Different people will react differently to Panâs Labyrinth due to its themes of innocence and reality. Is magic real? Can the light of childhood persevere despite the ugliness of the real world which surrounds it? Your answer depends on your interpretation of the film's ending.
Set in Spain, in 1944, young Ophelia (Ivana Baquero) learns from a strange creature (performed by Doug Jones, voiced by Pablo AdĂĄn) that she is the reincarnation of a fairy princess. As she accomplishes the tasks that will allow her to return to her kingdom, Ofeliaâs stepfather, the cruel Falangist Captain Vidal (Sergi LĂłpez) searches for republican rebels.
As an adult, I often find myself longing for the days when I believed in magic. Although they were often filled with nightmares (even a simple sticker marked Dracula pasted onto my bed frame was enough to terrify me at night), I was too preoccupied with the make-belief to realize how frightening reality can be. Despite the witch in Snow White being irredeemably evil, her realm of fantasy will always prevent her from being as frightening as Captain Vidal. Just as fairytales and myths prepare children by showing them the dangers of the outside world, Pan's Labyrinth prepares us for the worst of humanity. It teaches us that although there are dazzling wonders and beauty to be found, some forms of evil cannot be reasoned with and must be avoided at all costs. It's been so long since we've sat down with a story of fauns and princesses that we've forgotten how important the lesson is. This makes Pan's Labyrinth a fairytale for adults.
Thereâs something about this film that appeals both to the child inside you and the adult, mixing the fairytale elements and the war dramas in a way that is rarely attempted. Ophelia's magical trials are distractions from the real world ruled by her vicious stepfather but deep down, you know it's only a temporary escape. The story makes you feel both young and old at once. It arouses such complex emotions and states of being so effectively - and all without spelling it out - that itâs a masterpiece of storytelling.
If this weren't enough, Panâs Labyrinth is an incredible sight filled with imagination. Its creatures are unique creations that will fill your eyes with stars or your nights with chills. You want to see this tale by Guillermo del Toro just to witness the makeup and puppetry used to bring the fantasy realm to life. The art direction and design are superb.
The plot and themes are sophisticated, the visuals gorgeous. What about the people within this world? Normally, it would be hard to tell, at least for this reviewer, as I don't speak Spanish. This time, it didn't matter. The cast is excellent, particularly young Ivana Baquero.
The only thing to criticize about Pan's Labyrinth is its title, which would be better translated as The Labyrinth of the Faun. It's a story that will appeal to anyone that used to be a child and has now grown up. Its narrative holds tremendous power, more than enough to earn it full marks. The same could be said about its visuals and emotional weight. (Theatrical version with English Subtitles, February 2, 2015)
