Spirit of the Beehive

If you want to know where Guillermo del Toro got his inspiration for 'Pan's Labyrinth' from, 'Spirit of the Beehive' is the film to see.

The Spirit of the Beehive  is a 1973 Spanish film directed by Victor Erice.  Made during the last few years of  Franco's dictatorship, and set in 1940, the film subtly criticises post-civil war Spain.
The film focuses on the young girl Ana and her fascination with the 1931 American horror film Frankenstein, as well as exploring her family life and schooling. The film beautifully portrays Ana's haunted inner life: visually, the film is sparse and desolate, however, the cinematography is stunning. Each image lingers in the mind, and the child actress is amazing. - Kim