Last night Laura and I watched Pan's Labyrinth. I'd been looking forward to this movie for some time. I was intrigued by the trailers, the concept of an "adult fairy-tale," the reviews, and Guillermo Del Toro.
The movie is no letdown. But it is ... different. It's at times violent, cruel, and horrific. And at times, it is simply beautiful. The beauty is shadowed and beleaguered with grotesqueries. While Del Toro is not a believer, his spirituality bubbles up Christ in places. There is redemption in this story, and I'll probably watch it again before sending it back.
I give it two thumbs way up, but I'd also interject some caution. First, it is, by no means, for children. Second, it is dark and cruel and sorrowful. Most of that cruelty arises from the fascist regime that contextualizes little Ofelia's (our protagonist) life, and her terrible misfortunes - the villain is truly villainous.
Yesterday, I also received Papa Benedict's new book from Amazon, Jesus of Nazareth. I'm very excited about this book and will comment on it as I read.
Peace be to you on this Ascension Thursday.
7 comments:
When this one started out, I was wondering what all the warnings about violence were about ... but then, of course, our friendly Fascist captain began shooting people in the face at close range .. I perhaps could have done without a bit of that, but even so, I thought del Toro crafted an incredibly beautiful movie with this one
I'm going to add it to my queue. Coincidentally, the first 40 minutes today of Fresh Air featured an interview with the filmmaker. Sounds like a fascinating movie...
I agree, Reel Fanatic. The bottle incident especially ...
Dan, I caught the podcast of the interview on NPR - thanks for the heads-up. Fascinating individual.
Well, I have to know - Did Laura also give it 'two thumbs up?'" Reid can go with your review, but I will have to go with what Laura says. Miss you guys!
Hillbilly friend, Thou of little faith, who trusteth me not ... I'll have to ask her tonight.
Though last night she did watch the movie with me again - that's second viewing I'm talking.
I think she'd caution with "disturbing" and "graphically violent."
But it was the first movie that kept her awake since I-don't-know-when.
But I'll still ask her.
Hillybilly friend, Laura said what I said she'd say and added she'd give it 4.5/5 stars.
She did wonder whether you'd like it, but then thought you would because of Ofelia (the main character).
I saw Pan's Labyrinth back in February in a cool little arty theater in Danver. It was beautiful... I was really moved and inspired. But I was really disappointed that it didn't win the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film (esp. after winning for Art Direction, Cinematography and Makeup!).
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