Dir. Guillermo del ToroEl Labyrinto del Fauno
[Fantasy]
Guillermo del Toro's fairytale epic combines beauty, elegance, wonder, terror, sadness and hope in a way I never thought possible. Not only is it the best release of 2006, it is a compelling masterpiece and one of the greatest movies of recent times.
Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, El Labyrinto del Fauno follows the story of a young girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) who, ignoring the wishes of her murderous and brutal step father, Captain Vidal (Sergi Lopez), follows a fairy into the woods and happens upon a forgotten labyrinth. Its inhabitant, a faun named Pan (Doug Jones), reveals that Ofelia is the long-lost princess of an ancient kingdom and must complete three tasks in order to return to her despairing family.
Though the plot of the film may appear derivative, it is the way in which El Labyrinto del Fauno is presented, acted and constructed which makes it so special. It is visually stunning from beginning to end, effortlessly juxtaposing grim, war-torn environments with inspired fantasy settings. The actors all give flawless performances, especially Lopez who, despite playing a deranged sadist for the most part, succeeds in exposing his character's hidden fragility as forgotten secrets begin to emerge. In fact, all of the main characters are given space to develop and do so accordingly - Ofelia's wide-eyed acceptance is soon riddled with suspicion and even Vidal's doctor is forced to reassess his loyalties.
El Labyrinto del Fauno is tough, violent and occasionally terrifying - certainly not characteristics of a traditional fairytale. However, what del Toro manages to capture so majestically is the essence of what makes the form so successful; the fact that this occurs in such a mature setting is testament to the man's ability and imagination. Try to recall, if you will, your initial reaction to the tales of Goldilocks, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood et al and you'll begin to appreciate the feelings that El Labyrinto del Fauno can evoke. Believe it or not, it really is that good. 96
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