ZEE'S REVIEWS

23rd February 2009
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Pan's Labyrinth is a gorgeous fairytale that hearkens back to the primal origins of fairytales: where tyranny, injustice and violence are very real, but can be defeated by love, sacrifice and courage.

Set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, it is the story of a young girl, Ofelia, whose belief in fairytales has not diminished despite the turmoil around her. Her mother has recently wed an officer in the fascist regime, Captain Vidal, and is carrying his child. He summons them to join him in the countryside, where he and his soldiers are garrisoned.

In the gardens of their new home, Ofelia discovers a magical labyrinth  whose inhabitants recognise her as their lost princess Moanna. They  promise her the destiny she has dreamed of if she proves herself worthy. Ofelia's quest to complete her three assigned tasks is interwoven with her efforts to protect her mother. At the same time, Vidal escalates his campaign to destroy the resistance, which is fighting a desperate guerilla war against him. The two storylines converge at the climax, with explosive consequences.

There are great performances from all the cast, especially Ivana Baquero as Ofelia, brave in the midst of horror. The eyeless Pale Man she encounters is one of the most terrifying monsters to cross the screen, and yet he is more than easily matched by Vidal's casual  brutality.

Pan's Labyrinth fully deserves the acclaim it has garnered. Lyrical, fablelike, and beautifully filmed from first to last, it evokes a real sense of wonder and peril.