THE ORPHANAGE (2007)

Directed By: Juan Antonio Bayona
Written By: Sergio C. Sanchez
Cinematography By: Oscar Faura
Editor: Elena Ruiz

Cast: Belen Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Princep, Geraldine Chaplin


Laura, a former orphan, raises her adopted son Simón together with her husband Carlos in an old house and former orphanage where she was raised. While at the orphanage Simón tells Laura that he has five invisible friends which she believes are a product of his active imagination. Laura decides to reopen the orphanage to cater for disabled children and throws a party. During the party Simón tries to persuade Laura to go and take a look at his friends cabin but she's too busy. Later on she sees a mysterious masked boy and realizes that Simón has also disappeared. Laura feels the presence of other people in the house and months later Laura invites a team of parapsychologists to try to unravel the mystery.

When it comes to films that Guillermo Del Toro has his hands in. The film seems to contain a mythology all it’s own. Which is what makes these films worthwhile and magical. They are rich with not only imagery, but also imagination. The scope may seem small, but in reality it is a wonderland that knows no limits. The film is no mere horror film. While it is scary. It is more of a adult fairy tale with suspenseful moments. It’s a dark tale with reality overtones, but at it’s heart. It is playful and has no limits.

The film continuously keeps you guessing. It’s never boring as you find yourself getting more and more enraptured by the story and you begin to identify with the characters and worry about them. The film manages to stay luscious in it’s beauty though there is mainly only one location a sprawling house and yard around it.

The film can be heartbreaking, but it is for a reason that assures you of it’s decisions. The film is a gem that can be breathtaking in it’s beauty. It’s not a simple film, but seems like it is one.

It took me awhile to finally watch this film. It was a film that came acclaimed, but also one that i knew I had to see in the right mood. I knew it was a film that I would appreciate. It’s usual style. But I really would appreciate it’s visual style, but I really wanted to pay attention to it’s other qualities. I was not disappointed in the least. The film has an iconic character who seems at first like a boogeyman that haunts the main character and the film. Until we finally understand everything.
This is a film that is best to go into blind and discover it’s pleasures.

Even my friend who usually doesn't watch foreign films. Watched thisin theaters and enjoyed it.

This is a definite addition to the film library.

GRADE: A