Pan's Labrinth- movie review

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                                                 7th September, 2009           

What does the film ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ represent through the notion of love?

‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ is a film directed by Guillero Del Torro, depicting both the fantasy world of a child as well as the harsh fascist world in Spain 1944. This film addresses the notion of love in almost every character whether it be patriotic, parental or the simple friendly love. The film portrays that love can be of different forms and it can lead to desperate acts.

As illustrated by the film, ‘patriotic love’ is the love of all citizens for a home that in their perspective is perfect for everyone. It can make corrupt leaders to do ruthless acts as shown through the character of Captain Vidal. His love for his country, his status and his strong belief in fascism leads him to do cruel, brutal acts. As he proclaims, “I choose to be here because I want my son to be born in a new, clean Spain.” This represents his thoughts on how fascism is the only right way of ruling. The captain’s values are that of glory, following orders without question and power. We can also see this through his forcefulness to all below him and his expectations of blinding obedience. On the other hand, the soldiers fighting against this fascist world is also due to this ‘patriotic love’ and their strong feeling against fascism. These soldiers are truly desperate, going through hardships and several other consequences to fight for this cause. For example, the scene with the doctor and the old man with the bad leg is the scene that clearly shows this hardship through the symbolism of blood, pain and the struggle. The camera shots used in this scene, is generally medium shots, to show interaction between characters. But several close-up shots have also been used on the leg and the expression of the patient and the doctor, again showing the struggle. The symbolism of blood is also shown throughout the film. It is shown as an act of violence or struggle and as an act of love. The colour of this fascist world is also dark and grim, signifying this desperation, aggression and struggle due to this powerful ‘patriotic love’. By doing such things Del Torro tried to show that love for one’s country can be so strong, it can lead people in the wrong direction as well.

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Love for family or parental love is another powerful love shown throughout the film, also leading to desperate acts. Firstly, the captain’s love for his unborn son is so immense that he went to great lengths to get him which included saving the son instead of the mother as well as the killing of his stepdaughter, Ophelia, when she tried to run away with the baby. He even admitted to do his ruthless, harsh job because of his son. “I choose to be here because I want my son to be born in a new, clean Spain.” He also ...

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