The Devil's Backbone

2001 "What is a ghost?"
7.4| 1h48m| NA| en| More Info
Released: 20 April 2001 Released
Producted By: El Deseo
Country: Spain
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Info

Spain, 1939. In the last days of the Spanish Civil War, the young Carlos arrives at the Santa Lucía orphanage, where he will make friends and enemies as he follows the quiet footsteps of a mysterious presence eager for revenge.

Genre

Fantasy, Drama, Horror

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Director

Guillermo del Toro

Production Companies

El Deseo

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The Devil's Backbone Audience Reviews

Actuakers One of my all time favorites.
Platicsco Good story, Not enough for a whole film
Stevecorp Don't listen to the negative reviews
Mandeep Tyson The acting in this movie is really good.
gogoschka-1 A beautiful, atmospheric story about a haunted orphanage. To date, I think it's Del Toro's most "complete" film, combining his trademark visuals with a very touching story about war, death, guilt and grief - and ultimately hope.Like 'Pan's Labyrinth' the story is set against the backdrop of the Spanish civil war (although here the war serves merely as a background noise). The film is so beautifully shot that I would recommend it even to people who don't normally like ghost stories (it does have some scary moments, mind); this one transcends the horror genre. 8 stars out of 10.In case you're interested in more underrated masterpieces, here's some of my favorites:imdb.com/list/ls070242495
tao902 The Spanish Civil War is coming to an end and Carlos is placed in an orphanage after his father died in battle fighting for the Republicans.Carlos finds it difficult to feel comfortable in his new home, partly due to unpleasant characters within the orphanage and his new school but also because of the presence of a ghost known as Santi. A ghost haunts the inhabitants, bringing chaos and seeking revenge on its killer.Great cinematography and good plot but the storyline is poorly told by the film. It is difficult to care about or believe in any of the characters and some of the events don't fit smoothly into the overall narrative.
mikey undead This is a beautifully shot haunting film about a boy in a haunted orphanage during the Spainish civil war.This film has a great creepy atmosphere but it is more a drama with horror elements than a straight up horror film which I think can lead to some people being initially disappointed but if you know what you're going into I'm sure you'd appreciate how great this film is.The acting is great, same with the visuals especially the look of Santi and there quite a few memorable scenes that will stick with you.This film is highly recommended.8/10
Amthermandes It's a lot like "What Lies Beneath" and "The Orphanage." It's a bit of a mystery, mixed with drama of the war and its effects on a poor orphanage for young boys. One in particular whom we follow, Carlos, is new and begins to suspect that the orphanage is haunted. There isn't a lot to criticize here, yes it may be predictable and dry at times, but it's well put together with an eerie setting. Personally, as a horror fan, I'm a bit disappointed in the movie. But as del Toro fan, and a cinematic fan in general, I was well satisfied with the movie. Its harsh reality and ghost theme helps set the somber mood, and no complaints about the actors either, everybody did a convincing job in their roles. Great movie, go see it if you like mystery, drama, and yeah, even horror, why not.