Technological – Pan’s Labyrinth uses a combination of practical effects and CGI in order to add a sense of verisimilitude to the fantastical characters in the film. For example, The Pale Man’s appearance is mostly made from prosthetics, however his eyes on his hands and legs are enhanced by digital effects.

Historical – Del Toro deciding to set the film in the 1940s, in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, allows for the audience to connect with the characters, who have been personally impacted by conflict, such as Ofelia who had lost her dad and was essentially forced to treat the captain as a father figure.

Social – Due to the periodic setting of the film, women such as Mercedes are mistreated and looked down upon as a result of the patriarchal society that was in place at the time.

Political – The character of Captain Vidal, a fascist, is clearly the villain of the film. On the other hand, the rebellion that Mercedes and Doctor Ferreiro assist are the ones the audience are intended to be supporting throughout the narrative, since they are anti-authoritarian.

Institutional – Pan’s Labyrinth was produced by several international companies, and premiered at the 2006 Cannes film festival. It made $83.9 million on a budget of $19 million, therefore becoming a box office success.