Iffy for 15+
Brilliant, poignant fairy tale isn't for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that, while this gorgeous, subtitled Spanish fantasy-drama focuses on an 11-year-old girl's experience, it's not meant for children. It's full of mature themes and violent scenes (including the bloody death of a child) -- in fact, it opens on the face of a child who has been hurt, her mouth bleeding. The villain is a captain in the fascist military who repeatedly brutalizes others: He berates his wife, threatens his stepdaughter, kills villagers (beating them and shooting point-blank), and tortures his servant. Weapons include guns, knives, and grenades; some violent acts are explicit on screen (pain and bloody wounds visible). Some of the creatures Ofelia meets are frightening: The giant toad, the Faun, and the Pale Man are all strange, noisy, and physically threatening. Language includes two uses of "f--k."
- Families can talk about the nature of fairy tales. How do they reflect (and comment upon) real-life experiences? In this movie, how do Ofelia's experiences in the fantastical world mirror what she's going through at home?
The good stuff
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Messages: The captain is strict and brutal, abusing his wife, stepdaughter, local community members, and his servants; Ofelia makes some mistakes (she dirties her party dress, steals food without considering the consequences, etc.), but she's morally sound and a courageous girl; the rebels mean to save the community/nation, but they must sneak around to resist the dominant state forces.
What to watch for
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Violence: Ofelia appears wounded and bleeding from her mouth as film begins; the fascist captain commits brutal acts (shooting unarmed "rebels," torturing sympathetic characters when they become suspects, threatening Ofelia); Carmen almost miscarries, her blood-covered body frightening Ofelia; after he's attacked with a knife, the captain stitches his wound closed, showing great pain and lots of blood; battles include shooting, explosions, and bloody wounds; a scary giant toad and the eyeless Pale Man threaten Ofelia (latter chases her through a bone-filled cavern with arms waving and attacks her friends the fairies, to bloody effect).
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Sex: Ofelia's mother submits physically to her new husband, though the abusiveness is never sexual, per se (the concern here is gendered behavior); prepubescent Ofelia remains sexually innocent throughout the film, though she is "seduced" (in an abstract way) by the sinuous, strange faun.
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Language: Some infrequent language (all in subtitles), including "assholes," "f--k" and "f--ked up," "hell," "bitch," and "son of a bitch."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink wine with dinner; Ofelia concocts a kind of "potion" with a living root.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Is it for kids? by njoygoodflix
My 11 year old had read and seen reviews of the film and desperately wanted to go. I had major reservations due to the rating (as many ratings are way too lenient in my estimation.) Although there were disturbing images, I didn't feel that they were excessive or without purpose. The dual storyline was intriguing, thoughtful and evoked feeling.
My son loved the movie and surprising to me, I did too. I'm glad we saw it and I'm glad we saw it together. Not for every 11 year old (hence the R rating) but an excellent film with a lot of substance!
5
to obey or to question by Dhyana
Definitely a must see, not only for the creative storyline and the visual effects but for capturing a human dilemma that can be told both through fairytale and through a war drama: Do you dare to question authority? The film vividly answers that you simply must. The graphic violence absolutely bars younger children from watching without being disturbed. Heck, it's disturbing for adults, too, but overall a movie worth experiencing.
5
Violent, but spectacular film based on the Greek religion by maxsmart
If you are a theology fan, you will love this film! It is based on the Greek religion, specifically that of Arkadia and other inland areas where Hades was worshipped. The movie is split into 2 halves that collide in the end - one half is the story of a leader in the Spanish civil war. The other half is his stepdaughter's adventures and trials involving the Greek religion - it turns out her mother is Persephone and her father is Hades, god of justice, and she is faced with many of the puzzles and challenges from Greek religious texts, including the temptation to eat from the table of Hades. There is also a scene with the reverse-birth of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, and another scene involving Kronos. Theologians like myself will be salivating! For those not as familiar, Hades was protector of the innocent and punisher of those who violated the 3 major sins, which comes together in the very end. The only complaint I had is that the movie was BRUTALLY violent.
5
Blow Your Mind with Imagination and Suspense by AnzRev
This movie is not for young children, maybe teens who are ready to open their minds to imagination, adventure, suspense and compassion. I loved it and found it to be mind-blowing and thought-provoking. This is a must see for all who want to be moved spiritually.
5
WELL-DONE. Exceptional modern fable. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. A-plus. by MOVIES REVIEWER
I saw Pan's Labyrinth when it was in the theaters.
It is a MUST-SEE movies for serious fantasy and art-film fans - and across the board.
This is truly 'film-making'. And writer/director Guillermo del Toro proved his mettle in his chosen field with this LUSH breath-taking gorgeous movie filled with icons and various thematic elements (good vs evil, compassion/kindness vs cruelty/brutality, redemption/forgiveness vs vengeance, etc.). This ARTIST is truly gifted in his work and it shows in his care/artistry in lifting this movie to something more than just another fantasy. Pan's Labyrinth is first-class quality appetizer, entree, and dessert served with mastery and loving-care.
Pan's Labyrinth draws you in - holds you enthralled as it follows Ofelia's adventures (and mis-adventures)...through well-crafted landscapes riveting cinematography and her eerie encounters with bone-chilling antagonistic fantastic creatures.
The Spanish dialogue infuses the movie with an exotic aura.
5
A masterpiece by Rodri
This movie is a masterpiece! Guillermo Del Toro made brings his imagination to the big screen perfectly! I can't wait for Del Toro's next project!
5
Great Movie - Not for Kids by filmwatcher42
The violence in this movie is sickeningly graphic. A little to much so for my own tastes. I had also expected more of a fantasy story than a war story. Even with these two things being the case, I was not disapointed by the movie. It was well constructed and intriguing to watch.
4
foreign fantasy film - who would think it would work by Wolfman
Pan's Labyrinth is a very interesting fantasy film. I would have liked it if there was more fantasy scenes, but overall the fantasy parts fit in well with the other parts of the movie. What is interesting about this film is that it is an adult fantasy movie and not meant for children. It has a "R" rating and after seeing the movie it needs to be. There are some pretty gruesome parts which I did not expect. The subtitles are easy to read and do not take away from the movie. I would recommend it to anyone interested in fantasy films.