This is one of the best fantasy movies I've watched in quite a while, and what is so great about it is the fact that it works on two parallel levels. It's a great dark fantasy movie with fairies and monsters, and also an introspective look into the minds of a child amidst the evil of men surrounding her in the real world. Whether the fantasy world that Carmen, the child protagonist, is a part of is actually real or not, is left up to the viewer to decide and pass judgment on. I feel that it really is more of a story of good triumphing over evil, the sacrifices one has to take to stand up for what one truly believes in, and also a grim reminder of the brutality of men.
The sadistic misogynistic captain is the real monster here, with his deeply flawed sense of justice and loyalty. I was more appalled and terrified of what he is capable of doing to other men, than the other fantasy monsters in the film. The scene where the doctor makes his last stand against the captain was really powerful, and is truly indicative of the film as a whole. Guillermo del Toro has crafted a magnificent movie truly worthy of praise with Pan's Labyrinth, and the cautious yet subtle balance between real and fantasy is definitely brilliant. I can't wait to watch this on the big screen.
4/5 stars
IMDB
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