The Devil's Backbone (El Espinazo del diablo) (2000)

Featured Audience Ratings

• moon r

  
  During the Spanish Civil War a boy is unceremoniously deposited at an out of the way delapidated orphanage, and so begins this beautifully photographed drama about the lives that intersect there and how they make their way. Wild cards in the piece are a few bars of hidden gold ...… More
  During the Spanish Civil War a boy is unceremoniously deposited at an out of the way delapidated orphanage, and so begins this beautifully photographed drama about the lives that intersect there and how they make their way. Wild cards in the piece are a few bars of hidden gold ... and a vengeful boy ghost. Not electrifying, but not bad at all.

• Cynthia S

  
  This isn't so much a horror film, as it is a drama with supernatural elements. This was a very fine film. Rarely do we get to see a true ghost story that focuses on the story more than cheap scares. In fact this is more than just a ghost story... this is more like a story that… More
  This isn't so much a horror film, as it is a drama with supernatural elements. This was a very fine film. Rarely do we get to see a true ghost story that focuses on the story more than cheap scares. In fact this is more than just a ghost story... this is more like a story that just so happens to feature a ghost. Very well done.

• Spencer S

  
  There was an expectation of true horror when I sunk my teeth into this gothic epic about the Spanish American War, but Guillermo del Toro's message was far more complex than ghosts and ghouls. The main theme concerned fear. What is fear, and who should we fear in the end? Not the… More
  There was an expectation of true horror when I sunk my teeth into this gothic epic about the Spanish American War, but Guillermo del Toro's message was far more complex than ghosts and ghouls. The main theme concerned fear. What is fear, and who should we fear in the end? Not the ghost of a dead boy. Not the murderer himself, killing doctors, orphans, and his beloved. Even small children can become mighty heros when it's called for. The special effects, including the ghost Santi, were highly original and much like del Toro's work on Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth. Like Pan's Labyrinth politics were a large part of the film, as well as ethical tensions, and moral dilemmas. Heaven and hell were also at play, making this a religious debate as well as a ghost story. Highly unusual and entertaining.

• ♥Robyn

  
  this one pulls the strings and pushes the buttons,a horror story that also potently suggests the ways war can shatter childhood !!!!!!!

• Anthony L

  
  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?

• Randy T

  
  In spite of it's suggestive title and the reputation of it's director, Guillermo del Toro, <i>El Espinazo del Diablo</i> 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… More
  In spite of it's suggestive title and the reputation of it's director, Guillermo del Toro, <i>El Espinazo del Diablo</i> 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 fearsome, making the film itself much more terrific than it is terrifying.

• Bruce B

  
  El Espinazo del diablo. Ahhh Spanish Horror, you have to love it. This movie is in Spanish with English Subtitles. This should not affect the overall quality of this film. Time Era during the Spanish Civil War, a young boy is dropped off at an orphanage, where he encounters a ghost.… More
  El Espinazo del diablo. Ahhh Spanish Horror, you have to love it. This movie is in Spanish with English Subtitles. This should not affect the overall quality of this film. Time Era during the Spanish Civil War, a young boy is dropped off at an orphanage, where he encounters a ghost. (Good Special Effects) who was killed by one of the caregivers. A Safe, Gold, and pretty girl all involved make up a good horror movie, in the way of 8 films to die for type movie. The movie continues to drop little clues to peak your interest for the final scene. Have to give it 4 stars, I don't get to see much Spanish Horror but this one film will make me look for more. 4 Stars

• Red L

  
  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.

• Greg S

  
  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.

• Lady D

  
  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

• Mike S

  
  Guillermo Del Toro has grown more and more as a director in my eyes. With movies like Hellboy, Blade II and Pan's Labyrinth on his credit, he has already proven that he is a creative force to be reckoned with, especially with his consistent talent for imaginative storytelling and… More
  Guillermo Del Toro has grown more and more as a director in my eyes. With movies like Hellboy, Blade II and Pan's Labyrinth on his credit, he has already proven that he is a creative force to be reckoned with, especially with his consistent talent for imaginative storytelling and amazing character/creature design. This movie certainly falls within the same category, as it had an interesting story and was brilliantly directed. It may not be as good as Pan's Labyrinth, but it's not that far away from it either. So if you're a fan of Del Toro's previous work, you're bound to like this film as well.

• xGary X

  
  Pan's Labyrinth was not Guillermo Del Toro's first stab at a story that mixes fantasy with a tale of the Spanish civil war. In the Devil's Backbone, a young boy is abandoned at an orphanage for children whose fathers were killed in the fighting and is haunted by a… More
  Pan's Labyrinth was not Guillermo Del Toro's first stab at a story that mixes fantasy with a tale of the Spanish civil war. In the Devil's Backbone, a young boy is abandoned at an orphanage for children whose fathers were killed in the fighting and is haunted by a ghostly apparition that holds the secret of a tragic past event. The thing that stands out about this film is it's haunting atmosphere. There is no running around screaming, no blood and guts, no monsters jumping out at you. Del Toro's visuals are as sumptuous as always, almost resembling a Leone spaghetti western in places, and the visual effects are frankly stunning; the recreation of the ghostly boy is incredibly effective and bears more resemblance to the subtlety of J-horror than gore obsessed Hollywood film makers. Add to this a script that thankfully avoids all the usual horror cliches and expands on the basic concept to include a host of well constructed characters and relationships instead of hysterical stereotypes and you have something that is no conventional horror film by any sense of the word. A beautiful piece of film-making.

• Aaron N

  
  Casares: What is a ghost? A tragedy condemned to repeat itself time and again? An instant of pain, perhaps. Something dead which still seems to be alive. An emotion suspended in time. Like a blurred photograph. Like an insect trapped in amber. Guillermo Del Toro's wonderful… More
  Casares: What is a ghost? A tragedy condemned to repeat itself time and again? An instant of pain, perhaps. Something dead which still seems to be alive. An emotion suspended in time. Like a blurred photograph. Like an insect trapped in amber. Guillermo Del Toro's wonderful companion piece to the equally wonderful Pan's Labyrinth. It is clearly a companion piece due to a number of elements involving similar characters, themes, the time setting during the end of the Spanish Civil War, and of course the blending of the dramatic reality with the fantastical, although this movie leans more to the side of horror opposed to 'Pan's' fantasy world. The story involves Carlos, a young boy being sent to an orphanage for children of left-wing families. He arrives meeting various other children, those working at the orphanage including a doctor, a one-legged headmistress, the sexy Conchita, and a former resident and now caretaker Jacinto. The residence is also home to two odd quirks. One is a disabled aircraft bomb that landed in the middle of the courtyard, sitting straight up in the ground like a statue. The other is the possible presence of the ghost of one of the missing children, Santi. Just like in 'Pan,' the supernatural aspect of this story can be seen either literally or figuratively. It all lies in the personal views of the viewer, between the doctor's explanation of his views on science and the very last shot in the movie, either view is acceptable, although the movie would make you lean to the fantastic. As the movie progresses, the true motives and secrets of characters are revealed, leading to a third act that combines the sad drama with the appropriate turn of events for those deserving to be punished. Being a part of Del Toro's filmography, this is a great looking film. While it doesn't have the visual flourish of the fantasy world's created in 'Pan,' there is enough atmosphere created by the darkened scenes and elements involving the ghost that make this a visually pleasing film. The characters are all well handled, fitting the mold of fantasy/horror creations for the most part. Overall, this is a very good film, with a unique take on the ghost story, mainly because you are given a reason to understand the purpose of it. Conchita: I'm not afraid of you.

• Christopher M

  
  Guillermo del Toro is a great director. I absolutely adore his work, from this to Hellboy to the wonderful Pan's Labyrinth. This film is set during the Spanish civil war (a subject del Toro obviously has great interest in) and covers the events after a boy is left in a shelter… More
  Guillermo del Toro is a great director. I absolutely adore his work, from this to Hellboy to the wonderful Pan's Labyrinth. This film is set during the Spanish civil war (a subject del Toro obviously has great interest in) and covers the events after a boy is left in a shelter for orphans, and begins to encounter a ghost called "the one who sighs", and unravel the mystery of the shelter, such as the giant bomb which fell into the middle of the shelter's yard and didn't explode. Guillermo del Toro excels in creating a perfect juxtaposition between fantasy and reality, and he does it here as well. The film has a brilliant, entrancing story and is just done so well - it really makes you question the idea of ghosts and what or who they are. What makes a great film is when it totally transports you to another world for a short time, and this film does that. There's something that is instantly attractive about a film involving the world of children, especially when it involves conflict with older people (as exemplified in Guillermo's Oscar winner Pan's Labyrinth and by many other films such as The 400 Blows). This is another gold star on del Toro's impressive filmography and I highly recommend it.

• Lee ?

  
  Hollywood should take note from this brilliant little Spanish movie and realize that it is possible to integrate a good story into a horror themed movie, and "The Devils Backbone" is a perfect example of what it can achieve. This movie is stunning! Extremely atmospheric and… More
  Hollywood should take note from this brilliant little Spanish movie and realize that it is possible to integrate a good story into a horror themed movie, and "The Devils Backbone" is a perfect example of what it can achieve. This movie is stunning! Extremely atmospheric and eerie from the start, great acting by the whole cast and the plot keeps you hooked and on edge till the very satisfying conclusion. A must see for those who do not mind the subtitles.

• Drew S

  
  A fantastic war drama tinged with elements of suspense and horror. It is deceptively marketed as a scary movie, but it isn't really; the supernatural presence here is not nearly as menacing as the human one. Amazing performances, beautiful camerawork, and a strong aesthetic… More
  A fantastic war drama tinged with elements of suspense and horror. It is deceptively marketed as a scary movie, but it isn't really; the supernatural presence here is not nearly as menacing as the human one. Amazing performances, beautiful camerawork, and a strong aesthetic sensibility put this movie well above the typical war drama.

• Walter M

  
  [font=Century Gothic]"The Devil's Backbone" takes place during the waning days of the Spanish Civil War. Carlos(Fernando Tielve) is brought to a remote orphanage that has been tastefully decorated by a huge unexploded bomb in its courtyard after his father is killed in… More
  [font=Century Gothic]"The Devil's Backbone" takes place during the waning days of the Spanish Civil War. Carlos(Fernando Tielve) is brought to a remote orphanage that has been tastefully decorated by a huge unexploded bomb in its courtyard after his father is killed in action. The orphanage, run by its principal, Carmen(Marisa Paredes), with help from Dr. Casares(Federico Luppi), can barely feed all of its charges but still takes the new boy in. And of course Carlos runs afoul of the local bully, Jaime(Inigo Garces), soon after arriving.[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]Meanwhile, 15-year resident Jacinto(Eduardo Noriega) has his mind on the hidden gold...[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]"The Devil's Backbone" is a creepily elegant movie from Guillermo del Toro that works very well as an allegory for the Spanish Civil War that continues to haunt the country to this day.(There are some surface similarities between this and the later "Pan's Labyrinth" but each movie manages to stand on its own.) The power structure within the orphanage is a miniature version of the situation outside of its walls. And even though they are not on the firing line, the characters still need courage to fight for what they believe in. [/font]

• Matthew Y

  
  Guillermo del Toro's lovingly crafted ghost story is quite a beautiful film to behold. Never cheapening the concept with genre gimmicks for unnecessary frights he tells the story honestly and with almost religious or faith-like sincerity. I'm not Spanish but I do know that… More
  Guillermo del Toro's lovingly crafted ghost story is quite a beautiful film to behold. Never cheapening the concept with genre gimmicks for unnecessary frights he tells the story honestly and with almost religious or faith-like sincerity. I'm not Spanish but I do know that ghosts and spirits play a major part in their spiritual beliefs (they don't have a day of the dead religious holiday for nothing) and it shows in this culturally significant film. Top-notch art direction and cinematography also highlight this criminally underrated drama. One of the best non-English language films of 2001.

• Panta O

  
  Wonderfully executed war horror movie with melodrama bits and pieces and elements of a psychological thriller... elegant and smart... the Guillermo Del Toro way! A movie about a young boy and the War in a school for children whose parents were killed fighting Fascists in Spain...… More
  Wonderfully executed war horror movie with melodrama bits and pieces and elements of a psychological thriller... elegant and smart... the Guillermo Del Toro way! A movie about a young boy and the War in a school for children whose parents were killed fighting Fascists in Spain... mainly the movie focuses on young boy Carlos trying to adjust to the new surroundings , and also his encounters with "the one who sighs" . The horror element is very suttle , brought out by the ubiquitous presence of the ghost of Santi , who makes himself visible to Carlos at regular intervals revealing the secret of his death! In the background runs a story of Carmen, the ageing headmistress and the young labourer Jacinto (Noriega) with Doctor Casares( Luppi) on a side of this love triangle... They are all exceptional roles but the star is the young Fernandi Tielve who brilliantly portrayed such a diverse character as Carlos. Watch it if you have a chance... it's well worth it!

• Brandon K

  
  I couldn't concentrate because one of the actors looked exactly like the Spanish Harry Connick Jr.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings