Review of Pan's Labyrinth

MA Stewart Liberty

What a strange and compelling film. It combines delightful and engrossing fairy story with sickening violence.

Set in Spain during the last stages of the Civil War the story centres round an 11 year old child whose widowed mother (Ariadna Gil) has recently married a cold, authoritarian, sadistic captain in Franco’s Army (Sergi Lopez) Whose job it is to mop up a bunch of guerrillas hiding out in the forest.

The child, Ofelia, played by Ivana Baquero, escapes into a fantasy world where she meets some very strange creatures, particularly a faun Pam in whose labyrinth she finds herself. He tells her she is the long lost princess of a magical kingdom.

To discover the truth she must accomplish three dangerous tasks.

Inspired by Goya’s pictures the film is visually mesmerising and completely involving. Highly recommended. Tho’ be prepared to peep through your fingers from time to time.