Once I caught a glimpse of the trailer for the Spanish film, Pan’s Labyrinth, I was beyond enthralled. And yesterday, I finally had the chance to watch it and was just floored by how brilliant it was. I haven’t been affected by a movie this much for so long. Beeing the big movie-buff that I am, I enjoy watching all kinds of movies even if it means subtitles. At the end of it all, no matter how supposedly bad a movie could be, I will eventually find something to my liking. But this is hardly the case.

Here’s a brief synopsis:

A gothic fairy tale set against the postwar repression of Franco’s Spain, Pan’s Labyrinth unfolds through the eyes of Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), a dreamy little girl who is uprooted to a rural military outpost commanded by her new stepfather. Powerless and lonely in a place of unfathomable cruelty, Ofelia lives out her own dark fable as she confronts monsters both otherworldly and human. (www.tribute.ca)

It’s a fantasy movie like no other. Crafted beautifully, it is even incomparable to Narnia or to possibly any hollywood fantasy flick. (I’m not even touching Harry Potter.) It stands on its own, I guess. You will literally be captivated by the cinematography and storytelling. It’s not some wishy-washy kid’s dream fairytale. It’s gothic and even morbid to an extent. You might even cringe a couple of times with how brutal it all can get. But it works and blends with the very essence of the movie, and won’t distract you from its overall tone.

The movie doesn’t only touch on the realm of the magical and fantasy, but it also weaves in so many historical real-life ordeals that the young heroine (who I so love) experiences. It’s set during the 1944 Fascist Spain (oh polsci…) and gives us a glimpse of the brutal war and undeniable cruelty during those times. There were so many underlying themes of love of family, sacrifice, pride and loyalty embedded, and all these were powerfully executed and portrayed that I couldn’t help but be moved to tears, to screams, to cringes, and even to blissful delight occassionally. Ahhhh. Ang ganda talaga.

The cinematography was unbelievable. There were so many dark elements, but they were all very, very magical. I’m a sucker for adventure-type movies, and the fantasy elements just added to my excitement. The execution was just flawless. At this point, I’m like a raving lunatic, but I can’t help but get chills from a mere recall of the movie. You will not be the least bothered by how dark and gothic it may initially seem to be, because you will get caught up and trapped in that bizarre, magical world, and you will enjoy it.

I love details. But sometimes, movies don’t deliver those details to their audience effectively, and I end up either disappointed or wanting for more. In this movie though, the way the shots were taken to accomodate such intricate and unique details is enough to make your jaw drop. Even the score was rightfully and tastefully subdued. I’m not kidding.

The actors gave outstanding performances. I really don’t know them seeing as I’m not a regular watcher of Spanish films (although this movie makes me want to!), but they were all brilliant, and deserve so much recognition. Even if you’re not an avid fan of subtitles, your attention won’t go awry. A big part of the film is its visual and aesthetic appeal, you will find yourself hooked almost immediately. Then on, you will get lost in the story, and eventually won’t mind.

As you can see, I can rave about this movie for hours, as much as I can watch it again and again. The best part of it was how it incorporated so many realities and realms: politics, history, magic, mythology, fantasy, fairy-tale, etc. And you will find yourself appreciating all these elements and sympathizing with all the characters.

Basta. You will love it. And if my incessant rave, this trailer and the awards/Oscars they won won’t make you want to watch it, I don’t know what will.

SHOUTOUT: Happy Birthday Hayde and Ray!