Blurb: "Spain, 1944. Officially, the Civil War has been over for five years, but a small group of rebels fights on unbroken in the northern mountains of Navarra. Dreamy 10-year-old Ofelia moves to Navarra with her delicate, pregnant mother Carmen , to become acquainted with her new stepfather, Captain Vidal, a Facist officer under orders to rid the territory of rebels. Ofelia, who is fascinated by fairy tales, discovers an overgrown, tumbledown labyrinth behind the mill. In the heart of the labyrinth she meets an ancient faun who claims to know her true identity and her secret destiny. But first, she must complete three tasks before the moon grows full. And no one must know: not her ailing mother, or her new friend, Mercedes. Time is running out, for Ofelia and for the rebels. Both will have to battle hardship and cruelty in order to gain their freedom. But, who can be trusted in a time of lies and danger? Is the faun telling the truth...? And if not, who is?"
Notables: Won 3 Oscars for art direction, cinematography, and makeup. Nominated for and won over 60 awards.
My thoughts: 5/5
This film is amazing, to be frank. It will make you cringe, gasp, laugh, and cry. Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) is an endearing and captivating character that you find yourself relating to, especially if you were one of those imaginative kids back in your day.
The Oscars this film won were well deserved. The believability of these fantastical creatures del Torro brings to life is... well, unbelievable! I found myself shocked at how much there was for my eyes to take in! The story line gives whole new light to what a villain truly is and the power of imagination and the human heart.
The gorgeous Maribel Veruda (Y Tu Mama Tambien) returns as Mercedes, one of the most heartwarming and courageous female characters I've had the pleasure of watching. But don't be fooled by the title (as my mother and I were), this fairy tale is anything but happy, and certainly not kid-friendly. The story is dark, with the only pinpoints of light being Ofelia's unwavering innocence and love for her mother and Mercedes. Don't be shocked if a few moments take you aback--but they're well worth it.
Oh, and I definitely recommend watching it at least once in Spanish. The language is absolutely beautiful, and the voices the actors give their characters only heighten it.
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