By Stephen Pytak 

     This incredible fantasy film blew me away, and I enjoyed the
sountrack by Javier Navarrette just as much.
     It's foundation is the lullaby the character Mercedes (Maribel 
Verdú) hums to Ofelia (Ivana Baquero). The 3/4 rhythm is sweeping,
dramatic, a bit tragic, yet simple.
     In "Pan's Labyrinth" the music is kind of a character. The film
is about fairy tales, children's stories, things the child Ofelia leans 
on for support. During her trials, a lot of these things come to life 
for her, in particular a 7-foot-tall fawn. When she asks Mercedes
to sing her a lullaby, the music comes to life, becomes something
more than just a score.     
    Navarrette's soundtrack is easy listening, welcoming. It complemented 
this fantasy film, without adding any unwanted complexity. 
    I picked it up at Borders for like $20. It features an alternate poster
for the film, a painting of Ofelia and the fawn, with the maze in the
background. 
     It music touches the soul. And I've been listening to it while I've been 
writing at home.