El Orfanato

directed by: Juan Antonio Bayona
starring:
Belén Rueda; Fernando Cayo; Roger Princep; Mabel Rivera;
Montserrat Carulla; Andrés Gertrúdix

Julie says: “I’m not much one for ghost
stories, but this incredibly well made Spanish film was
excellent.  It starts off with an eerie tone, and never lets up
till …. well you’ll have to see.  The cinematography, set and
costume design are fabulous.  Belen Rueda did a fantastic job
playing the mother, who was the central focus of the story.  I
also thoroughly enjoyed the cameos by  Geraldine Chaplin (Aurora)
and Montserrat Carulla (as Benigna (what a great name!).

“It’s no surptrise that the producer of this film is mexican director
Gguillemo del Toro of PAN’S LABYRINTH.  What is surprising is that
the film was made by an entire crew of newcomers.

“Jason writes the a spot on review and I agree with all he says, except
I’d never think to give the movie a negative review and I’d give this
movie 4 cats instead of Jason’s 3. He’s right that there are 10 minutes
of the film that reverse the punch delivered.  On the other hand,
the punch was so painful that even though I agree with Jason, I rather
appreciated the reversal anyway- You have to watch the movie to know
what we’re talking about-.
I don’t think you’ll regret it.

“Make sure to watch all the special features as well. Very interesting
and enlightening as to the efforts by all put into this film.  4 cats“