Pan's Labyrinth: Why It's A Masterpiece

A reflection on one of my favorite movies, Guillermo Del Toro's film, Pan's Labyrinth (2006).
It's 1944 and the Allies have invaded Nazi-held Europe. In Spain, a troop of soldiers are sent to a remote forest to flush out the rebels. They are led by Capitan Vidal, a murdering sadist, and with him are his new wife Carmen and her daughter from a previous marriage, 11-year-old Ofelia. Ofelia witnesses her stepfather's sadistic brutality and is drawn into Pan's Labyrinth, a magical world of mythical beings.
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[@jimglass3106]

The twist at the end is such a depressing punch in the gut,though.

[@augustingarnier4625]

Yeah, that hurt. I still find myself thinking out loud, "You shot a little girl!?!"

[@cheeseman417]

There is way more going on with the symbology of this movie that was never mentioned, Ophelia means helper in ancient greek, the labyrinth, the attempted baby sacrifice, Pans character, the death and rebirth narrative is deep pagan mythology based.

[@winstoncorrigan4309]

I have watched this movie countless times and I don’t understand why people criticise it

[@Rnk_Dr]

@@winstoncorrigan4309 What is there to like in it?

[@Anyu31]

Brilliantly well worded, Ash! Every word you said was spot on.

[@jeffreyksiazek7890]

Ashton, the way you described the movie was so brilliant, your words should be written in a book. That's how good of a storyteller you are...especially about movies. 🎬📖☺

[@phronesiscabrera]

agree! Actually, the way @Ashton describes the movie made me less terrified

[@gentelmanjunkie542]

Saw it at the Angelika in Dallas in '06. Just as good today as then. A real achievement.

[@View2Views]

Pan's Labyrinth will break your heart and yet fill your heart full! It is an adventure I trust you will take.....and find your way according to your nature......

[@yesyesyesyes4923]

I saw this today for the first time. So underrated, I’m glad I know Spanish, I didn’t need eng subs

[@XanfireX1]

I'm still extremely salty that Babel beat Pan's Labyrinth for the Oscar for Best Score. I don't remember anything from Babel's score, but every time I think of Pan's Labyrinth, its lullaby gets stuck in my head.

[@augustingarnier4625]

It blew minds! I remember when the video came out at Blockbuster. It had a warning on the box which made it clear that "This is not a children's movie". I still shed a tear when Mercedes is saved by her brother and the rebels.

[@commeunouragan]

A true masterpiece indeed

[@rafaelmassay]

Amazing the way you took the message and essence of the movie to us in such a light and impactful way! Thank you

[@userbosco]

If you enjoyed this amazing film, check out Del Toro's Devil's Backbone.

[@knightridernz72]

Vidal is one of cinema's best villains.

[@Markrspooner]

Great video Ashton. It is shocking but I have never watched this movie 😱

[@snarf1504]

Go watch it!

[@loristasko3237]

The characters are absolutely real. 🙏

[@raystyles6338]

Great looking forward to watching,lul a bye gentle piano magic

[@TheNearFantastica]

This movie was brilliant but the emotional damage prevents me from watching it again

[@davidroudebush6947]

Just watched it tonight, was so great and the best non English movie I’ve seen

[@aaronbenellis]

It’s good but best? You need to watch the korean film, parasite, from a couple years ago.

[@Raccoonhandler11]

I’d encourage you to watch more foreign films as brilliant as this one is :) it’s a vast world of excellent films

[@theketaminekid1241]

@aaronbenellis That was pretty good, but this film is leagues above. Just my opinion!

[@anthonydelange4128]

Tool got me into this movie 😂

[@Themis33]

I've never seen it. But this review on it is beautifully done.

[@braynaguilar8567]

Great video, although I think its title should reflect the focus on the music of the film.

[@GusC672]

Beautiful

[@BasementDweller_]

I like the film.

[@andrewbister-kl4nn]

Timeless classic beautiful

[@DualTheAwesome]

bro yappin bout the score i just heard a loud truck and it made me mad

[@ultimatealdo1922]

What if some studio made a family friendly version of the story that acts like a Disney made story where it’s more happy and light hearted for all audiences even the ending where the main character doesn’t die in the end but she went into the portal without getting shot where she cut her hand drips her own blood

[@SomthingAwful]

Yeah?

[@matiasd.7755]

Bad idea... This film is great like it is, touch it only to ruin it....

[@SomthingAwful]

@matiasd.7755 I agree OP has a strange vision. Lol

[@Rnk_Dr]

The movie is mostly garbage. And this video is too. Whole of the war had nothing to do with the magical story, and the magical story was shallow and stupid as well. The whole war part seems like political propaganda. And this whole video only says how music was good and you feel the child. Yes. But just this one thing doesn't redeem the movie. Total waste of time.

[@chasewhealton2042]

😂😭 ts funny

[@rinowx5]

Such a hateful comment. Yikes.

[@ezrastardust3124]

You doing ok there bud?

[@alir8329]

Wow Hate is often associated with feelings of fear, anger and discomfort, you need urgent psychological help, this lack of sensitivity and empathy is a sign of an obvious mental illness .

[@juicer404]

@@ezrastardust3124he’s dead inside