Pan's Labyrinth

[CaseInPoint]

Watched this yesterday and it is a disturbing film on a certain level. First I was surprised that it is a foreign film (note to self: read carefully before buying) and second it looked like a movie for kids but it is rated R and is full of some serious graphic violence.

The topics in this film are bizarre and unlike US films there is no guarantee of a happy ending (now I remember why I like foreign films :)

Anyone else seen this?

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[seraphim]

I saw Pan's Labyrinth in the theaters when it was first released in the US, its truly one of those films that needed to be seen on a large screen; the cinematography is beautiful. This is in the list of my favorite movies, right up there with Mirror Mask (even though they're two entirely different movies). The best part of this movie is the discussions it almost always inspires afterwards about it. Tragic movie but beautiful.

[Dusty Chalk]

This is in the list of my favorite movies, right up there with Mirror Mask (even though they're two entirely different movies). I concur completely. Scary, that (nothing personal -- it just freaks me out when someone I don't know posts something I was going to post...almost verbatim).

My favourite movie of 2006 (The Lives of Others places second).

You should also go back and watch Devil's Backbone -- not at all similar, yet I think appeals to common sensibilities. It's like...they would make for a nice double-feature. (Also done by Guillermo del Toro -- he seems to be two people -- Hollywood director [Blade, Hellboy, etc.] and foreign film director [Devil's Backbone, Pan's Labyrinth].) Like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Except, y'know, not funny.

[seraphim]

You should also go back and watch Devil's Backbone -- not at all similar, yet I think appeals to common sensibilities.

I've actually seen it, I'm a big fan of off the beaten path films...especially when they're not from here (the US). I really can't remember much about it, so I really should go back and watch it again.

[Vicky]

I saw this too, and liked it alot. It being not in English actually enhanced the film for me for some reason. It was pretty violent as you said, but that is what helped make it so gripping IMO. I was actually hoping that the labyrinth was some large area that would get explored but it ended up being just a few seperate scenes including the one in the end, but the imagery was excellent.

And, lol didn't you just cringe when she insisted on eating the grape even after all those warnings from the Faun and the fairies desperately trying to make her stop. :)

[Dusty Chalk]

Yes, yes I did.

[Avil]

This is one of my absolute favourite movies. When I first saw, I had no expectations but when the lullaby catched me, I was stuck. It's absolutely beautiful and so sad at the same time.

I've seen Devil's backbone aswell, but it's not near Pan's Labyrinth.

One thing I don't like is the English translation (Original title El Laberinto del Fauno), making the faun in the movie to a Pan. It's not the same thing, and the director himself has said that the faun in the movie is not a Pan.

/Christina