 The Spanish film "Pan's Labyrinth" had a limited release in American theaters Dec. 29, then a nationwide release on Jan. 19. It has been nominated for six Oscars. Omnibus staff writer Justin Vaughn recommends the movie to those who don't mind subtitles.
| |
For a movie with dialogue entirely in Spanish, "Pan's Labyrinth" is thoroughly enjoyable.
"Pan's Labyrinth" is set in the 1940's, during World War II. The main character, a little girl with quite a vast imagination, dreams of fairy tale endings and perfect days with not a cloud in sight. However, her surroundings constantly put her in check. She is forced to live with a Spanish general who has impregnated her mother. She is also forced to call this man her father to keep things at the house pleasant.
The little girl, Ofelia, is constantly reading books and her mind is full of adventures. When she gets to the general's house, she finds a labyrinth on the property and decides to explore. Here, she finds a faun named Pan who gives her a list of things to do.
Ofelia, after completing the tasks, is graced with the ability to heal her mother who, in the innocent words of Ofelia, is "sick with baby." That is where I will stop, as not to give away the rest of the movie.
Overall, the movie is good. It is a little monotonous at times, but it all boils down to an ending that is sad, to say the least. But it is also very powerful, in its own right.
This movie has everything from fairy tales to battle scenes and betrayal. This is a very well-rounded movie, and my only complaint is the film's dialogue is entirely in Spanish. There are subtitles, and I got used to it, but initially it was bothersome.
If you do decide to see this movie, I would recommend trying to find a time when it plays at the Moxie, a one room theatre, with old style seating, complete with an intermission halfway through the movie.
2008 Woodie Awards