MIXING fairytale fantasy with the realism of fascism in post-war Spain sounds an illconceived, if not impossible, idea.

But director Guillermo del Toro does just that to devastating effect in this daring, original movie. His previous work, including commercial offerings Mimic and Hellboy, only hinted at the cinematic mastery he brings to this often harrowing story set during the Spanish Civil War.

A young girl Ofelia (Baguero) arrives at a woodland army HQ with her heavily pregnant mother (Verdu) to join her cruel stepfather (Lopez) who's leading military forces against the revolutionaries populating the forest.

Left to amuse herself, Ofelia goes exploring, enters a labyrinth that proves to be the entrance of the underworld where a fawn - didn't her mother tell her never to talk to strange fawns? - leads her a merry dance.

The horrors and strange creatures she encounters in this supernatural world are reflected in the brutality of the fascists and her nasty stepfather in the real world.

Unlike in fairy tales, happy endings are never certain in Pan's Labyrinth. On a budget presumably a fraction of a Hollywood blockbuster, Del Toro has created a fantasy world that both fascinates and repels.

Seeing it through the eyes of an innocent young girl adds to the emotional impact as Ofelia embarks on her voyage of discovery into the imagination.

Stars: Ivana Baguero, Sergi Lopez, Maribel Verdu, Doug Jones
Running time: 120 mins
Rating: Five stars