As I continue to prepare for the nomination this Tuesday (1/23 at 8:35am EST), I'm still checking out the films that may get nominated. Last night, we saw Pan's Labyrinth, a Mexican film that has been getting all the buzz lately for a Best Film nomination AND has been on many a cricit's "Best of 2006" lists.
I have to say - I had little expectations on this one. It's been described as a "Narnia" meets "Lord of the Rings" meets "Harry Potter." Not exactly my ideal film, considering that I just don't get the Harry Potter OR Lord of the Rings fascination at all. Plus, the commercials for it just looked plain strange.
Well, I'm happy to say that I couldn't have been more wrong about Pan and his Labyrinth. In fact, it ranks as my favorite film of 2006 this far. Truly a MUST see. The film follows a young girl whose mother remarries a rather horrific General during the Spanish Civil War. To escape her horrendous life, Ofelia creates a magical world of her own, wherein she is a Princess who must complete three tasks to reclaim her kingdom.
I wish I could make this film sound as good as it was. A slight word of caution - this one is NOT for kids. There are several moments (more than 5) of truly disgusting, cover your eyes violence. Though jarring, these moments make you realize just exactly why Ofelia does what she does to survive in her reality.
SEE IT.
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