Brilliant, bittersweet, satisfying film - not for horror lovers though
This is a brilliant film, up there with his "Pan's Labyrinth" and even better than "Devil's Backbone" which it in some ways resembles - a ghost story involving a children's home. A film about the fierce love between parent and child, which transcends death. I loved the bittersweet ending. It is not a horror film, so if you like horror movies, choose something else.

Eerie
The Orphanage is a psychological ghost story with a classic set-up involving nervy woman, empty old house, creepy kids; it is especially reminiscent of The Others but also of many other films like Don't Look Now and The Haunting and Henry James' classic novella The Turn of the Screw, which seems to have given rise to this whole subgenre of films. The Orphanage is far superior to the Others, in my opinion; Belen Rueda gives a far better performance than Kidman, not least because her face has retained the power to register emotion, which Kidman's has not. There are many exceptionally creepy moments, and a brilliantly-maintained eerie atmosphere as well as a very effective use of music and sound. In short, I found this to be one of the most effective horror films of the last few years, a ghost story in the classic style, very well-made on every level.

Good but not terrifying
This is a good watch once horror. The first time i watched it it was at night which only added to the horror. The film is jumpy and has the elements of a good ghost story which i always find scary.


Like Rec. the last film i reviewed this film is in a foreign language - in this case Spanish which some people might find a turn off but it didnt bother me.

The ending is very good and has a certain grace that other horror films so often lack. Unfortunately i would say that it is this very ending that makes this film unsuitable for multiple viewing but it will not be a waste of shelf space.

Heartbreaking
Heartbreakingly sad film, let down only by the predictability of the ending. I agree with a previous reviewer, it's not really a horror movie as is often hyped, more of a spooky-mystery-tragedy, although mystery is a bit strong as it's obvious what the outcome was going to be.
Contains some fine acting from the likes of Belen Rueda and Geraldine Chaplin.

Excellent Thriller from the Spanish Team
The Orphanage, does bring sophistication in ghost stories which is rarely heard of, but Guillermo Del Toro manages to pull it off time and time again, and somehow he even managed to inject his magic into this one, which he only produced - as this very much plays out like one of his own films. Not to discredit Mr. Bayona, though, for he has done a fine job. This is a dark, powerful, and moving masterpiece that both adheres to convention and brings some new, more artistic elements to the table in the direction and storytelling.

There was nothing about this film I didn't like. The acting, the thrills, the cinematography, the story, and the atmosphere. Everything was not short of sheer brilliance. The chilling moments freaked me out a couple of times, which I'm glad they did. That was what I wanted out of this film, but I was offered so much in return. Since I knew Guillermo Del Toro was involved with this project, I had a feeling it would be good. I just didn't think it would be THIS good. It was also very heart-warming, which was something I did not expect.

The acting is great, Belen Rueda as Laura is magnificent. Fernando Cayo as the husband Carlos is also good; he looks like a Spanish version of Josh Lucas. The kids do a decent job. And seeing Geraldine Chaplin (Charlie Chaplin's daughter) was a surprise, and she delivered an excellent performance as the 'seeing' medium. The bond that Laura, Simon, and Carlos shared is very sensitive and is carried out well throughout the movie.

This is definitely one of those horror films you should see more than once. The horror films you see nowadays are weak, not scary, and most of all; not worth your time. This one is WORTH the time. Believe me, his film has absolutely everything you need to know on how to make a well-executed ghost story and more.

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