Blood and Chocolate

I went to see Blood and Chocolate early Friday evening. I hadn't planned on seeing it, but chose it from the various ones showing.

The movie is set in Budapest, around the myth of the lougarou, the werewolves. A young woman named Vivian lives with her aunt and works in a chocolate shop. She is a member of the Lougarou family and lives with her aunt after her parents were killed in the States. Her relatives tend to be somewhat Eurotrash and disapprove when she starts seeing a young American graphic artist. When her cousin attacks the artist and reveals the Lougarou secret, the wolf pack goes out to kill the artist, leaving Vivian torn whether to save him or remain loyal to family.

The plot and story was surprisingly good as was the acting for what seemed to be a relatively low budget film. The special effects were not overly elaborate, but the scenery was cool. I can't say I'd recommend it to everyone, but it was better than I thought it would be.

Did I enjoy it? I did.
Would I see it again? Eh, probably not.
Buy the DVD? Nah.

Pan's Labyrinth

Ofelia enters another world in Pan's Labyrinth
After reading many reviews online and hearing good things about it from folks like ericdabear, I decided to hit a matinee of Pan's Labyrinth yesterday.

The juxtaposition of a tyrannical Spain in 1944 against the "fantasy" world of a young Spanish girl is impressive. When her pregnant mother moves them to her brutal military husband's post, Ofelia unlocks a fantasy world to escape, finding out she is the princess of that world, but must complete three tasks to open the portal to get there.

The film was wonderful, incredibly artistic and graphic, and the balance between the reality of war and the young girl's fantasy is well done. I hesitate to use the word "fantasy" because it seems to not be "unrealistic" as one world influences another. The movie has subtitles, but they are relatively large and are easier to follow than any other foreign film I've seen. I didn't find them distracting at all.

Did I enjoy the movie? Very much.
Would I see it again? Yes.
Buy the DVD? Hmmmm... not sure.