Pan's Labyrinth

“A swift and accessible entertainment, blunt in its power and exquisite in its effects.” –A.O. Scott, The New York Times

"Literally and figuratively marvelous, a rich, daring mix of fantasy and politics." –J. Hoberman, The Village Voice

From the mind of noted Mexican auteur Guillermo del Toro comes this mythology-laden dark fantasy set in the early half of Franco’s regime. Ten-year-old Ofelia travels with her pregnant mother to northern Spain where she meets her new stepfather, the vicious Captain Vidal who is tasked with hunting down republican rebels. Exploring the woods around her, Ofelia discovers an ancient labyrinth and a faun who gives her three tasks to complete that he claims will restore her memories and her immortality as the princess of the underworld, Moanna. This sometimes brutal but often poignant film looks at the trauma brought on by fascism and war through the eyes of a child, which makes it an excellent companion piece to one of Del Toro's earlier films The Devil's Backbone, which takes place during the same time period in Spain but takes a more horror-focused approach.

Featuring an imaginative set of creatures, and cleverly juxtaposing children’s fantasy with horror elements, it's no wonder that Pan’s Labyrinth won Oscars for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Makeup. More than ten years later, it still stands among Del Toro's best work and one of the finest fantasy stories ever put to film.

Join us for a journey into the minds of some of the most legendary contemporary filmmakers from Mexico, as we bring you the early films of the "Three Amigos" of cinema. Experience Alejandro González Iñárritu's searing emotional drama Amores Perros. Ride along on Alfonso Cuarón's wild road trip adventure Y Tu Mamá También. Enter the eerie worlds of Guillermo del Toro's visionary fairy tale Pan's Labyrinth and its terrifying spiritual predecessor The Devil's Backbone.

Check out the rest of our The Three Amigos of Cinema program!