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5 Plot Point Breakdown: Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

By Michael Schilf · October 20, 2011

Screenplay Genre: Drama / Fantasy / War

Movie Time: 119 minutes

1. INCITING INCIDENT    

Ofelia, (Ivana Baquero) moves to the country with her mother Carmen (Ariadna Gil) to live with her ruthless stepfather Vidal (Sergí Lopez), a fascist army captain. Upon arrival, she follows a large insect into an ancient labyrinth in the woods. Before she can continue, she is stopped by Mercedes (Maribel Verdú), who tells her that the labyrinth is just an old pile of rocks. (00:07:30)

2. LOCK IN (End of Act One)

The insect, who transforms into a fairy, returns to Ofelia and beckons her to follow. She finds herself back at the labyrinth where she meets a Faun (Doug Jones), who tells her that she is the long-awaited daughter of the king of the underworld. In order to prove her immortality, he gives Ofelia a book, which illustrates the three tasks that she must complete before the moon is full. (00:22:00)

3. FIRST CULMINATION (Midpoint)

Having succeeded at her first task, Ofelia fails to follow through with the second due to her mother’s worsening illness. The Faun comes to her, disappointed at her progress. He gives her a mandrake root and instructions to follow which will cure her mother. With hopefulness and little time remaining, Ofelia sets off on her second task. (00:52:36)

4. MAIN CULMINATION (End of Act Two)

Overcome by the delicious feast of the Pale Man (Doug Jones), Ofelia eats two grapes. She manages to escape, but two of the fairies die. Infuriated by her disobedient behavior, Faun refuses to five her the remaining task. Soon thereafter, the Captain catches Ofelia under the bed, tending to the mandrake root that was given to her by the Faun to save her mother. Carmen awakens, throwing the root into the fire, causing her to go into fatal labor. (01:21:40)

5. THIRD ACT TWIST

Faun returns and gives Ofelia one last chance at completing her three tasks. She complies, drugging the Captain and bringing her baby brother to the labyrinth, as instructed. The captain follows, however weakly, and shoots Ofelia, whose blood drips onto the altar in the labyrinth. When the captain exits the labyrinth, the rebels await him. He hands over Ofelia’s baby brother before being shot. Despite Ofelia’s mortal death, her own sacrifice grants her entry into the underworld, where she reigns as Princess for many centuries. (01:42:33)


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