the fresh films reviews

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El Laberinto del Fauno (2006)

Director:
Guillermo del Toro
INTERNATIONAL TITLE
Pan's Labyrinth
COUNTRY
Mexico/Spain/USA
GENRE
Fantasy/Adventure/
Horror/Action
NORWEGIAN TITLE
Pans labyrint
RUNNING TIME
119 minutes
Producer:
Álvaro Augustín
Alfonso Cuarón
Bertha Navarro
Guillermo del Toro
Frida Torresblanco
Screenwriter:
Guillermo del Toro


Cast includes:

CHARACTER ACTOR/ACTRESS RATING
Ofelia Ivana Baquero
Capitán Vidal Sergi López
Mercedes Maribel Verdú
Fauno Doug Jones
Carmen Arjadna Gil
Dr. Ferreiro Álex Angulo
Rey Federico Luppi

 

Review

With an auteuristic approach and a daring and fresh mix of genres, Mexican director Guillermo del Toro combines formulaic fantasy storytelling with a historical account of the state of affairs after the Spanish civil war, and spices that up with a shockingly violent and explicit nature. The film, which is del Toro thematic follow-up to the more focused El espinazo del diablo, is a technical wonder, both when it comes to cinematography and make-up, but thematically it ranges from trite to messy, with only occasionally interesting discussions. The performances drive the film forward (especially those from callous López and young Baquero), but what del Toro really wants to achieve remains a muddle. Narratively El Laberinto del Fauno is too conventional, and the relentless pessimism that runs through the film makes it a strenuous and unpleasant experience. However, there is some originality, and the brutality will at least make an impression on your gut, if not stimulate your brain.

Copyright © 8.1.2007 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang

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