Jun 17, 2007

Pan's Labyrinth

Ok, ok I know I'm on the late train regarding Pan's Labyrinth but I rarely go to the movies. I rather luxuriate next to my hubby as we watch a film together and can laugh and/or cry as much as we want. Another bonus is that I make FAB movie snacks. Tonight we had Cassava and Pita chips with homemade mojo sauce.

Here are my thoughts on the film (LET ME WARN YOU THERE ARE SOME SPOILERS FOLLOWING):

Umm, GENIUS, magical, meaningful, not your typical Hollywood ending, poetic, worth owning; so that you can have several viewings and share it with those near and dear.

- When Ofilia offers her LEFT hand to her new fascists-step-father when she was introduced to him. Cliche foreshadowing? Yeah but, notice how she did this while holding in her right hand was what she believed in. Her books!(POLITICAL IDEOLOGY CONNECTED TO INTELLECTUAL THOUGHT)

- Mercedes, which means "mercy" in Spanish was pivotal to the story. She gave mercy to those that deserved it and shown none to those that didn't. (DIVINE JUSTICE)

- Yet another look at Mercedes. She would tuck her knife for cooking into her apron, after she completed her tasks, while deep into thought and wrangling her angst. She complained to her brother that she felt cowardly. Yet, the knife was always within the folds of her being. When the time was right she used it to fight for her life and exhibit her bravery. (INNER STRENGTH)

- The number 3 was ever present. There were 3 stars on the step-father's hat, 3 stones killed the frog, 3 tasks, 3 thrones at the end. The holy trinity? Remember, faithful readers, 3 is a magic number.

- Add to that observation that Mercedes brother is Pedro. Pedro is Peter in Spanish. Peter is the apostle that started the Catholic church. Hmmm, is this a movie about the Catholic church.

- I worried at this point people. I wasn't about to be excited about a film that promoted a religion that sees me in hell. This is how it was redeemed. A main character stuttered - which makes him queer (odd boy out). Yet he was honorable. They talked positively about soldiers from other places coming to save them, which to me, removed any xenophobia. Plus wasn't there something gay about the second in command.

- Daddy issues. The move is laden with them. C'mon the watch, the razor across the mirror, Ofalia refusing to call step-daddy, padre.

- Ohhh the table with the eyeless monster. How dare you eat off the table of your enemy. The one that eats your own.

- First scene and final scene. It's all about reincarnation! What have you learned in this reality and how would you use it in your next life?

I plan on watching it a few more times. There are many other lessons to learn within the twist and turns of Pan's Labyrinth. Cliche? Hey, some cliches are cliches because they work.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey, I hear what you have to say. There's a great exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York about how ordinary New Yorkers got involved in the little known Spanish Civil War. The Loyalists (the Captain) were supported not only by Hitler and Mussolini, but also the catholic church. I don't feel that this movie promoted the church, but is making a comment on how it completely lost its way. The Republicans (Mercedes and her gang) were shown mercy because of their efforts, and were given the chance to raise a new generation (the baby). Her brother Pedro is perhaps symbolically being asked to start the church anew, getting back to the way it was supposed to be, a place of charity and inclusiveness. And Peter is a fighter, something that's worth fighting over. Yes the trinity was ever present, but not in the way we Christians were taught to recognize it, another pinch in the side of the catholic church. Mercedes and her gang lived in the forest, off the land, closer to our truer selves, therefore closer to God. The Captain and his crew were "civilized", ritualistic, dogmatic, closer to the church, and did you notice how they were lost in the forest? It was a metaphor. Yes, it was a movie worth watching again, and a movie worth taking your (teenage)kids to see, as I did.

Allan S. said...

Thank you Joselyn, you gave me some new ways to look at this film. This is why I love my bunnilove. This woman is special.