Ofelia's World

Even though she was nearly a teenager, Ofelia still loved to read books filled with fantasies geared toward younger children. The world of those fantasies, and the beings that inhabit that world, come to life for Ofelia in 1944 Spain in Pan's Labyrinth (Spanish title: El Laberinto Del Fauno). Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) is on a journey to a remote part of the Spanish woods with her mother, Carmen (Adriana Gil). Carmen, who had been a widow, was once again married. Her husband, Colonel Vidal (Sergi Lopez), was an officer on a mission to crush the anti-Franco forces in the area. Carmen was about to deliver her first child. Even though the ladies faced a difficult journey, Vidal insisted they come to him for the event. Vidal was as demanding to his family as he was to his troops. Carmen even required Ofelia to call Vidal father.

As the battle between Vidal's forces and the rebels continues, the Colonel notices that someone has taken some of the provisions from the storage room. It is clear that no one broke into the storage facility. Suspicion for the theft immediately falls upon Mercedes (Maribel Verdu), who has been entrusted with the key to the room. However, nobody was seen in the act of the theft. Mercedes can still use the key, but Vidal now insists on keeping the key from him when it's not in use. Vidal also tries to engage the cooperation of the locals in the apprehension of the rebels, but finds no interest in his offer of fresh food.

Meanwhile, Ofelia receives visits in the night from Fauno (Doug Jones), a creature who looks like a demon, but doesn't act like one. He has an announcement that comes as a surprise to Ofelia. Fauno tells the girl that she is the reincarnation of a princess who died long ago, and that her true father awaits her. In order for her to prove her royal bloodline, though, Ofelia must complete a series of three tasks. Each task is more difficult than the other. Ofelia does have difficulties that are of concern to Fauno. However, he understands that Ofelia is also busy trying to help and respect Carmen, who has been ordered to complete bed rest.

Pan's Labyrinth is a story about wars. Vidal is engaged in physical conflict with forces he doesn't know. He believes that some people he trusts conspire against him. He can't even get his own family to live up to his expectations. In particular, Ofelia shows herself to be more willful than the colonel would like. When she is ordered to attend a dinner with Vidal and his supporters, Ofelia not only arrives late, but she has dirtied her dress as a result of one of doing one of Fauno's tasks. Ofelia is experiencing a war of her own. She is not quite a child, and not quite a woman. Her battlefield, for the most part, is an emotional one. Part of her wants to have time for the things she enjoys, even though her mother questions whether or not her literature choices remain appropriate. Another part of her knows she must be there for the family she loves dearly. With nobody her age at Vidal's camp, Ofelia finds her closest companions are Fauno and the other spirits of the forest. They, in their own way, show Ofelia through the mazes that have become her life.

Writer-director Guillermo Del Toro beautifully creates a world that is part fantasy and part reality. He shows the world through the eyes of his young protagonist, whose imagination is just as alive as the real world. The Oscar-winning cinematography of Guillermo Navarro, which emphasizes dark colors, gives the film a surreal quality. Some could say that Ofelia's experience with her stepfather was one long nightmare. The special effects are graphic, but usually not overly graphic. About the most graphic scene involving special effects happens when Ofelia pulls a key from the belly of a giant frog. The forest spirits aren't always friendly, as Ofelia discovers when she awakens the Pale Man (also Doug Jones) during one of Fauno's tasks. Through her experiences in the woods, Ofelia makes decisions that will have importance for everybody she knows.

Baquero shines as Ofelia, a youngster who is expected to do more than most girls her age. She strikes the perfect balance between innocence and maturity. Ofelia has lost her father, and is in constant danger of losing her mother as well. She accepts the edicts of Vidal with great reluctance, and often meets his scorn whenever she fails. Yet, through her experiences, she finds that she is strong for her family, and, ultimately, she is also valiant. Lopez gives a menacing performance as Vidal, a selfish and quick-tempered colonel who will lash out at anybody who sides against him. Jones, who has worked with Del Toro before this film, has fun with his roles as the mysterious, but tempting, Fauno, and as the Pale Man, who sees things in a rather unique way. Gil and Verdu also do well in support as characters who teach Ofelia lessons in strength and maturity by their examples.

Pan's Labyrinth is a film about a child, but its story isn't really for children. Some of the scenes, especially the ones involving Carmen's pregnancy difficulties, are for older audiences. The scenes at the film's climax are the most difficult, as Ofelia defends her new sibling. Fantasy and reality become one in the mind of Ofelia, but she also sees that her two worlds are about to collide. She loves her reading, in spite of the criticism she receives for it. She is also asked to accept a stepfather who requires more from her than her mother. Childhood leisure has to compete with adult responsibilities in Ofelia's new surroundings. Ofelia must eventually make decisions she doesn't like, but she makes decisions that are in the best interest of her family. Because she is young and imaginative, Ofelia does things that only she can understand. The world she knows depends on her wise decision. The fate of many lies in the balance.