Thesis Statement

How important is narrative of the films in expressing the messages, myths and ideas of the country?

Pans Labyrinth and Amelie both use aspects of narrative in conveying the myths, messages and ideas of the countries they are based on, being Spain and France. Although, Pans Labyrinth uses narrative more compared to Amelie when expressing the countries idealogy. Amelie is more of a stereotypical look at France through its narrative of romance and Amelie's journey through life. As Pans Labyrinth is focussed on the narrative involving the Spanish Civil War this then expresses more ideas of Spain, than Amelie does with France. Additionally, through using a factual storyline for its narrative Pans Labyrinth is able to convey more about Spain. Similarly both films narratives are followed through not neccessarily reliable narrators - Ofelia and Amelie and with the films following both their points of view - the messages of both films

Not Answered Question
- Didn't Address "How Important is" (No use of scale)
- No thoughts on myths

I feel that although you made some points you did not address the key aspects of the question within your response. In my opinion narrative is incredibly important in expressing the messages, myths and ideas of their respective countries in both films. the narrative in Pans Labrinth allows for many symbolic references to be placed frequently throughout the film. For example through Ofelia sacrificing herself and through this being reunited with her father shows a strong symbolic reference to Catholicism and Jesus Christ. This is a key belief of Spain and is only able to be portrayed through the narrative. Amelie also uses the narrative of the film to express strong ideas about the country of France, through Amelies actions couples including herself are united and gives the film a strong theme of love. This idea of love is often tied in with Paris as the city can be referred to as "The City of Love" this shows that through narrative key ideas about France and Paris are being reinforced to a worldwide audience. Narrative is however not such a key aspect in terms of myths within the films as despite Pans Labrinth having characters such as the Faun and its title referring to "Pan" the only Greek god to not be immortal i feel that myths do not play a heavy role in the film, and any reference to them is conveyed more strongly through the films style. This same idea does not apply to Amelie however as the myth of Paris being the city of love that i mentioned earlier is reinforced and presented strongly through the narrative but also through the style of the films colour grading and presentation§

Checklist:
Debate need to include:
Argument/Opinion that is justified/explained
Overlaps with other Macro 
Comparing the differences between the films use of narrative or:
Differences in messages & values
Linked to Context of Country (myths, culture etc) 

Pans Labyrinth uses narrative more compared to Amelie when expressing the countries ideology. Through the use of discussing the Spanish Civil war and this being significant in shaping Spanish culture and ideology; in comparison to Amelie where no real narrative aspects can really express French ideology. The belief of love in Paris is more a foreign belief from people outside France.

In my opinion narrative is incredibly important in expressing the messages, myths and ideas of their respective countries in both films. Through narrative comes the ability to show how Amelie uses the stereotype of Paris being a love-filled place. This could not be communicated through any other MACRO area without incorporating narrative into it.

Additionally, through using a factual storyline for its narrative Pans Labyrinth is able to convey more about Spain. This is shown through the hardship of the war and fascism.

Amelie's actions couples including herself are united and gives the film a strong theme of love. 

Narrative is however not such a key aspect in terms of myths within the films.
This same idea does not apply to Amelie however as the myth of Paris being the city of love that i mentioned earlier is reinforced and presented strongly through the narrative