I knew very little about this movie before going into it but an ex-coworker told me that it was one of the best movies that he had seen in the last couple years and I knew that the critics were loving it as well. About the only thing that I knew about the movie was the it starred a little girl, took place during a war and that the little girl had fantasy world that was a reality.

I need to say this right now before I talk more about the movie. This movie is brutal, surprisingly brutal. Do NOT bring your kids to see this movie. I don’t want to go into specifics because I don’t want to ruin anything for you. I will say that the first scene of brutality smacked me right across the face, I totally did not see it coming and truly shocked me.

The movie is quite brilliant. Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy, The Devil’s Backbone, Mimic) has created a truly remarkable film and one that I highly suggest you take a look at if you like fantasy and don’t mind some gore. Ivana Baquero, who plays Ofelia, the little girl, is simply excellent in her role. All around the cast was excellent but Ivana and Sergi López, who plays the Captain, are the real stand outs here in my opinion. Ivana for her expressive eyes and young innocence and Sergi for his heartless and amazingly cold performance.

I also need to mention the set design, makeup and visual effects in this movie. If this movie isn’t nominated for a few academy awards it will be a travesty as this is one of the most visually stunning movies I have seen in a while.

I highly suggest Pan’s Labyrinth, but I am serious about the violence, this movie pulls no punches so beware.