written and directed by Guillermo del Toro
with: Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Ariadna Gil
From what I can recall while I write this, El Laberinto del Fauno (original title) is probably the best piece of fantasy I have ever seen. Del Toro does a wonderful job representing a child's mind and imagination within the cultural context of a raped Spain by Franco's Fascist regime. This movie works because it does what most films with fantastical creatures don't, it is not only about fantastical creatures. It is part of a real historical context where the fantastical creatures (very unique and distinguishably creatively made, with impressive make up art) are featured (and where both fantasy and reality are equally horrific, but one from a child's point of view, distracted from that of an adult's). This is Del Toro's masterpiece so far and it is in the same vein as The Devil's Backbone, but improved; more visually stunning and more violent, yet even more accessible. Fantasy for adults and fearless kids ready to please your eyes.
Must see.
Rating: 9/10
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