Pan's Labyrinth Reviews

I really enjoyed watching this movie. If you've heard about this movie, you've probably heard that it is a fairy tale. It is in a sense, but it isn't one that you will want to bring your kids to watch. The movie is rated are for a reason; it is very graphic at times. If your stomach turns at watching graphic violence, you may want to skip this movie.

After saying that, I will say that this has a great story that grabs you and won't let you go until it ends. It ebbs and flows in and out of the fantasy world and the horror of war. The main character is a girl who is trying to make sense of her new stepfather and the life that has been thrust upon her. The fairy tale shows you a way in which she tries to cope with this situation that she doesn't want.

This movie is subtitled so you will have to read as you watch the movie. The film has very well done special effects that really add to the dark tone to the movie. Don't go into this movie thinking that this is a Disney movie where everyone lives happily ever after. This movie is powerful and is full of emotions. You won't feel you've wasted your hard earned money when you leave the theater after watching this one.

Flash

When I first arrived to the theater, I came in thinking Pan's Labyrinth was more a fantasy film than anything else. After the film ended, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. After thinking more about the film (a reason why I think the film works - it forced me to really think about the outcome) it was clear that it was more than just a fantasy film. Pan's Labyrinth found a way to balance a story between fantasy and reality that forces the viewer to imagine what life in war is like, and how everyone involved must deal with the situations in their own way.

The story puts all of the major characters in a situation where they are each trying to achieve their own goals, even the villain. It is a classic story, told and re-told through different mythology and fairy tales in many different cultures. The director's achievement is that it is a totally original story which brings together elements of fantasy and reality to make us reflect on our own lives.

Overall, the movie was very well made, but not for everyone. I believe many expected it to be purely fantasy or perhaps even horror, but this movie transcends all genre's and is unlike any other we've seen in a long time.