Though Hollywood may disagree, not all fairy tales are forged from gumdrops and smiles, skipping and singing. Barring the LOTR's and Harry Potter's of the world, most fantasy movies born out of the digital age rely far too much on graphical prowess, abandoning their stories to the point of rendering them nearly useless (see: Chronicles of Narnia, Eragon). Imagination has taken a backseat to technical innovation...or has it?
Nothing, and I mean nothing will prepare you for the visual onslaught of Pan's Labyrinth--yet the film is so much more than its CG splendor will have you believe (and believe me, you will...believe!). Director Guillermo del Toro, (in)famous for The Devil's Backbone and the unfairly written-off Hellboy, has created his most nightmarish vision thus far, leapfrogging lesser fantasy romps in terms of emotional, spiritual and political depth.
dollars. I loved the realistic gore in it too.