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We’ve just got back from seeing Pan’s Labyrinth (courtesy of Frances’ parents giving us cinema ticket vouchers for christmas, for which: Thanks!).

It was a memorable experience. An ‘adult fairy tale’, set in the Spanish civil war, told through the eyes of Ofelia. Moved from the city with her mother to stay with her step-father, a captain in the Franco army, she immerses herself in books and fantasy, and discovers a world of her own, and tasks to do in order to unlock the portal in the labyrinth. As the situation in the mill in which she is staying unravels as the guerillas and the army fight.

Delightfully dark, with disturbing creatures and scenes, it is at the same time a wonderful story of childhood dreams, and human courage in the face of adversity. As the captain closes in on collaborators in his midst, and the resistance fighters in the woods, Ofelia’s mother’s health deteriorates, the situation in the reality Ofelia seems desperate to escape is grim and horrific.

This is no saccharine fairy tale with a particularly happy ending. It is dark and brooding stuff, Gothic in atmosphere, and so much the better for it. The art direction is vivid and unique, and the cinematic direction wonderful (the pale colours and sumptuous shots really create a strong visual). The story is compelling, thought provoking, utterly immersive and innovative. Not least there some stunning performances from the cast - at all levels. I am certain we’ll be seeing more from the actors and actresses, Ivana Baquero in particular.

It is also, judging by the opening credits, received funding from The National Lottery and Film 4. For a subtitled, foreign language (Spanish) film that came as a bit of a surprise - We can actually back creative and imaginative, and hopefully successful, films, no matter their origin. Indeed, the sub-titles added an extra element to the whole experience.

Easily one of the best films I’ve seen in a while. Uplifting, in a way that only dark and gothic fairy tales set against a backdrop of the horror of war can be. Go see it.