Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno)

*Warning* This may give too much away about the film. Not the ending, but lots of vital plot information. *Warning*

A big film coming out of Spain this year is Guillermo del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno)". And it's no wonder why it's been such a huge hit with international audiences.

From the huge dual-story lines, to the animation, to the acting, the film is an overall impressive feat.

Towards the end of World War II, many guerrillas are fighting the fascist regime in Spain. In the mountains is a base camp of Captain Vidal (Sergi Lopez), a sadistic fascist aide. He was put there to protect the townspeople of the mountains and fight the guerrillas who are hiding in the neighboring forests. Captain Vidal's new pregnant wife, Carmen (Ariadna Gil)and her daughter Ofelia move to the base at his wishes. He wants his son borne where teh father is. Once at the base, Carmen gets sick and Ofelia finds a fairy who takes her to the nearby rock labyrinth. There, she meets Pan, a faun who sends the girl on three tasks to return to her rightful place as Princess Moanna, daughter of the moon. Ofelia's mission is repeatedly thwarted by her sick mother, the Captain's evil doings and the guerrilla's attacks.

Ofelia was played by Ivana Baquero whose wide-eyed wonder is reminiscent of anyone's childhood where your head is filled with monsters and kings; royal quests and happily ever afters. The character grows through the film and learns the true price of sacrifice.

Most impressive was the digital animation. The fairies fluttered like hummingbirds; Pan, the faun, appeared almost lifelike. His creaking wooden body blended in among the background and shadows in much of the film, making his emergences unexpected and startling time and again.

The monsters were other-worldly. The giant toad oozed with grotesque oil and puss. You could almost smell and feel the sticky mess he left after he licked Ofelia's face. In the dining hall scene, the eyeless monster was disturbing to say the least. When he placed his eyes in his palms, filling the conveniently eyelid shaped holes, he became relentless and ferocious. The blood-red eyes flashed with such blood lust, you could almost feel him breathing down your neck.

Tension pervaded the atmosphere in both worlds - the human world and the underground world of Pan. Captain Vidal anticipated betrayal at every turn; Carmen's health ebbed and wained; Pan's demands became more dangerous and Ofelia's desire to leave the human world grew with each scene.

To see some dazzling special effects and a suspenseful, "not quite" children's' story, check out Pan's Labyrinth. But make sure the "kids" are 17 and up; it is rated R for violence.