Film Critique
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
by Guillermo del Toro
Ofelia, along with her mother Carmen, is set to meet her stepfather, Captain Vidal, in a remote place in Spain. In an instance, Ofelia was led by a fairy into a labyrinth and eventually met the Faun. The Faun persuaded Ofelia that she is the chosen one, the princess. Faun gave Ofelia three tasks for her to achieve “immortality.” The first task was to reclaim the key from the big frog. Ofelia easily did the first task and gave immediately the key to Faun. She also advised how to pacify her mother who is sick. She was given a mandrake root that supposedly will calm her mother’s illness. The second task was to retrieve a dagger from the Pale Man. In the lair of the Palm Man, Ofelia ate grapes. The Pale Man chased Ofelia and ultimately escaped his wrath. The Faun was disappointed to Ofelia’s actions and refused to give her the third task. Meanwhile, Captain Vidal, was met with an act of terrorism imposed to his village and captured Doctor Ferreiro who was killed later on. Captain Vidal caught Ofelia handling the mandrake root. Carmen threw the mandrake root into the fire as she instantly felt pain, screaming. She dies while the child inside her womb lived. Ofelia was locked in the bedroom while Mercedes is imprisoned. The faun went to Ofelia and asked about her baby brother. The faun said that an innocent’s blood is required to open the underworld and her baby brother would be the key. Ofelia refused as the faun also refused to help her also. Captain Vidal caught Ofelia holding his baby brother while talking to no one. Captain Vidal shot Ofelia as he retrieves the baby. The rebels surrounded the outpost and commanded the death of Captain Vidal. The baby was treated to the care of Mercedes by the request of Captain Vidal as his last words. Mercedes brought the body to the labyrinth and offered Ofelia’s blood as the offering instead of the baby. This was the third task and the faun proved Ofelia that she as “Her Majesty” and died afterwards.
The story was a combination of two important themes: the existence of war and fantasy. The presence of war was seen from the first scenes of the movie until its end. It shows the sternness and the tension seen from the group and the rebels. This particular theme was seen during the times of World War I, World War II and other prominent wars that transpired throughout human history. From just a mere protection of their village against rebels, the movie depicted how dreary it is to be in the atmosphere of being in the state of war. Also, seen in the movie was the presence of fantasy. This theme is present in the different folklores and myths of the Filipino culture. The terms “duwende,” “engkanto,” and “sirena” are said to appear in the mystical and secluded places in provinces. The movie depicted fairies and creatures that led to Ofelia’s death in the end. It shows how humans can interact with the supernatural and our belief in it that may endanger lives of the real humans.
I found the movie interesting as it tackled an interesting take on one of the themes of the movie, fantasies and fables. The plot was well-written to show how the beliefs of humans, especially that of the child (Ofelia), can be manipulated through the three dreadful tasks given without compromising her security. The standards of showcasing fantasy set in such fables and mythologies were raised as it widens the creativity and imagination to showcase such concepts presented through its production, casting and the film’s settings. The gore shown in the scenes of the movie showcased reality and its cruelty. This depicts how oppression was seen in the commands of the acts of war. The themes present in the movie made the Pan’s Labyrinth a masterpiece of combining dark, gore, fantasy present in the times of war. If I were to rate the movie, 5 being the highest, I would give the movie 4.3/5.0. I would definitely encourage my peers to watch this movie if they have similar interests to this kind of movie.
