MOVIE REVIEW: Pan's Labyrinth

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Pan’s Labyrinth is a 2006 film directed by Guillermo del Toro, and tells of a young girl who had just moved into a military camp lead by a captain who also happens to be her stepfather. She is accompanied by her pregnant mother. 

At her arrival, she discovers a labyrinth and a faun, who claims that she is the princess the underworld kingdom has long been waiting for.

Dark, fantastical, and mysterious, Pan’s Labyrinth was widely acclaimed for its unconventional storytelling. The first few scenes resembled a children’s tale, but as one goes along it is made clear that it is suited for a more mature audience. Also full of symbolism, the movie is easily a hit for many critics and movie junkies alike (and that includes me, hehe).

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SYMBOLS AND INTERPRETATIONS
It was very interesting to point out the symbols and create interpretations. There, however, were so many, and so I decided to focus on the three prevailing characters: the Captain, the faun, and Ofelia.

Uptight and very traditional, Captain Vidal’s character annoyed me right off the bat. I wasn’t too keen on the way he treated his pregnant wife and stepdaughter, for he always expected them to rise up to his standards. Consequences were to arise if they didn’t. To me, he perfectly represented the patriarchal society that prevailed back then, which to be honest, is still thriving now.
He came off as someone who wanted to leave a legacy, and that legacy of his is to be remembered as a hero. Vidal aspired to die an honorable and memorable death like his father, who smashed his watch in order for Vidal, his son, to remember how and when he died.
Vidal was resolute on his pursuit for legacy. His overwhelming concern for his pregnant wife tended to be controlling. It soon dawned upon me that he really just wanted a son in order to make the same impact on another person's life, the way his father did to his.
Blinded by his desire for a leaving a mark on this world, Vidal took advantage of a young woman. He never really appeared to love them. He was a symbol of society’s constant need to continue a tradition which, in all honesty, isn’t really necessary anymore.

Next, the faun. It was responsible for explaining and guiding Ofelia through the challenges she needed to face. To some, the faun may appear as someone who took advantage of Ofelia because it wanted to have their kingdom back, but to me, it merely was an instrument that helped Ofelia grow into who she was meant to be. Yes, there were times, such as when it made her draw the blood of her innocent brother, when it was a bit forceful- but the faun represented the people we meet in life who teach us things the hard way. They make us do things that seem blurry at first, but as we go on, they'll get clearer. They let us realize the lessons on our own- tough love, as they say.

And lastly, Ofelia. She is an embodiment of sacrifice. She did many things out of love for her family, and even died for her brother. In actuality, she reminded me of Christ.

In life, we will be prone to having to do sacrifices. Her mother died out of the lack of understanding for what Ofelia was doing- and that reminded me of how when we do not understand, we fail to have faith. 

RATING
Overall, I would rate Pan’s Labyrinth as an 8/10 for its exemplar cinematography, effects that were weird but in a good way, and story that was way ahead of its time. It makes you think, and that I believe is a contributing factor to whether a movie is substantial or not. Definitely would watch again- when I’m feeling philosophical. :)