El laberinto del fauno (Pan's Labyrinth)
2006
****
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi Lopez, Maribel Verdu, Doug Jones
11-year-old Ofelia travels to a remote military outpost with her pregnant mother who has remarried a commander in Franco's army. While the new husband battles the remaining reds of the Spanish civil war, Ofelia meets a faun who gives her a test of courage. Guillermo del Toro's wonderfully original study of fascism mixes historical drama and fairy tale elements to great effect. It begins like a children's story but turns dark and violent very quickly, and includes some terrifying scenes on both levels of the story. The film's only flaw is the single-mindedly sadistic stepfather who is little more than a cartoon villain. Academy Award winner for best cinematography, art direction and makeup.
