Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro returned to the Cannes Film Festival this week to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed fantasy masterpiece Pan’s Labyrinth, two decades after the movie received a historic 22-minute standing ovation at its Cannes premiere.<\/p>\n
The celebrated director attended a special screening of a newly restored version of the film on Tuesday in Cannes, France, revisiting the project that transformed his career and became one of the most influential fantasy films of modern cinema.<\/p>\n
Del Toro recalled arriving at Cannes in 2006 feeling anxious about the movie\u2019s reception after facing numerous production challenges and financial setbacks during filming.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was one of the few times in my life that I made a choice,\u201d del Toro said of deciding to make the film despite difficulties securing financing. \u201cEverything that could go wrong went wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n
Set in 1944 during Francoist Spain, \u201cPan\u2019s Labyrinth\u201d follows young Ofelia, played by Ivana Baquero, as she escapes into a dark fantasy world while living under the control of her cruel fascist stepfather, Captain Vidal, portrayed by Sergi L\u00f3pez.<\/p>\n
The visually stunning film became renowned for its haunting creatures, including the faun and the terrifying Pale Man, as well as its handcrafted practical effects and imaginative production design.<\/p>\n
Del Toro credited the film as a major turning point in his career, noting that before \u201cPan\u2019s Labyrinth,\u201d he was primarily known for directing Hellboy and Blade II. He later went on to direct the Oscar-winning The Shape of Water and his upcoming adaptation of Frankenstein.<\/p>\n
The director also reflected on the growing role of artificial intelligence and virtual filmmaking in Hollywood, emphasizing his preference for practical craftsmanship and real-world artistry.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think people intrinsically know when you\u2019ve made an effort,\u201d del Toro said. \u201cThe more the design is something you haven\u2019t seen before, that was made by hand, you can sense it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baquero, who was only 11 years old during filming and is now 31, also attended the anniversary screening. She described how the movie has evolved in meaning for her over the years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can enjoy more and more as time goes by,\u201d she said. \u201cI almost don\u2019t see myself as that girl anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following its original Cannes debut, \u201cPan\u2019s Labyrinth\u201d earned widespread critical acclaim and received six Academy Award nominations, ultimately winning three Oscars for cinematography, art direction, and makeup.<\/p>\n
The restored edition of the film is set to return to theaters on Oct. 9 through a rerelease by Cineverse and Fathom Entertainment, introducing the modern fantasy classic to a new generation of audiences.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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