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Blog Entry 37 of 96 Charmaine in the city

I've called the Denver area home for more than two
decades now. But this urban/mountain city is still full of surprises. I'll be posting my adventures here, as I explore local eateries, shops and sharing birthday and vacation photos. And once in a while, I'll throw in a music, movie or food review. I hope to keep this blog interactive, so don't be shy to suggest places I should visit. And check it out: I'm on Brendan's List. Rock on!


'Pan's Labyrinth' visually, emotionally intricate
Contributed by: Charmaine Robledo/YourHub.com   on 1/22/2007

For some, movies exist to soley entertain; for others, film is an artform and a vehicle to examine the human condition. For me, Pan's Labyrinth, directed by Guillermo del Toro, marries those two concepts beautifully.

Guillermo del Toro, whose previous directing credits include Hellboy and Blade II, has created a film that takes fantasy and reality to a whole new level. The movie centers on a young 11-year-old girl named Ofelia, played by Ivana Baquero, who uses her imagination and love of fairy tales to cope with the harsh realities of living with her sadistic stepfather, Capt. Vidal, played by Sergi Lopez.

As with his other works, del Toro utilizes animatronics and computer graphics in Pan. But whereas most films force you to realize a scene is being technologically manipulated, del Toro blends the fantasy world smoothly with our own. The scenes in Pan don't differentiate from the other; we are pulled into them just like Ofelia is.

Although Pan's Labyrinth is about a girl and her fairy tales, this is nonetheless an adult film. It is rated "R" for a handful of gruesome scenes that made me turn away from the screen a couple times. Lopez portrays Capt. Vidal's violent perverseness with a ferocity that's incomparable. I found myself hating him, yet also pitying his lack of compassion, knowing people like him still exist in this world.

I wasn't aware of this film even being out until I read Robert Denerstein's review on RockyMountainNews.com. My friend Jennifer and I saw Pan's Labyrinth on Jan. 20 and we were blown away by the crowd at the Mayan Theater on 110 Broadway. When we got out of our 7 p.m. screening, there were two lines that stretched to the end of the block waiting for the 9 p.m. screening. Just goes to show what a powerful film this has become.

I highly suggest you go out and see this beautiful film. It is a feast for the eyes, the mind and the heart.
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Showing 1-3 of 3 comments
Submitted By: John Brandstetter
posted on 2/5/2007 @ 11:29:58 AM
Rated Blog Entry
One of my buddies and I went to Pan's Labyrinth a week or two ago, and I have to say it's one of the finest examples of tight storytelling I've seen in a while. I loved the visuals, but it's the story that stays with me. Also, I agree with Eric that Children of Men is one of the best movies in years. Absolutely amazing what some filmmakers are accomplishing these days.
Submitted By: Fairlight Baer-Gutierrez
posted on 1/25/2007 @ 10:38:59 AM
Rated Blog Entry
When I saw your headline, I thought it was about a fantasy/science-fiction film, which I'm usually not into. But then I saw this movie is up for an Oscar, so I was intrigued. My friend Gretchen and I love weekend afternoon movie marathons at the theater, so I'll have to suggest this one. Thanks, Charmaine.
Submitted By: Eric Lubbers
posted on 1/22/2007 @ 1:51:33 PM
Rated Blog Entry
Hear, hear Charmaine. I also suggest seeing 'Children of Men' and 'Babel,' to complete your 2007 Mexican filmmaker trilogy. 'Children of Men' is easily the best film I've seen in years, and I go to a lot of movies. Go see it.
Showing 1-3 of 3 comments
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