For(eign) Your ReConsideration: Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

OscarWatch Podcast

A new segment where Amy and Steve look back at notable Foreign Language films that came up short at the Oscars. For the debut, we could think of none better than (recently en-goldened) Guillermo del Toro's dark fantasy drama, Pan's Labyrinth. Considered GdT's Spanish masterpiece, the film uses the 'young child escapes reality into a fantasy land' trope common to fairy tales and adds that del Toro darkness to the proceedings. Horrific violence, death and despair mix alongside the beautiful - and terrifying - creatures of fantasy. Amy and Steve debate the reality of the reality of the situation, figure out that maybe the bad guy is just a bit too much, find some striking parallels to recent BP winner, The Shape of Water and finally decide whether this should have won out over The Lives of Others. All this and a declaration that Blade II is the best Blade movie, this week on the podcast. Write us with your thoughts at [email protected], and find us on social media @oscarwatchpod Thanks for listening.