Many a great filmmakers have described cinema as ‘Stories told through pictures’. And several film makers, big and small, continue to hold this definition close to their hearts when making their films. Guillermo Del Toro must definitely belong to this club, because ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ is certainly a work of art on this account, if not anything else.
Synopsis:
The film depicts the enchanting tale of how an emotionally troubled little girl’s overactive imagination helps her overcome loss and grief in the violent and troubled mess that is General Franco’s Spain circa 1944.
The film is a cinematic triumph. Every frame is laced with a lyrical beauty that can best be described as a Picasso drawn by Michelangelo. Del Toro’s story is a beautiful modern day fable, brought to life in vivid detail by the entire cast and crew. The direction is fantastic, no doubt, but the true credit lies with the actors, set designers, costume designers, cinematographer, sound department, special effects crew and the myriad of backstage magicians who have created the canvas on which Del Toro paints his masterpiece.
Pan’s Labyrinth is a bold, striking and beautiful fable. It is extremely violent, and some of the fairy tale sequences are quite gruesome and disturbing. Also, there are a couple of sequences where the logic behind the goings on seems questionable. However, such nitpicking apart, the film is near flawless in execution. And the climax will certainly stun you with it’s beauty.
This is a movie to be watched with your thinking cap on and your cinematic senses on full alert.
Thoroughly recommended for the true connoisseur.
Note:
You can check out the official website by clicking here and more user and critic reviews here.
Writer and Director: Guillermo Del Toro
Cast: Sergi Lopez, Maribel Verdu, Ivana Baquero, Doug James, Ariadna Gil
