Review - Pan's Labyrinth

by John Mizer
February 7, 2007

Pan's Labyrinth is a fairy tale that is not for children. Director Guillermo Del Toro has crafted a story that blends politics, fantasy, suspense, horror and action in such a fashion that vascilates from genre to genre in generous heaps and dizzying speeds. Set in Spain in 1944, the story finds the protagonist named Ofelia to be not of her time and place with perhaps a different, if not higher calling.

Some scenes may be definitely cringe-worthy but all are certainly memorable. The fim is beautifully shot and scored and although the story itself is nothing new, the presentation is spectacular. This film may miss its audience as it's hard to classify, which ironically is often one of the traits of a great film.

Rating: 4 out of 5