Eduardo Noriega, Marisa Paredes, Federico Luppi
The mournful fable of the Santa Lucia School during the last days of the Spanish Civil War. An imposing stone building set on a desolate plateau, the school shelters the orphans of the Republican mili...( read more
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DVD Release Date: June 25, 2002
Stats: 1,998 reviews
Great film from del Toro, everything is spot on. The keyhole scene is up there with the best classic horror moments. I wonder if we can expect another Spanish civil war story to complete the trilogy?
In spite of it's suggestive title and the reputation of it's director, Guillermo del Toro, El Espinazo del Diablo is not really a horror film (in the strictest sense). The mysterious spirit that haunts the halls of the Santa Lucia School is much more fascinating than he is...( read more)
I am always surprised how cheaply a life is viewed during a war. This story is told through an orphan's eyes, and although advertised as a horror movie, I didn't see it that way. Sure there is a ghost, but he is trying to help, and the real horror in this movie is greed.
During the Spanish Civil War, a boy deposited at an orphanage must deal with a ghost and the deadlier evil posed by a ruthless war opportunist. Well-characterized and atmospheric pre-hash of themes that would explode in director del Toro's followup, PAN'S LABYRINTH.
Slightly disappointed that it wasn't as scary as I'd hoped it would be, but impressive all the same. The boys were all great actors and the storyline is original.
Another enjoyable film from this Director
Amazing horror piece set during the Spanish Civil War. I love it when directors are able to make intelligent ghost movies. I mean, it's not because you make a scary film that you can't put substance in it, right?
One of the best modern Spanish films I've seen. The dosis and mix of drama, horror and thriller, along with excellent performances and a nice plot of the Spanish Civil War works perfectly. Among Del Toro's best.
82/100
De Guillermo del Toro, traz crianças como personagens principais, algo que o diretor parece gostar bastante de fazer. Retrata uma escola na época da Guerra Civil Espanhola. Parece um filme de terror, mas não é (apesar de ter um fantasma).
Guillermo Del Toro is one of these rare directors who know to mix genres with an incredible coherence. In fact, Espinazo del Diablo is not only a horror film because it treats themes that are recurrent in Guillermo Del Toro's future works like General Franco's period and childhood.
The Devil's Backbone has been compared to The Others, and has the same ambition and intelligence, but is more compelling and even convincing. full review
Mr. del Toro provokes your screams and shudders, but he also earns your tears. full review
Foreign, Spanish. This was a very good movie and done quiet well. If you like Pan's Labyrinth, you will like this one; it's by the same director. I highly recommend it!
Take care all,
William
Zzzzzzoooooommmmmm!
"It is easy to be brave, from a distance." -American Indian Proverb-
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