Pan's Labyrinth

Although it was very bloody and disturbing, and full of swears (whats new?), it was amazing acting, scenery, and computer animation. This movie was dark, and more of a nightmare than a fairy- tale, and you can clearly see that Guillermo Del Toro isn't afraid of the dark. Parents, this movie is outstanding, but not polite with kids. DO NOT LET KIDS UNDER 15 SEE THIS. Yes, I'm 12, but their was one scene that was just to much for me and I looked away and shiver. This movie is scary, all- to- real, gory, and beautiful. The make- up won a academy, and the language was strong, including uses of F***, SH**, and H, E double hokey- stick, 'son of a B****'. Don't let us stop you from seeing this movie if you have kids. JUST SEE IT!!!!!! Violence includes: A man's head being bashed by a wine bottle, and a man's cheek ripped out by a kitchen knife. Please stop reading this review and see this movie. NOW!!!

Films like this are few and far between. You should introduce your kids to this movie when you believe they are the right age.

This was a wonderfully creative and imaginative film. I thought that it was extremely well done. However, the film makers could have toned down the violence quite a bit and still made their point that the stepfather was evil. Parents, if you value your children's innocence and don't want them to have nightmares for weeks, do NOT let them see this movie. And I'm not just talking about little kids, I believe older children and tweens who are not already desensitized could be traumatized by some of the images. The sociopathic stepfather violently kills and tortures others with no remorse and the fantasy monsters are frightening (the "pale man" in particular). For parents who have had been through difficult pregnancies and/or lost a baby, keep in mind that there are scenes where the mother and her unborn baby are in peril (showing blood). My wife had to stop watching about two thirds of the way through. Even through all of that, I still thought it was an overall great story and an extremely well done and engaging film. Unfortunately, it should only be viewed by adults and teenagers who are not bothered by violence and gore. Hence the "R" rating.

This brilliant, artistic film, beautifully illustrates true perseverance, courage in the face of almost-certain death, and the innocence of childhood. Watching this film the first time, you are amazed at how overwhelmingly gorgeous this is. It has perfect cinematography, a haunting, heart-stirring soundtrack, and a wonderfully creative story line. Please keep in mind that "Pan's Labyrinth" did not earn a Restricted rating for nothing. Graphic violence, blood, and the carnage of war is sprinkled throughout. Yet this film also one three Academy Awards, which also tells you, the viewer, something. There is really no age limit for the film, as it does not depend on the age of the viewer so much as it depends on the maturity of the viewer. Being a teenager, I know for a fact that most other viewers at my age would not see it for two primary reasons: the fact that it is fully subtitled (yes, you have to read the movie), but after awhile you, as the viewer, begin to read the subtitles naturally and without annoyance; and the fact that to truly understand the beauty of the film, after it is over, you have to think for a minute or two in order to fully understand the true scope. That being said, one of my friends [who is mature enough to enjoy the film and not be bored because there is no nudity involved (which, other then the two reasons listed above is another large factor for teenage viewing)] greatly enjoys the film and has drawn upon it for its artistic style and theme. I note that some other reviewers are concerned about the language. The so-called 'horrible' language in the film just concerns a couple of 'F' bombs in the subtitles, so you are in fact reading it and not hearing the word. All in all, this was a brilliant film that I would recommend to mature men and women who can appreciate the film for what it is and not demote it for what it is not. Go out and rent or buy the film immediately. You will deeply regret it if you do not see it. I only ask one thing: if you enjoyed the film after viewing it, please tell your friends and relatives about it. The only way an excellent movie can be cherished and recognized is if everyone in the world has a chance to see it.