For our third episode, our hosts take on Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning Pan’s Labyrinth.

A fairytale set after the Spanish civil war in 1944, Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) mixes harsh reality with otherworldly adventure. Eleven-year-old Ofelia and her pregnant mother move to the Spanish countryside with her cruel stepfather, Captain Vidal. While exploring nearby ruins, Ofelia meets the faun Pan. He gives her three magical tasks to achieve immortality. Set against a backdrop of violence and political instability, Pan’s Labyrinth will give you some feelings.

As they discuss the film, Justin and Laura try to make sense of why kids are so attracted to things that most adults find creepy. They trade imaginary backstories for the Captain and Carmen, and remain shocked at how violent he is. Laura complains about Ofelia’s grape-eating mistake and Mercedes’s questionable skills as a spy. Justin wonders about the film’s context post-Spanish Civil War and military influence. The hosts compare Pan’s Labyrinth to other stories like Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and the Little Mermaid. Finally, they try to figure out if the fairy tale was real or just in Ofelia’s imagination. It’s a pretty heavy discussion that you don’t want to miss.

Next Time

Next episode, join us for Center Stage!

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