Movies

An incredibly creative piece of cinema. It incorporates an amazing fantasy world with the realities of war. It gives its protagonist a way of surviving and continuing on with a life after she could have lost everything. The visuality is striking, creating a world like we've never seen. There is an amazing use of computer generated images. Everything in this film is in balance as it shifts between fantasy and the horrors of the civil war under Franco. Del Torro is a director of the first order. If you don't like him, try to realize that he takes chances and there are always naysayers out there who want to tear down that creativity. Imagine Stravinsky stopping after "The Rite of Spring" because the Philistines who are stuck in the past couldn't give it its due or at least have some optimism.

one of films who becomes an important experience. because it is, in same measure, a special war film and a fairy tale illustration. wise translation of idea of fiction as refuge against cruelty of every day life and homage to innocence. a great director. an extraordinary young actress. a story who mix fears, joy and need of measure in ambiguous world. a film like a poem. bitter, cold, touching, profound, necessary. because it is a precise exploration of life's purpose. because it is delicate and bitter and soft. a film about a war and a not ordinary, at the first sigh, manner to survive. one of films who becomes a personal memory. because it is a trip in your secret universe. and rediscover of unique colors from a special age.

I saw the movie yesterday in the Spanish premiere and I confirm: it's one of the best Guillermo del Toro's films (if not the best ever). Innocence and brutality, fantasy and reality, together in a wonderful fairy tale about the power of magic in dark times. The performances are great, mainly from Sergi López, Maribel Verdú and the big revelation of the film: the 12 years girl Ivana Baquero. Del Toro repeats the context of the film "El Espinazo del Diablo" ("The Devil's Backbone"), the Spanish Post-Civil War, with the same philosophy: the supernatural invading the daily life in a depressive environment and the innocence of children trapped between both world. But "El Laberinto del Fauno" is most compact, most mature and best done in very aspects, and perhaps it's the most personal movie from Del Toro.