The Orphanage (DVD, 2008)

The Orphanage, does bring sophistication in ghost stories which is rarely heard of, but Guillermo Del Toro manages to pull it off time and time again, and somehow he even managed to inject his magic into this one, which he only produced - as this very much plays out like one of his own films. Not to discredit Mr. Bayona, though, for he has done a fine job. This is a dark, powerful, and moving masterpiece that both adheres to convention and brings some new, more artistic elements to the table in the direction and storytelling.

There was nothing about this film I didn't like. The acting, the thrills, the cinematography, the story, and the atmosphere. Everything was not short of sheer brilliance. The chilling moments freaked me out a couple of times, which I'm glad they did. That was what I wanted out of this film, but I was offered so much in return. Since I knew Guillermo Del Toro was involved with this project, I had a feeling it would be good. I just didn't think it would be THIS good. It was also very heart-warming, which was something I did not expect.

The acting is great, Belen Rueda as Laura is magnificent. Fernando Cayo as the husband Carlos is also good; he looks like a Spanish version of Josh Lucas. The kids do a decent job. And seeing Geraldine Chaplin (Charlie Chaplin's daughter) was a surprise, and she delivered an excellent performance as the 'seeing' medium. The bond that Laura, Simon, and Carlos shared is very sensitive and is carried out well throughout the movie.

This is definitely one of those horror films you should see more than once. The horror films you see nowadays are weak, not scary, and most of all; not worth your time. This one is WORTH the time. Believe me, his film has absolutely everything you need to know on how to make a well-executed ghost story and more.

I was unaware this was a spanish only movie..bit of a pain to read the subtitles, but it in no way interfered with watching the film..Movie begins with a young Couple and their Son waiting to open a care facility for handicapped children..their new home a old Orphanage where the Mother grew up..having been adopted she left before horrible happening engulfed the small inhabitants..the mystery behind the errie happenings will leave you awestruck..no scares here just old fashion nail biting suspense..this movie does have it's gory moments and the hanky scenes will break your heart..I give this movie 4 out of 5 bars..minus one for it being in spanish only!!

THIS MOVIE IS IN SPANISH, FIRST OF ALL. SO IF YOU WANT TO WATCH IT, WATCH IT WHY YOUR ALONE OR UNDISTURBED. IT IS WORTH READING THROUGH THE MOVIE. IT HAS A GREAT STORY AND GREAT ACTING. THIS MOVIE WILL KEEP YOU INTERESTED FROM START TO FINISH. IT'S A GREAT STORY BECAUSE OF GHOSTS, THAT REALLY FREAKS YOU OUT, SOMETHING MORE REALISTIC. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT. THE WOMAN WAS RAISED IN THE ORPHANAGE UNTIL SHE WAS ADOPTED, YEARS LATER THE ORPHANGE IS HER HOME. BY THEN SHE IS MARRIED AND HAS AN ADOPTED SON OF HER OWN. HE IS ALWAY'S TALKING TO HIS "IMAGINARY FRIENDS" AND PLAYING GAMES WITH THEM. THEY THINK IT IS HIS IMAGINATION OR HE HIS LONELY. WHEN HER SON DISAPPEARS, SHE THINKS IT IS THE GHOSTS OR CHILDREN, WHO TOOK HIM, AFTER DOING INVESTIGATIONS. WELL SHE GOES THROUGH HELL AND BACK TO TRY AND FIND HIM, SHE STOPS AT NOTHING! CAN'T TELL YOU WHAT HAPPENS, BUT THIS MOVIE WAS REALLY GREAT! BUY IT! YOU WILL LOVE IT! DID THIS HELP? VOTE?

I love horror movies and I have not seen a good one in a long time...I was a little hesitant to see this cause of the subtitles but really there is not alot of speaking in the movie (and the spanish makes it way scarier!) It was definately one of the best movies I have seen all year since it was scary but still had a good plot...don't let the subtitles scare you away...

I enthusiastically recommend this film to any fans of good old fashioned ghost stories. One suggestion, however, is that the viewer opt for English subtitles for the hearing impaired rather than the English dubbed version. Belen Rueda is simply too exquisite an actress to miss by a poorly dubbed soundtrack. The Orphanage is one of Guillermo del Toro's very best.