Pan's Labyrinth (DVD, 2007)

I love movies that blur the line between fantasy and reality; Pan's Labyrinth, like others before it, posits that they might exist simultaneously. The film has a wonderful, touching story that runs the gamut of human emotions.

It is my favorite Spanish language film of all time. Moreover, for those of us whose Espanol is no bueno, the subtitles are not distracting, as the dialogue is very simple, and much of the story is told through character action, expression, and setting. Honestly, I have to be in a certain mood to watch a film in a language I don't speak, but this is one I could watch over and over again, with or without knowing what's being said (and the last time I made such a bold statement was with Benigni's "La Vita e Bella" in 1997).

I highly recommend this film, though there are some graphic scenes of violence, so parents might want to pre-screen it before letting the kiddos watch. Nonetheless, top-notch film! I'm glad it got some Oscar recognition.

Rent it. Buy it. Just make sure you see it!