Pan's Labyrinth (El laberinto del fauno)
Undoubtedly one of THE films of the year, this fantasy by Guillermo del Toro is a visual feast and a great fable which unites a typical fairytale with all the elements of a trial for the main heroine and a sordid battleground in rural Spain during the Civil War. Rather than recount the story, I will just list some of the fine points of this very elegant work of art. The story is a great one and even if there are many obvious references to other films and work of art, Del Toro weaves them together seamlessly and this is one of his great achievements. Moreover, he has a Peter Jackson-like ability to conceive of and create a world that is completely his own. The music was great and the photography lived up to the standards as well. The special effects are at Jackson level (great fairies).
And then there are the actors. Newcomer Ivana Baquero 
is first class as the girl Ofelia. Maribel Verdú as the maid Mercedes does a great job in a very serious part and Sergi López 
is superb as the evil Captain Vidal. A film to make you think on various levels and a treat to watch.
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