The Devil's Backbone (2001)

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 HALLOWEEN REVIEWS 2023

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Writers: Guillermo del Toro & Antonio Trashorras & David Munoz

Stars: Fernando Tielve, Federico Luppi, Marisa Paredes, Eduardo Noriega, Inigo Garces, Irene Visedo, Jose Manuel Lorenzo



During the Spanish Civil War, young Carlos (Fernando Tielve) is sent to a remote orphanage where a kindly but self-absorbed doctor (Federico Luppi) and a stern headmistress (Marisa Paredes) care for the orphaned sons of Communist partisans.

 


There he encounters a complicated web of secrets, betrayals, and ghosts.

 


This is a very fine film by director Guillermo del Toro from before he started making big Hollywood productions.

 


The drama in "Devil's Backbone" is compelling and often pushes the more ghostly elements into the background. 



The setting is inspired.

 


This film is never predictable and ultimately quite moving.
























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