Almost two decades after its Cannes debut, Pan’s Labyrinth is back at the Cannes Film Festival. And it happens so that Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy masterpiece still boasts an unbroken record 22-minute standing ovation at the time of its release.

Now, in the wake of its 20th anniversary, the record-breaking moment has surfaced online. The production house, Studiocanal, has secured international sales rights for the 4K restoration of Pan’s Labyrinth. As of May 12, it has been screened as part of Cannes Classics.

The film will be included in the program along with infamous and beloved films such as Moonlighting, The Devils, and more. Del Toro will be present at the Debussy Theatre for the screening of the film. Additionally, this autumn, the movie will get a 4K theatrical release in the UK, France, Germany, Australia, and Benelux.

Then it will be followed by the rollout of the premium UHD Collector’s Editions in the UK, France, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Del Toro himself was involved in every aspect of the restoration.

Returning to Cannes Classics alongside cult legends, Pan’s Labyrinth continues to hold its place as one of fantasy cinema’s greatest masterpieces.

Why Pan’s Labyrinth remains a timeless fantasy classic?

Pan's Labyrinth is a dark fantasy film set in 1944, Francoist Spain. It follows young Ofelia, who moves with her pregnant mother to live with her torturous stepfather, Captain Vidal. There she discovers a labyrinth and a faun who believes she is a lost princess.

The faun provides her with three dangerous and magical tasks to prove herself. They involve getting a key from a giant toad, stealing an item from the lair of the child-eating Pale Man, and bringing her baby brother to the center of the labyrinth. However, Ofelia refuses to shed her brother’s blood in the final test. 

Her decision enables her to pass the tests and be reunited with her royal parents in the underworld. However, she dies in the real world. For the plot and the execution, the film won over 100 international awards.

The awards include three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and the Ariel Award for Best Picture, amongst others. It also received massive critical acclaim for its visual effects, screenplay, and direction. Now, nearly two decades later, Pan’s Labyrinth is still one of the most cherished films of contemporary fantasy. 

Back in Cannes, Guillermo del Toro’s masterpiece continues to mesmerise audiences and cement its place in cinematic history. Its haunting story and unforgettable images continue to resonate with viewers across generations. After so many years, the film’s emotional depth and magical realism remain as powerful and spellbinding as ever.

Will you be catching Pan's Labyrinth's 20th anniversary re-run? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Bias Sinha

Edited by

Adiba Nizami