'Pan's Labyrinth' marked Guillermo del Toro as one of the most gifted filmmakers of the 21st century. By welding the fairy tale world of (what might be) Ofelia's imagination to the bleak reality of Franco's fascist Spain, del Toro juxtaposed childhood 'innocence' with adult violence. This guide examines the fairy tale genre and how del Toro uses it to create a modern myth rooted in reality. It also considers him as an 'auteur' and offers an in-depth analysis, with illustrative stills, of the film. Lacey's introduction will show the supreme craft of del Toro's masterpiece and make you want to see the film again. He is the author of several well-received books on film and media, including 'Introduction to Film' (Palgrave), and guides on 'Blade Runner' and 'Se7en'. This is the third in series of film guides; 'Vertigo' and 'Do the Right Thing' are also available.