Pan’s Labyrinth

Posted by Josh Anker (josh1234@gmail.com) on January 12, 2007

Pan’s Labyrinth is a journey back into the fairy-tale world of myths and legends, and beasts and monsters that we all knew as children. With exquisitely executed special effects and makeup, it was incredibly believable and detailed. As clear as the storyline was, however, there was still room for personal interpretation, a refreshing and welcome change of pace from movies that practically instruct the audience in what to think.

The movie has subtitles, but no one should let that stop them from seeing it. After a few minutes, I forgot I was really reading them, and I didn’t miss any of the stunning visual aspects of the movie because I had to read the dialogue. I did, however, wonder how much of Guillermo del Toro’s story was lost in translation.

The movie, both written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, wasted no time pulling me in. Even the necessary background “getting the viewer up to speed” scenes and hints of information enthralled me and made me want to know more, and want to know what was going to happen next. The film doesn’t keep you wondering about the world of Fauns, magic, and Ofelia’s (played beautifully by 12-year-old Ivana Baquero) role in it. It pleasingly explains what the magic means and what she must do, and the viewer is always aware of the same information that the main character is, including what trials she must overcome.

Baquero’s co-stars performed their parts with equal skill. Sergi Lopez, as Ofelia’s stepfather, Captain Vidal, played the part of a military man consumed with his duty and driven by his quest for a son to continue his bloodline to utter believability.

By far, my favorite part of the movie was the makeup, costumes, and special effects of the supernatural characters. Pan, who directs Ofelia in the tasks she must perform, was a far cry from Mr. Tumnus. His costume and makeup had him look like he was both real and part of the natural world at the same time. I especially liked how Ofelia described him: He smelled of earth. It’s not every day that the audience gets to hear how a character smells, and it lent a measure of credibility to del Toro’s fantasy world. During one of Ofelia’s tasks there is a scene with more bugs than I’ve seen since I last watched “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” The special effects and set crew get full credit for a great job of production.

With solid acting, characters & sets, and story, Pan’s Labyrinth was an engrossing delve into a mature world of fantasy and imagination; something we don’t get often enough.

Read more articles by Josh Anker