The world of Oscar winning film Pan's Labyrinth is Spain, 1944 but, I believe, it could be of any time or place. It's a film of fantasy, a better word being 'fantasmagorical', if such a word exists, part fantasy, part allegory! No question it's a world of time and place of fantastical matters, real or otherwise. However, keep the kiddies away from this worthy film! This frightening, creepy spanish, mexican film is only for the very adult world! Pan's L is very dark, the ordeals of life often horrific, what we ourselves create deliberately or perhaps unconsciously. It is the legendary good vs. evil theme or the very notion of illusion vs. reality. Makes no difference, in any case, as we all must come to terms with the life we personally have created! I do hate labels on films but, there is no escaping that Pan's Labyrinth offers much violence, much horror, the worst that life has to offer. But for me, the real horror of the film is that every individual must live or at the very least come to a veritable reconciliation with the world he or she has created. The horrors on the screen are true enough (or not) they test mightily our stamina for the gruesome, call it what you will. But the ultimate horror or message of Pan's Labyrinth is the real terror of our very own private hell!
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