2006
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Writer: Guillermo del Toro
Lead Actors:Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López
Pan’s Labyrinth written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, is a gruesome twist on your average fairy tale.
This southern gothic film features violence, lack of emotion, the supernatural and the typical ‘southern gothic’ family tree.
The story follows the journey of a young girl who gets transported to a mystical world after entering a labyrinth. She’s faced with tasks from both the real world, such as her sadistic step father and the war ridden world she lives in, as well as the mystical tasks to save her mother and get out of the world.
I love this movie. Partly because one of my favorite classes I’ve taken here at Texas State was southern gothic story telling. My professor loved this movie and after watching for the second time I understand why. Before, I watched for analysis of the story line but this time I tried to sit and enjoy it.
Although this story seems to be a kid friendly film, It is quite the opposite. I loved the raw emotionless violence (but don’t advocate for it lol). This kind of emotionless character seen in this film, and many others like The Lobster, Killing Of A Scared Deer, is one I find to absolutely love.
This is one of those movies you watch but never forget. The visuals are so raw and shocking that they are almost implanted into your consciousness.
I loved the set design. The tunnel for the tree especially.
Two things that stood out to me were the sound design in the quiet scenes, like when she was getting chased by her step dad, and the storyline (obviously).
Of course, I give it 5 stars honestly across the board.
A Friend of Film 