Today’s movie of the day is 2006’s Pan’s Labyrinth, a dark fantasy movie directed by Guillermo del Toro. It’s a blockbuster movie that has won multiple academy awards. The film was released in 2006 after the producers had worked on it for nearly 13 years. Although the story is fictional, some of the mythical creatures are inspired by Guillermo del Toro’s lucid dreams.

Set in the fascist Spain of 1944, the movie follows the story of a young girl named Ofelia (played by Ivana Baquero), who is the step-daughter of a callous army officer Vidal (played by Sergi López). She is believed to be a reincarnation of a fictional character Princess Moana of the underworld, who was cursed to die as a mortal after wandering into the real world.

At the heart of the story, Ofelia escapes into a mysterious but captivating mystical world after following a group of fairies. They lead her to a labyrinth where a faun creature, after confirming she is Princess Moana, hands her a book with 3 distinct tasks she must complete to return to the underworld. We are treated to a glimpse inside Guillermo del Toro’s amazing mind through the different grotesque and chilling adventures she encounters. The story ends with Ofelia’s death which ultimately opens the portal that allows her to return to the underworld.

The movie has been certified as fresh on Rotten Tomatoes receiving great acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Guillermo del Toro, who directed this movie, is also responsible for other great movie hits such as The Shape of Water and Hell Boy.