The Labyrinth Of The Faun, Suffering For The Spanish Civil War

The labyrinth of the faun, suffering for the Spanish Civil War

This film is located in Spain in 1944, during World War II. Franco’s kingdom was happening during this time too, and the country was in crisis. Republicans were hidden in the forest, and the fascist army were sent to fight the rebels.

The main characters in this movie are called Ofelia, Captain Vidal and Mercedes. With his mother, Carmen, Ofelia has to move to the fascist field to live with her stepfather, Captain Vidal. 

Ofelia symbolizes the innocents they suffered during the war. Captain Vidal is the fascist army leader. He is a cruel man who represents the violent nature of the civil war. Mercedes is a servant in the fascist field, but is currently related to Republicans. He is a friendly, affectionate and maternal person. His character symbolizes compassionate people to do a lot to help Republicans.

There are many things in this film that represent fascism during the civil war. I think Captain Vidal is the character that symbolizes fascism the best. As I said before, he is a cruel and violent man. His authoritarian position as the leader of the fascists reflects Franco’s horrifying dictatorship in Spain during this time. In addition, the scene where Captain Supper with other fascist party partisans represents the inequality experienced during this time. While enjoying a great banquet, the rest of the country had food rations.

The Republican side is represented by the brave, resistant and delivered characters in the film.

Mercedes is a character that shows the hard work they put to fight the fascists. Although it is difficult for him to work for the captain, Mercedes continues to work for him in order to help his brother and the other Republicans. Like Republican soldiers, he puts his own life at risk every day to end the fascist government.

The civil war and the postwar period was very violent. Many people were injured and were killed. There were many violent battles between fascists and Republicans, as was in death for both sides. Also, many innocent people were killed during this time, and Ofelia, who was killed by Captain Vidal, represents all these people.

At first, Ofelia and her mother seem to have a close relationship and spend a lot of time together. However, Captain Vidal changes all this. Ofelia does not like the captain because she can see her cruel side, but her mother insists that Ofelia call him a father. Captain Vidal doesn’t like Ondelia and complains a lot about her. As a result, the family never joins. Carmen and the captain focus on the baby, and Ofelia approaches Mercedes.

Faun’s labyrinth is located in the past, when men were seen as the greatest genre. In this film, men are in a position of power, and seem strong, brave and daring. Many of the men think that women are useless, especially the captain, who says, "she is just a woman". However, in my opinion, women are the heroines of the film, especially Ofelia and Mercedes. Ofelia tries to protect her mother and brother, even if he endangers, and without mercy, the Republicans would not have won the war.