I didn't think I was going to like this one - the title and the picture on the front cover suggested that it was a fantasy aimed at children. I was also concerned that the film was Spanish - I am not a big fan of subtitles.

However, after the first 5 minutes the subtitles were never a problem. The film was so absorbing I actually forgot about them. I'm very glad that such a great film was not ruined by dubbing with American accents. Hearing the Spanish language gave the film extra authenticity.

It is evident that the director is targeting a more mature audience, as the film does not get bogged down in the fantasy side of things. The vast majority of the film concentrates on the harsh reality of war in Franco's Spain that young Ofelia finds herself in. Several fantasy scenes are interspersed with the violence and horror of the real world, and these are all done well, particularly the scene with the pale man.

The young actress who plays Ofelia is perfect for the role.… more »

I didn't think I was going to like this one - the title and the picture on the front cover suggested that it was a fantasy aimed at children. I was also concerned that the film was Spanish - I am not a big fan of subtitles.

However, after the first 5 minutes the subtitles were never a problem. The film was so absorbing I actually forgot about them. I'm very glad that such a great film was not ruined by dubbing with American accents. Hearing the Spanish language gave the film extra authenticity.

It is evident that the director is targeting a more mature audience, as the film does not get bogged down in the fantasy side of things. The vast majority of the film concentrates on the harsh reality of war in Franco's Spain that young Ofelia finds herself in. Several fantasy scenes are interspersed with the violence and horror of the real world, and these are all done well, particularly the scene with the pale man.

The young actress who plays Ofelia is perfect for the role. You really sympathize with her character because her step-father is one of the cruellest, evil villains I have ever seen in a film (Sergi Lopez is brilliant).

People criticising this film usually complain that:
a) It it subtitled.
b) Not enough fantasy.
c) Too violent.

In response, I would say that this is the first subtitled film I have watched from start to finish - it really is that good. The fantasy scenes are limited, but this is because the film is aimed at an adult audience. There is violence in the film, but it is not gory or over-done like in a lot of films you see nowadays. The worst thing you actually see are people shooting each other at distance. You don't see the farmers being killed, and you don't see the prisoner being tortured.

The only negative thing I have to say about this film is that the opening scene gives too much away. You know what is going to happen at the end, which is a shame.

On Blu-Ray, the PQ is very good. There is also a long list of extras, but most of these are in SD. Director's commentary is very informative.

So, at long last, there is a film that me and my parents can all agree on as being excellent - Pan's Labyrinth.