This is a quick heads up for horror fans who like a good ghost story -- this one is exceptionally well-crafted with an intricate storyline that really delivers.  

The director is some guy I do not recognize, but the film is "produced" by Guillermo del Toro, and his hands -- or at least his style -- are all over this.  For anybody who saw "Devil’s Backbone", this film has the same feel, but at the same time, El Orfanto is a superior product.

There are only a handful of real scares, but they are good ones.  Right at the midpoint you get one that lifts you right out of your seat.

An air of subtle menace infuses virtually every scene, but you have to be patient with this one.  It is more about the story, and the final revelation -- with those 3-4 quick flashbacks where everything suddenly drops into place -- is stunning.  I never saw it coming -- and I almost always see it coming.

Anyway, I usually do not jump onto the movie review board unless I have been very impressed.  This film is such a relief from all the rehashed J-crap flooding the horror scene -- it is undoubtedly the best "ghost story" I have seen in years.

I suppose I have to mention that it is subtitled (Spanish) for those who have a problem with that.  But you will be missing something special.  If you are a fan of thoughtful horror films, I am very confident you will not be disappointed with this one.  Check it out.

My boyfriend and I watched this a few nights ago. I liked how it wasn't just a superficial horror story.

It's a terror-ific movie.

WOW.

What a fantastic film. Hands down it's the best ghost story-type film I've seen in some time. Was just floored by this one. I didn't expect the ending, and what's more, I admit to being extremely moved by the ending - which also I didn't expect.

I urge everyone who hasn't seen this to run, not walk, to the video store and snag this one right away. Just superb.

I got this movie and expected to be scared. I was disappointed. This was a great movie and terrific directing and art, but I wanted to get scared too. That's what horror/supernatural films are supposed to do. There was one part that really creeped me out, but there's a difference between getting scared and getting creeped out.

The ending, I thought, was very strong and very sad, just like Pan's Labyrinth. It was a fantastic movie and I loved it after I saw it.

I just don't see why everyone is complaining about how scary it is. I certainly did not tell myself that it's just a movie.

Sean

***THIS REVIEW MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS***

For me, this film delievered on most levels. I really liked it and I think it is well worth a watch.

The story is fairly cliche, however, it is pulled off and developed masterfully--something that has rarely ever been done. That was a huge plus for me because it proves that, no matter how many times a plotline has been re-hashed, it can still be excecuted in an original way.

The acting and cinematography were absolutely amazing in my opinion, and it is true--the whole film just overflows with Del Toro's style despite him just being a producer and director Juan Bayona did a great job capitalizing on his presence.

But, like all other movies, here's the stuff that I considered  huge lowdowns:

-Character development--There was none of it here. None. Even slasher movies have more character development than this. None of the characters evolved in this, even  the ones who went through drastic "transitions" like Laura and her child. The performances saved the poor characters though. Hell, some of the characters were nothing more than plot-devices--they served their purpose and then they disappeared like they never even existed. The EVP guys come to mind.

-The Horror Factor--It was subtle, yes. But Horror can be subtle and strong at the same time. The atmosphere here was broken by dramattic tear-jerker moments time and time again instead of just blending smoothly with it. That hurt the movie a lot IMO. These are common elements in Drama/Thrillers but this film was billed as a Horror movie and that's what I expected to see.

-The ending, Beautiful, but it could not have been more cheesy even if it tried.

I might sound like I am bashing the film, but I am not. I loved it. It was one of my favorite films of 2007--but it is no masterpiece. A masterpiece is supposed to cover all fields to create an awesome film, but this movie had VERY visible flaws therein which detracted from my enjoyment of the movie considering what a piece of high art it was hyped up to be.

6/10

--Julio

I loved this movie. Subtitles didn't bother me a bit. This is the best, origional ghost story since "The Others" in my opinion. 8/10

Finally got round to watching this.

One of the best horror films ever made.


Like Bert says...never saw the ending coming! Fantastic story telling with a real punch.

It was nice to see this film get a fair shake after the success of Pan's Labyrinth.
This film harkens back to the dread and menace of my fave ghost flicks.
Creeping doom looms in every hallway. I really dug it.

And the resolution more than made up for the second act lag.
Whether you're ok with subtitles or not, there's plenty here to enjoy.

E.D.

Loved it.

Glad y'all revived this thread as I never woulda seen this one otherwise.  Don't have much to add but more praise.  A highly engaging and often very intense film.

SPOILERS SPOILERS

Shoulda ended with her reading to the kids, though.  The feel-good-ness was pushed a little far here and there, most notably in the final scenes.