REEL CRITIC:Fantasy mixes with the profound

The greatest fears and highest hopes of mankind are present in “Pan’s Labyrinth.” This startling film combines historical reality with childhood fantasy to transcend ordinary movie formulas. It’s “Alice in Wonderland” meets Alfred Hitchcock in a strange tale with equal parts of fear and wonder at every turn.

Against the brutal repression of Francisco Franco’s Spain, director Guillermo del Toro creates a remarkable world that exists in another dimension. It’s not visible to the crude soldiers who occupy the small rural town. But this mysterious place is fully revealed to the 11-year-old girl at the center of the story. With the courage of a lion, she enters this strange realm hoping to save those dear to her.

Many challenges and adventures await our young heroine in both of these worlds. Confronted with profound issues of right and wrong, darkness and light, she brings a full measure of spiritual insight to every predicament. Equally enchanting and disturbing, this is a grown-up film that stays with you long after you leave the theater.