Pan’s Labyrinth
Director: Guillermo del Toro.
Screenplay: Guillermo del Toro.
Starring: Sergi López, Ivana Baquero, Maribel Verdú, Álex Angulo, Doug Jones, Ariadne Gil, Manolo Solo, Roger Casamajor.
“You’re getting older, and you’ll see that life isn’t like your fairy tales. The world is a cruel place. And you’ll learn that, even if it hurts”
Despite being quite a prominent name in cinema just now, director Guillermo del Toro hasn’t actually made that many movies. He came to attention in 1993 with his excellent feature debut “Cronos” before Hollywood quickly took note and employed him on such films as “Mimic” and “Blade II“. However, his strengths lie in his own original work where he retains creative control. Of which, there are three that really stand out; the aforementioned “Cronos” is one, “The Devil’s Backbone” another and “Pan’s Labyrinth” – which to this day, remains his masterpiece. 
Plot: Following the Spanish Civil War in 1944, young Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) moves to a rural town with her pregnant mother (Ariadne Gil) to live with her Fascist military stepfather (Sergi López) who is determined to weed out resistance fighters to Franco’s dictatorship. It’s in this remote town that Ofelia meets a faun in the centre of a labyrinth who tells her that she is a princess. However, to claim her rightful place in this magical land she must perform certain gruesome tasks to prove her royalty.
It’s hard to pigeon hole a film like Pan’s Labyrinth as there are so many facets to it’s structure. On the one hand, it’s a political/historical drama and on the other it’s a fantasy/horror. Few (if any) films will spring to mind when these genres are mentioned in the same breath which reflects the very craftsmanship that’s at work here. One thing that you can undoubtedly count on, though, is it’s highly imaginative nature. Sure, we’ve had fantastical stories before where a young girl escapes her constrained life to enter bigger and more possible worlds. We’ve also had commentaries on the brutalities and restrictions of fascist regimes but to combine them into a wondrous journey of life, struggle and imagination is an amalgamation that I have rarely witnessed. Such is the case with this film and such is the skill of del Toro in his writing and handling of the material. He incorporates an abundance of childhood fantasies, from delving into books and mythology – that feature fauns and fairies – to the power of a piece of chalk on the wall. This may be built around the point of view of a child’s eye but its also not afraid to explore the darker recesses of that very imagination and construct some of the most monstrous creatures that can inhabit that realm.
Del Toro is in absolute command here and he’s aided, immeasurably, by cinematographer Guillermo Navarro in capturing and contrasting his world within a world; one is a visually striking and enchanting fantasia, the other a stark and brutal reality. It’s a balance that’s difficult to achieve but with deft handling of coexisting genres, del Toro’s vision is able to come to fruition and manages to be both a reminder of the rigidity of fascism and the escapable ability of an imaginary youthful mind.
To embody the young protagonist, we are gifted an outstanding performance from Ivana Baquero who carries a heavy weight on her young shoulders and does so, with a skill beyond her years. Sergi Lopez also provides marvellous support as the bestial Captain Vidal who’s a smouldering villain that’s on a par with any of the war genre’s nastiest characters.
It’s very difficult to find criticism in this film as there simply, isn’t any. The only one that stands out is in the film’s title. It’s slightly misleading as “Pan” never actually features here. The original international title translates as “Labyrinth of the Fuan” which is probably the most pedantic gripe you’ll ever hear from me. This is a stunning piece of work that’s both beautifully and horrifically executed. Modern masterpiece is a term that gets brandished around too often these days but this is one that’s certainly deserving of such praise.
Mark Walker
Trivia: Guillermo del Toro repeatedly said “no” to Hollywood producers, in spite of being offered double the budget provided the film was made in English. He didn’t want any compromise in the storyline to suit the “market needs”.
MARKED MOVIES 
March 28, 2013 at 3:52 pm
I thought I was the only person who had seen Cronos. Did you ever see this short called Welcome to Bleak House? It is an interview and look inside his work space, amazing stuff. I think it might be on Youtube it’s part of the criterion collection. O yeah and I really liked Pan’s Labyrinth. 😉
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March 28, 2013 at 4:14 pm
I loved Cronos Adam. Seen it a long time ago but I’d love to catch it again.
I’ve heard of Welcome to bleak house but never seen it. Somebody was telling me about it a while back. It might even have been yourself. ?
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March 28, 2013 at 4:15 pm
It may have been i was having a bit of deja vu when I was writing that. lol
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March 28, 2013 at 4:23 pm
My memory is hazy but I think it was you. 😉
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March 28, 2013 at 3:58 pm
Great review Mark. I can’t praise this film enough and I agree wholeheartedly with giving it full marks. Hands down one of my favourite films. With the title, Pan is the faun, is he not?
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March 28, 2013 at 4:17 pm
Cheers Chris. It is something special isn’t it. Caught it again last night on tv and it still reeks of absolute class. Yeah, the title’s misleading the faun in the film is not Pan. Apparently, in most countries the film doesn’t get this title it’s only in the UK and US I think. Del Toro himself has admitted that it’s not Pan.
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March 28, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Ah I see, I didn’t know that. That’s weird that we don’t get the proper title. Obviously we understand who Pan is but not what a faun is!
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March 28, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Yeah, I don’t understand it either. What’s the point of calling something it’s not? Wait…wait… whats a faun again? 😉
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March 28, 2013 at 3:59 pm
Agree, it is a modern masterpiece. I was blown away by it when I first saw it and reading this makes me want to watch it again. Nice review.
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March 28, 2013 at 4:21 pm
Thanks man. I hadn’t seen it myself for a while until I caught it again last night. I had always wanted to include it in my reviews and when the opportunity arose I couldn’t knock it back.
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March 28, 2013 at 4:01 pm
I couldn’t agree more. A modern masterpiece, indeed. Fine look at this Mark.
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March 28, 2013 at 4:22 pm
Thanks Michael. It’s just a wonderful film and a real favourite of mine. I doubt del Toro can ever better this to be honest.
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March 28, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Yes, yes, yes! I absolutely love this film. Back on my old website I reviewed this movie and I think I gave it five stars as well. Talk about a difficult but rewarding movie to watch. It also features hands down one of the most detestable movie villains I’ve ever seen. Toss in the disturbing visuals and gritty tone and you have a phenomenal movie. I agree with you 100% Mark.
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March 28, 2013 at 4:47 pm
Excellent! Glad to hear you’re in agreement here bro. It’s a wonderful piece of cinema isn’t it? It has a little of everything and manages to blend them a seamlessly. It’s a magnificent achievement. You should check out del Toro’s Cronos and The Devil’s Backbone if you haven’t seen them. Not as good as this but still brilliant.
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March 28, 2013 at 5:02 pm
I haven’t seen either of those. Thanks for the heads up!
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March 28, 2013 at 5:25 pm
No worries man! I think you’ll like them.
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March 28, 2013 at 5:11 pm
I am wondering only one thing… Why haven’t I seen this movie!
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March 28, 2013 at 5:25 pm
That’s the very thing I’m wondering now as well. LOL
You should make a point of it though. It’s absolutely superb. Thanks for dropping by and sharing what you’ve missed out on! 😉
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March 28, 2013 at 5:39 pm
Great flik. I always wondered why Del Toro stays with “creature” features. I think it must be a belief in the existence of hell and the devil. Children’s fairy tales fight the devil’s henchmen here on earth. Like Fascists and vampires.
Nice write-up. Makes me want to re-see it.
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March 28, 2013 at 5:52 pm
Cheers Ray. Yeah, he does seem partial to the underworld doesn’t he? Even Hellboy comes into that. Thing is, when he does it so well why change the habit? Nothing compares to this one though. I loved Cronos and The Devil’s Backbone but this is just different class.
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March 28, 2013 at 5:55 pm
Absolutely worthy of being called a masterpiece. It’s an incredible movie. One of my all time favorites. Spectacular and imiginative. Beutiful and horrendous at the same time, as you point out.
Nice Review, Mark!
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March 28, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Cheers Fogs. It most certainly is an incredible movie. I’ve seen it a number of times now and it just gets better with every viewing. Del Toro has delivered something very special indeed here and it’ll last the test of time.
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March 28, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Weird very weird but in Del Toro style very good 😀
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March 28, 2013 at 6:39 pm
I loved it’s weirdness Tim. Great, great, great film, man. 😉
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March 28, 2013 at 7:38 pm
What do you think about his Pacific Rim?
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March 28, 2013 at 8:34 pm
In all honesty I’ve been trying to avoid any hype and reading anything about it Tim but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited. It could be something special again from del Toro.
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March 28, 2013 at 9:53 pm
I would love to see what he can do with a big budget, just hoping it doesnt overwhelm him. However they have already approved work on a sequel script so the studios must be happy with it 😀
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March 28, 2013 at 10:12 pm
That’s good news right there Tim. I’d like to see Del Toro with a big budget but as you say, there are dangers with such a thing. I think he’ll handle it well though. Here’s hoping!
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March 28, 2013 at 10:14 pm
Fingers crossed 😀
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March 28, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Wow! 5 Stars!!!!
Great stuff Mark, I loved this movie as well. I’ve only watched it once but I think it’s time to rewatch it.
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March 28, 2013 at 6:40 pm
It’s a definite 5 star movie Chris. I didn’t need to think twice about it. You should watch it again, it’s a film that gets better every time and has everything you could want from a film.
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March 28, 2013 at 6:35 pm
This is one of those “I’d have to go back to my review to figure out why i didn’t give it an A-plus” movies.
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March 28, 2013 at 6:42 pm
It’s definitely worth revisiting and reassessing your score Alexander. This is an absolute masterclass. What was your rating out of interest?
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March 28, 2013 at 7:49 pm
Despite its gruesome violence, I was very curious to see this and was definitely impressed by the visual creativity. It’s such a dark story that’s quite terrifying and gut-wrenching, but I’m glad I saw it. I totally get the high rating here Mark.
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March 28, 2013 at 8:37 pm
The violence was definitely gruesome Ruth. I can understand you not taking to that side of it but I thought it had a great balance between the darkness and potential light. I think it’s an absolutely superb film and I’ve yet to see anything that manages to combine genres as well as this does. It’s a personal favourite of mine. Outstanding! 🙂
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March 28, 2013 at 9:19 pm
Good piece, Mark. Nicely done.
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March 28, 2013 at 9:29 pm
Thanks Vic. Ive been meaning to do a review of this one for a while.
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March 29, 2013 at 2:22 am
Glad to see this review being so positive – I too am a big big fan of this film!
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March 29, 2013 at 7:38 am
It’s brilliant stuff isn’t it? There’s no doubt in my mind that it deserves top marks.
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March 29, 2013 at 5:36 pm
Five stars from Mark?? Well played sir!!! Definitely worthy of it!
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March 29, 2013 at 5:46 pm
Love it Eric. It’s astoundingly good movie. Almost everything about it is perfect. Have you seen it?
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March 29, 2013 at 5:49 pm
Oh yes!! I LOVE IT!! Five stars all the way!
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March 29, 2013 at 5:56 pm
Superb bro! Glad to hear it. By the way, when we getting together again. We have much work to do. 😉
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March 29, 2013 at 6:04 pm
We definitely need to fire something up! I was thinking about that just yesterday. I’ll work up an email to you soon, my man!
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March 29, 2013 at 6:05 pm
Good stuff! I’ve had a couple in mind but we’ll see where we land.
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March 29, 2013 at 6:07 pm
Sounds great!! Send em over!! ei@theipc.me : )
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March 29, 2013 at 6:14 pm
By the way – giving this Paperboy movie a watch right now… interesting…
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March 29, 2013 at 6:15 pm
Nice! I look forward to what you’ve got to say about it.
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March 29, 2013 at 6:18 pm
check that email I just sent you – fucking fate!!
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March 29, 2013 at 6:24 pm
Ahaha! The universe has spoken! I dint think we can choose anything else now.
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March 29, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Nope!
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March 29, 2013 at 6:31 pm
So be it! I’ll get cracking. 🙂
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March 29, 2013 at 6:43 pm
Couldn’t have said it better myself, excellent review. A modern classic to be sure. This was my first ever foreign film and it remains my favorite
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March 29, 2013 at 10:12 pm
I’ve seen many foreign movies, Andy. Many! This, however, is still one of the very best. Glad to hear you’re fan 🙂
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March 30, 2013 at 1:29 am
Great review, Marky! This one is truly something special. One of my favorite films.
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March 30, 2013 at 7:39 pm
Thanks Fernando. I totally agree, it is indeed something special. It’s a real favourite of mine also.
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March 31, 2013 at 8:50 pm
For what it’s worth, The Devil’s Backbone remains my favorite del Toro. It’s not as pretty or fanciful as Pan, but I like the story more, and I love the look of Santi.
Saying that I like Pan’s less isn’t saying much, though–The Devil’s Backbone is one of my favorite all-time films.
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April 1, 2013 at 4:19 pm
The Devil’s Backbone is definitely a superb film. For me, it would be Pan’s that shades it as I really enjoyed the fantasy element but I can understand your reasons for choosing it. I’ve not came across many people that have actually seen The Devil’s Backbone never mind rating it so highly. Thanks for dropping in and commenting 🙂
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April 1, 2013 at 3:16 pm
Completely agree Mark. This movie is beautifully horrific, and that pretty much sums it up.
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April 1, 2013 at 4:20 pm
Thanks Shane. Glad to see another fan of it and glad to see you stopping by and reading. Much appreciated, man.
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April 2, 2013 at 1:41 am
Cronos is one of my favourites, got the Criterion edition. Great review for a great film and director. Nice site by the way, I am now following. I just started my own film blog and would appreciate it if you checked it out. Hopefully you’ll like what you see.
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April 2, 2013 at 8:17 am
Cronos is none too shabby, that’s for sure. It’s a great film. Thanks for dropping by, man. I’ll swing around your site in a bit. 🙂
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April 3, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Nice review Mark. I love this film too, so creative, and I’ll definitely watch it again in the future. I thought it was great the way that the real life scenes with the fascists were actually more appalling/scary than the horror/fantasy scenes. I’ve not actually seen anything else by him, even Hellboy which is supposed to be a decent watch. As for Pacific Rim…hmmmm. I’ll have to wait and see on that one.
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April 3, 2013 at 8:46 pm
Cheers man. Yeah, the fascists were definitely more brutal and horrific. I strongly suggest you check out Cronos and The Devil’s Backbone. Pan’s Labyrinth is his masterpiece in my eyes but those two were my introduction to him. Hellboy is also a very decent movie but I find his strengths lie in his own native language movies.
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April 4, 2013 at 7:52 am
I will try and do so…cheers. Persuading the missus to watch any kind of horror film is pretty tough going!
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April 4, 2013 at 6:08 pm
I know what you mean. Mine is the same with dark drama’s and tough going material. She did like Pan’s Labyrinth though (The Devil’s Backbone).
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April 27, 2013 at 4:48 pm
One of my favorite movies ever – absolutely beautiful and seriously nothing bad to say about it at all. I thought it was called “Pan’s Labyrinth” BECAUSE of the faun though – because Pan has the hindquarters, legs, and horns of a goat much like a faun. Devil’s Backbone is my 2nd favorite of his – haven’t seen Cronos yet, will add it to my list now.
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April 29, 2013 at 2:34 pm
I have nothing bad to say about it either Misty. The only one was the title. I used to think the faun was Pan but according to del Toro it isn’t Pan at all, so it leaves the title slightly misleading. “The Labyrith of the Faun” is the more accurate european title. Like i mention in my review, though. This is just being pedantic as the film’s practically flawless. Glad to hear you feel the same.
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June 9, 2013 at 2:33 pm
[…] Pan’s Labyrinth * * * * * […]
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January 14, 2014 at 5:07 pm
I can’t think of a time I was more moved by a film’s ending. I couldn’t really find a fault in the film either. Just a joy.
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January 14, 2014 at 6:04 pm
It’s a marvellous piece of cinema. Like I say in my review… I consider it a modern classic. It’s just flawless.
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