them for his scenes. This also worked as a habit as he stated the costume made it difficult to hear. Both costumes took hours to put on but for the Faun Jones had to be on a pair of green screen legs so the CGI could take over during production.

Guillermo del Toro created a story that was a disobedient fairy tale and a sense of hope during a terrible time. The audience is treated to the harsh ships of war and a fantasy adventure. Although the film is rated R, I would say it is tame enough for someone in their early teens to view. That being said there, are heavy themes of war involved and it can get graphic at times. Also, many viewers have spoken about how scary the Pale Man scene is. I say make your own judgement. If you are triggered by any of the above things, I mentioned I would say to skip it but if you are in the mood for an adventure and to feel like a kid again I highly recommend Pan’s Labyrinth.